Do you visit the same wineries each day?

No, the wineries vary daily depending on availability to showcase a diverse range from large estates to boutique vineyards.

Will Cloudy Bay Vineyard be included on the tour?

Cloudy Bay restricts group sizes during peak seasons, so while it's not guaranteed, other excellent wineries are featured regularly.

Can I join the tour if I am traveling alone?

Minimum bookings require two people, but individual travelers can often be accommodated once the tour has enough participants; contact the company for details.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Lunch is not included but there is time to purchase meals at one of the winery restaurants along the route.

How does pickup from the cruise ship work?

Guests must catch shuttle buses or walk a short distance to the Picton i-Site where the tour minivans depart.

Can we customize winery visits?

Outside of busy periods, tour stops can often be tailored to guest preferences; cruise day schedules are usually fixed to ensure timing.

Marlborough Wine Tours: Picton Shore Excursion Adventure

Situated at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Marlborough is world-renowned for its sprawling vineyards and crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough Wine Tours offers a carefully curated 5.5-hour shore excursion from Picton, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers seeking a seamless taste of this region’s viticultural excellence without sacrificing schedule. The journey traverses four distinct wineries, each offering a unique window into Marlborough’s diverse wine culture—from boutique family estates to established vintners shaping the global wine market.

Traveling by air-conditioned minivan through gently rolling hills spotted with rows of verdant grapevines, guests receive engaging commentary from local guides passionate about Marlborough’s terroir and winemaking heritage. The tour balances education and indulgence, with wine tastings included at each cellar door. Expect vibrant Sauvignon Blancs bursting with tropical fruit and zesty minerality alongside silky Pinot Noirs that reveal subtle earth and spice notes unique to the region’s gravel soils.

Beyond the vineyards, a stop at a Boutique Chocolate Factory offers a delectable pairing experience featuring New Zealand-inspired flavors, adding a sweet contrast to the day’s acidity and tannins. Though lunch is at your own expense, one of the tour’s highlights is the option to dine at scenic winery restaurants that overlook vineyards stretching beneath the cloud-dappled sky.

Marlborough Wine Tours stands out in New Zealand’s outdoor recreation scene by blending wine country sophistication with practical timing and accessibility for cruise passengers. Limited to intimate groups of 11, the tour keeps a steady pace, ensuring return to Picton for your ship’s departure. It’s an ideal way to engage with Marlborough’s landscape—a blend of nature, culture, and craft—in a single, well-orchestrated journey.

About Marlborough Wine Tours

Marlborough Wine Tours is a Picton-based operator offering guided wine experiences across the Marlborough region. The company runs a range of curated itineraries from half‑day visits to full‑day programs that combine cellar‑door tastings, winery lunches and scenic cruising in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Tours depart from Picton and Blenheim and include small‑group options limited to 11 guests as well as private guided tours for two to six people. Guided experiences cover four to six cellar doors per itinerary with opportunities to sample flagship varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, plus optional gin and beer tastings.

Transport varies by product and includes climate‑controlled minivans, chauffeur‑driven Mercedes SUVs and a full‑day catamaran cruise that links Picton to coastal winery locations like Ships Cove. Shore excursion options are tailored for cruise passengers and include timely returns.

On half‑day and full‑day tours guests walk through vineyards, learn local winemaking history from experienced guides and enjoy regional produce at winery restaurants or shared platters. Private tours offer flexible departure times, bespoke winery selections and the freedom to set the pace across up to six cellar doors.

Marlborough Wine Tours emphasizes local knowledge, structured itineraries and live commentary to deliver an informative tasting experience. The operator’s mix of small-group and private products, combined with multiple departure points and clear notes about cruise‑ship timing, supports confident booking for visitors seeking reputable Marlborough wine tasting and cellar‑door discovery.

Booking information and pickup options are available for central Picton and central Blenheim accommodations. Please check availability before booking.