Taste Marlborough: Private Guided Wine Tour from Picton
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires walking short distances and standing during tastings.
Overview
Board a luxury Mercedes in Picton and spend 5–6 hours touring Marlborough’s vineyards, from world-famous cellar doors to tucked-away family estates. This private guided wine tour pairs insider knowledge with flexible timing—ideal for cruise passengers or anyone wanting a curated taste of New Zealand’s premier wine region.
Taste Marlborough: Private Guided Wine Tour from Picton
Select participants and date
You step off the ferry into Picton’s small harbor, salt on your lips and the hills of Marlborough fanning out like rows on a map. A driver in a Mercedes SUV greets you — professional, neatly turned out — and in twenty minutes you’ve left the harbour bustle for vineyard lanes that unfurl toward the Wither Hills. The air shifts from marine cool to a dry, sun-warmed sweetness; vines, pruned and patient, march in neat lines toward the horizon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book cellar doors in advance
Popular venues like Cloudy Bay can require reservations—ask your operator to confirm availability before you go.
Pace your tastings
Alternate wine tastings with water and a light snack to keep your palate fresh and avoid overindulgence.
Wear sturdy, flat shoes
Cellar doors and vineyard paths can be uneven; comfortable footwear will make walking between blocks easier.
Time for light layers
Coastal mornings are cool and afternoons warm—bring a light jacket you can shed for sunny terrace lunches.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fur seal along coastal stretches
- Tūī and fantail in vineyard hedgerows
History
Marlborough rose to international fame in the 1980s with sauvignon blanc exports; the region’s alluvial soils and long sunshine hours shaped its distinctive aromatic wines.
Conservation
Many Marlborough producers practice sustainable viticulture—cover crops, drip irrigation, and organic certifications are increasingly common to reduce water use and chemical inputs.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Picton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Stable shoes handle gravel cellar doors and short vineyard walks with ease.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated between tastings keeps your palate clear and energy up.
summer specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Long afternoons on exposed terraces mean strong UV—protect skin and eyes.
summer specific
Light windproof jacket
Coastal breezes and hilltop lookouts can be cooler than you expect.
spring specific