Winter Wine and Scenic Delights — Private Picton Tour of Marlborough Wineries
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly vehicle-based with short walks around cellar doors and scenic spots.
Overview
A private five-hour winter tour from Picton that pairs Marlborough’s acclaimed sauvignon blancs with coastal seafood, boutique chocolates and scenic drives through the Wairau Valley. Ideal for travelers who want curated tastings, local stories, and flexible indoor/outdoor stops.
Winter Wine and Scenic Delights — Private Picton Tour of Marlborough Wineries
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The van eases away from Picton’s ferry terminal and the soft winter light pins the Wairau Valley in a pale, deliberate glow. Through the window vineyards march in tidy rows while distant mountain ridgelines hold snow like a quiet promise. On this private five‑hour loop, Marlborough reveals itself in a handful of tastes — razor-sharp sauvignon blanc, ocean-bred mussels, hand-made cheeses — and in the slow choreography of land and sea that has shaped the region.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Winters are crisp but sunny; bring a windproof outer and a warm mid-layer to move comfortably between vineyards and tasting rooms.
Bring a reusable bottle
Tasting rooms offer water but having your own bottle keeps you hydrated between wineries and reduces waste.
Plan lunch ahead
Lunch is at your own cost—reserve ahead for popular winery restaurants, or tell your guide to recommend a sheltered café on colder days.
Ask about accessibility
This private tour offers wheelchair-accessible transport and surfaces—confirm pickup and any special requirements when you book.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds
- Occasional shearwater and seabird flocks
History
Marlborough’s commercial viticulture expanded rapidly after the 1970s; earlier the area was pastoral and fishing country shaped by Maori and European settlement.
Conservation
Many wineries practice sustainable and low-intervention viticulture; the Sounds include marine farms where responsible tourism supports local seafood producers.
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Adventure Hotspots in Picton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against cold coastal gusts during outdoor tastings and scenic stops.
winter specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes for gravel vineyard paths and winery courtyards.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated between tastings and reduces single-use plastic.
Camera or smartphone with zoom
Captures sweeping vineyard views and close-ups of mussel farms and cellar details.