Travel bucket list idea:
Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand
The Marlborough wine region (which includes Wairau River) is New Zealand’s largest and most internationally celebrated wine-growing district, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Despite its modest size, the region now offers a wide range of wine styles (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are gaining in popularity), over 80 small wineries and a ravishing rural landscape.
Many of the vineyards offer excellent cellar doors and conduct wine tastings; some have relaxed vineyard restaurants, but everything is wonderfully small-scale and intimate.
As well as wine, the region is also known for superb green-lipped mussels and venison.
The Marlborough Tour company offers you the chance to be a winemaker for the day. Their half-day tour takes you to leading winery Framingham for a vineyard tour, a blending tutorial, and then the opportunity to blend your own Sauvignon Blanc. All followed by some wine tastings of course.
Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand
Experience
This family-owned winery produces consistently brilliant (and aromatic) Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, plus small quantities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery operates an award-winning restaurant and its own microbrewery, producing Moa Beer.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 4-5 hours
Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand
Experience
A small, independent winery that makes small-batch wines from its own and selected vineyards in the district. The winery has built a huge reputation for its Rieslings, but also makes other styles, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Gerwurztraminer.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 4-5 hours
Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand
Experience
Wairau River Wines is one of the region’s best-known tourist destinations – but fully deserves all the attention it receives. There’s an excellent restaurant, and the dominant wines here are Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 4-5 hours
Blenheim, the gateway to the wine region, is a short drive from the ferry port at Picton (there are regular sailings from Wellington), or a 3.5-hour drive from Christchurch.
Self-drive is the traditional way to visit the Marlborough vineyards. Pick up a guide at the nearest tourist office. You don’t need to book cellar door visits, but lunch reservations are advisable.
Small group tours and guided bike tours are also available; handy if you plan on having a boozy lunch. Explore Marlborough offer an excellent range of full- or half-day, guided or self-guided wine tours. The terrain is fairly flat, and there are plentiful wineries within short distances, so they’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Private and customised tours also available on request.
The Marlborough Tour Company also offer good wine tours.
Vineyards are open all year round, but it’s best to avoid harvest (March-April) if you’re looking forward to meeting the winemakers themselves. Opening times vary by vineyard.
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