Afternoon Of Wine, Pickup

Afternoon of Wine

★ 4.9 75 reviews

from $112 per person

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Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: Blenheim accommodation
Cancellation: Every tour here can be cancelled free
Run by: Jade Tours

Overview

This half-day outing with Jade Tours packs three cellar door visits into about four hours, starting with an early afternoon pickup from accommodation in and around Blenheim. The route heads to Rapaura, the stretch locals call the golden mile of vineyards, in an air-conditioned van with a maximum of ten guests and a minimum of two for the tour to run.

Sauvignon Blanc is the headline, since that is the wine that made Marlborough famous, but the tasting line up also features Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir. The operator focuses on family-owned wineries whose staff tell the story behind each pour, and travellers who have a specific label in mind can ask in advance to have the itinerary tailored where possible. Reviewers often praise the guides' knowledge of the wine and the wineries.

It suits travellers short on time who want a structured introduction to the region without driving. It is a tasting tour rather than a lunch tour, though a platter can be pre-ordered for those wanting food during the afternoon. The day ends with a drop-off back at your accommodation, with the operator aiming to have you back between 4:00pm and 4:30pm.

A small group seen from behind walks between rows of Sauvignon Blanc vines on a gravel track in soft morning light, a white minivan parked at the end of the row, low hills beyond.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Driver/guide
Transport
Bottled water and crisps available on the bus
All cellar door tasting fees

Not Included

Lunch

Itinerary

Pickup in BlenheimCollected early afternoon from accommodation in and around Blenheim. Pickups further afield can be arranged at extra cost.
Drive to RapauraTravel by air-conditioned van toward the golden mile of vineyards in Rapaura.
First cellar doorBegin the tasting line up at the first of three cellar doors, with tasting fees covered.
Second cellar doorContinue to the second family-owned winery, sampling whites and reds along the way.
Third cellar doorFinal tasting stop of the afternoon. Bottled water and crisps are available on the bus.
Return to accommodationDrop-off back at your accommodation between 4:00pm and 4:30pm.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this tour.

Group size. The van carries a maximum of ten guests, and the tour needs at least two participants to run. One reviewer described a comfortable van with plenty of seating to spare.
Food and drink. Tasting fees at all cellar doors are included, but lunch is not. A platter can be pre-ordered if you want something to eat, and bottled water and crisps are on the bus.
What to wear. The listing advises dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable shoes. A camera is recommended, and you should bring passport or ID, since the minimum tasting age is 18.
Pace. Three cellar doors in four hours leaves time at each stop without rushing. One reviewer described the pace as relaxed and said there was no hard sell at the wineries.
Guides. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides for knowledge of the wine industry and the wider region. Expect commentary between stops as well as at the cellar doors.
Itinerary variation. The route is not fixed. Some reviewers reported extra stops such as additional wineries or a chocolate tasting, and one mentioned lunch at a winery restaurant, so treat the printed itinerary as a framework rather than a fixed schedule.

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Common issues. The tour requires a minimum of two participants, and if that is not met you will be offered an alternative or a full refund. Lunch is not included, and pickups outside the Blenheim area cost extra. Smoking is not allowed, and wine tasting is restricted to those 18 and over.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from accommodation in and around Blenheim is included. Pickups further afield can be arranged at extra cost. Full pick-up details are on the listing.

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the driver-guide, transport, bottled water and crisps on the bus, and all cellar door tasting fees. Lunch is not included, though a platter can be pre-ordered.

How Long Is The Tour?

The tour runs for four hours, starting early afternoon and returning you to your accommodation between 4:00pm and 4:30pm. It is designed for travellers short on time.

Can Children Join?

The minimum age for wine tasting is 18, and travellers should carry passport or ID. The listing does not state a policy for younger non-tasting passengers.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the minimum of two participants is not met, the operator will offer an alternative or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring passport or ID card for the tastings. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and a camera is recommended. Smoking is not allowed on the tour.