Beyond The Vines Small Group

Overview

Five wineries in roughly six hours, with a guide who drives, gives context at every stop, and keeps the group to no more than eleven travellers. The day runs door to door: pickup from central Picton accommodation between 9.15am and 9.30am, or central Blenheim between 9.45am and 10.05am, then a loop through cellar doors in an air-conditioned vehicle. Standard tasting fees at all five wineries are covered by the tour price, so nobody is fumbling for a card at each bar.

Lunch sits in the middle of the day at one of the cellar doors, at your own cost, and reviewers repeatedly single out that stop as a highlight of the day. The other wineries vary, and the operator takes requests at booking, though these cannot be guaranteed on cruise ship days or in the busy summer season. Cloudy Bay does not feature in peak season because it limits group visits.

This suits adults who want breadth rather than depth at each producer. Reviewers often mention the guide's knowledge of the Marlborough wine industry, the comfortable van, and the friendly welcome at each cellar door. It is not for cruise passengers, since the timings do not line up with ship schedules, and it is an 18-and-over tour throughout.

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupDoor-to-door collection from central Picton between 9.15am and 9.30am, or central Blenheim between 9.45am and 10.05am. Choose the correct town when booking.
2. Drive through wine countryThe route passes through Blenheim and across the Marlborough Region en route to the wineries.
3. Lunch at Saint ClairA stop of 1.5 hours at the Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen. Admission is not included and lunch is at your own cost.
4. Winery visits and returnThe remaining cellar doors are chosen by the operator. The day finishes with drop-off back at your pickup accommodation, around six hours after collection.

Common Questions