1.30pm Departure Half-Day Tour

Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour From Blenheim 1.30pm

★ 4.6 66 reviews

from $112 per person

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Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: Central Blenheim/Picton accommodation
Cancellation: Every tour here can be cancelled free
Run by: Sounds Connection

Overview

This afternoon tour leaves Blenheim at 1.30pm and spends four hours among the vines of the Marlborough wine region. Sounds Connection collects you from central Blenheim accommodation, with pick-ups starting 15 minutes before departure, and returns you there at the end of the afternoon. Three wineries are visited, chosen by the operator, and all tasting fees are covered in the tour price.

An experienced driver-guide handles the driving and the commentary. Reviewers regularly praise the guides for being both knowledgeable and entertaining. One review mentions being introduced to bottles the traveller would never have chosen otherwise, and another also notes a stop at a chocolate factory.

The tour runs in English and needs a minimum of two participants to go ahead, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is no lunch stop, so eat before the 1.30pm departure. Travellers coming from Picton should note the separate earlier pick-up there, and the operator says it can sometimes arrange a pre-tour lunch pickup when schedules allow.

How this price compares with 10 other tours in the same category (from-price per person, USD, the 8 lowest shown)

Half-Day With Vineyard Lunch Stop$109
Taste the Valley 5-Hour Tour$109.20
5-Hour Tour, Tastings Included$109.20
1.30pm Departure Half-Day Tour (this tour)$112
Afternoon of Wine, Pickup$112
Afternoon Tour, Winery Lunch Stop$117.82
3 Hours 30 Minutes, Door-to-Door$117.82
Afternoon, 4 Wineries$120.69

What's Included

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop off from central accommodation in Picton or Blenheim
Experienced driver-guide
Transport
All wine tastings

Not Included

Any additional wine purchases

Itinerary

Pickup from BlenheimComplimentary collection from central Blenheim accommodation, with pick-ups starting 15 minutes before the 1.30pm departure.
Drive through wine countryThe driver-guide transports the group through the Marlborough wine region, with commentary on the area and its wine industry along the way.
Winery visitsThree hand-picked wineries are visited, with all wine tastings included. One reviewer also mentions a chocolate factory stop.
Return to BlenheimThe tour returns around 5.30pm and drops guests back at their central Blenheim accommodation.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the afternoon.

Eat beforehand. No lunch stop is included, and the operator specifically advises eating before you join. The four hours run from 1.30pm to about 5.30pm with nothing scheduled in between except wine and travel.
Group feel. This is a shared tour with an experienced driver-guide. Several reviewers describe a friendly bunch of people on board and say the group added to the enjoyment.
Learning along the way. Expect commentary between stops. Reviewers describe guides who are informative and knowledgeable, and one reviewer says the wines were introduced in detail at the wineries.
Trying new wines. One reviewer says the tour introduced them to wines they would never have chosen themselves, and another mentions being able to request the kinds of wine they liked, with recommendations from the guide as well.
Wine purchases. Additional wine purchases are not included in the tour price. If you plan to buy bottles at the wineries, bring a bag and budget separately.
Pickup timing. Pick-ups begin 15 minutes before departure, so be ready a little ahead of 1.30pm. The operator collects from central Blenheim accommodation and returns you there afterwards, and says it can usually accommodate requests.

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Common issues. The tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate; if numbers are not reached, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. There is no lunch stop, which catches out travellers who assume food is available. Any wine you want to take home costs extra, and the 1.00pm pick-up option applies to Picton only, not Blenheim.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour Price?

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off from central accommodation in Blenheim or Picton, an experienced driver-guide, transport, and all wine tastings. Additional wine purchases are not included. Anything you buy to take home is paid for separately.

Is Lunch Included?

No. The operator advises eating before the tour since no lunch stop is scheduled. If you want to make a day of it, the operator says it can sometimes pick you up early for lunch before the afternoon tour begins, subject to availability.

Where Does The Tour Pick Up From?

Complimentary pickup and return is offered from central accommodation in Blenheim or Picton. Pick-ups start 15 minutes before the 1.30pm departure from Blenheim. Travellers from Picton should note that the earlier 1.00pm pick-up applies to Picton only.

How Long Is The Tour And What Time Does It Finish?

The tour runs for four hours, departing Blenheim at 1.30pm and returning around 5.30pm. You are dropped back at your central accommodation at the end.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour cannot run because the minimum of two participants is not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How Many Wineries Will We Visit?

Three hand-picked wineries are visited, with all tasting fees included. One reviewer describes three very different wineries, and another also mentions a chocolate factory visit during the tour.