Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch

The Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. Combining the region’s renowned vineyards with a custom-crafted gourmet lunch, this six-hour tour promises an indulgent journey through the heart of Martinborough. Guests are treated to scenic drives, personalized wine tastings, and a culinary delight made with locally sourced ingredients. With a five-star rating from satisfied customers, this tour is a must-consider for those seeking to enjoy the best of Martinborough’s wining and dining scene. What makes this tour truly unique, however, is the level of personalization and attention to detail that elevates the experience to a new level.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Lunch Experiences In Wellington.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 6-hour wine tour in Martinborough, including visits to 3 local vineyards and a custom-made gourmet lunch.
• Scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges with photo opportunities to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
• Tasting experience featuring 4 wine samples (50ml each) at each of the 3 wineries, focusing on renowned Pinot Noir.
• Gourmet lunch highlighting local flavors and ingredients, complementing the wine tasting experience.
• Tour led by an informative guide with high customer ratings, providing a quality Martinborough experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Martinborough wine tour offers a comprehensive, gourmet experience for visitors, with a 6-hour duration and pricing starting from $358.73 per person.

Featuring free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now and pay later option, the tour includes pickups from 16 locations in Wellington.

A scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges leads to visits to 3 local vineyards for wine tastings, and a custom-made gourmet lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in the region’s culinary delights, this tour provides a well-rounded and immersive experience in the heart of Martinborough’s celebrated wine country.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with pickups from 16 locations throughout Wellington, including hotels and visitor centers, before embarking on a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges with a photo stop.

Guests will then visit three local vineyards, such as Moy Hall, B.wines, and Margrain, where they’ll enjoy three wine tasting sessions with four samples (50 mls each) at each venue.

After the tastings, the group will indulge in a custom-made gourmet lunch at a local restaurant.

The tour concludes with a return drop-off at the original 16 pickup locations, providing a comprehensive Martinborough wine experience filled with stunning scenery, exceptional wines, and delectable cuisine.

Historical Context of Martinborough

Established in 1870 as Wharekaka, near the Māori settlement of Waihenga, Martinborough was later renamed in 1879 after John Martin, a local runholder, and developed by Scots settlers as New Zealand’s first private town.

Since 1986, Martinborough has gained a reputation for superior wine production, drawing comparisons to the renowned Burgundy region. This reputation is largely due to three key factors:

1. Exceptional soil and climate conditions that are highly suited for growing premium Pinot Noir grapes.

2. The hotel of highly regarded wineries that have consistently produced world-class Pinot Noir wines.

3. The dedication of local winemakers to harnessing the unique terroir of the region.

Included and Excluded Features

The tour includes hotel pickups and drop-offs, three wine tastings, a custom-made lunch with one main course per person, commentary, and bottled water.

However, it excludes wine by the glass or bottle, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women.

The wine tastings at each of the three local vineyards feature four samples of 50ml each, allowing guests to fully explore the region’s exceptional Pinot Noir and other varietals.

The gourmet lunch at a nearby restaurant is a highlight, providing a chance to savor the local flavors.

With a focus on quality over quantity, this tour offers a comprehensive Martinborough wine experience for those seeking a delightful day of tasting and discovery.

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Customer Feedback and Guide Information

According to customer reviews, the Martinborough wine tour has an overall rating of 5/5. One reviewer praised the tour guide Aaron as ‘really informative’ and appreciated his guidance in bringing the group to ‘some fabulous wineries’ as well as ‘a top-class lunch.’

The tour is highly recommended for wine, food, and history lovers, offering an exceptional experience that covers:

1. A scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges with a photo stop.
2. Wine tasting sessions at three local vineyards, each offering four samples.
3. A custom-made gourmet lunch at a local restaurant.

The tour’s combination of knowledgeable guidance, diverse wine tastings, and a delectable lunch make it a standout choice for those seeking an immersive Martinborough wine adventure.

Scenic Drive and Photo Stop

After highlighting the positive customer feedback and knowledgeable guide, the tour takes participants on a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, offering a chance to capture breathtaking vistas along the way.

The drive allows guests to admire the region’s natural beauty, from rolling hills to lush forests.

Reaching the top of the pass, the tour pauses for a photo stop, giving everyone the opportunity to snap memorable shots of the stunning landscape.

With the picturesque scenery as a backdrop, this scenic drive sets the stage for the wine tastings and gourmet lunch that follow, providing a well-rounded and immersive Martinborough experience.

Three Local Vineyards Visited

Following the scenic drive, guests are treated to visits at three renowned local vineyards, where they can indulge in extensive wine tasting sessions.

At each venue, participants have the opportunity to sample four wines, totaling 12 distinct varietals over the course of the tour. These carefully curated stops showcase Martinborough’s reputation for exceptional Pinot Noir and other premium wine offerings, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the region’s acclaimed viticulture.

The three vineyards visited often include:

1. Moy Hall, a boutique family-owned winery known for its award-winning Pinot Noir.

2. B.wines, a modern estate specializing in innovative blends and single-vineyard expressions.

3. Margrain, a picturesque property with a focus on sustainable viticulture and cellar-door experiences.

Custom-Made Gourmet Lunch

The tour’s highlight is the custom-made gourmet lunch, thoughtfully prepared by a local restaurant to showcase the region’s exceptional produce and culinary talents.

Diners will savor a main course featuring the freshest local ingredients, expertly crafted to complement the wine tasting experience. The lunch is served at a picturesque setting, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Martinborough lifestyle.

Whether it’s a hearty meat dish or a vegetarian delight, the meal is sure to delight the palate and leave a lasting impression.

This gourmet experience perfectly balances the tour’s wine focus with the region’s exceptional food culture, providing a truly well-rounded taste of Martinborough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?

The tour can accommodate various dietary restrictions and food allergies. Guests should notify the operator in advance, and the tour will make appropriate arrangements for an alternate lunch option that suits their needs.

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Alcoholic Beverages?

Guests can’t bring their own alcoholic beverages on this tour, as the tour includes a set number of wine tastings at each vineyard. However, guests can purchase additional wine by the glass or bottle at their own expense.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair and disability accessible. Pickup and drop-off locations are provided, and the wineries and restaurant visited are equipped to accommodate guests with mobility issues. Visitors should inform the tour operator of any special needs in advance.

Can I Customize the Tour or Visit Additional Wineries?

Guests can often customize wine tours to visit additional wineries. However, the provided tour has a set itinerary that includes 3 local vineyards. Guests should check with the tour operator about any flexibility to modify the itinerary prior to booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

No special equipment or gear is required for this wine tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the scenic drive and wine tastings. The tour provides everything else needed for the experience.

Recap

The Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour offers an exceptional six-hour experience that combines the best of local vineyards and gourmet dining.

With convenient pickup, scenic drives, premium wine tastings, and a custom-made lunch, this tour provides a delightful culinary journey through the region.

Rated 5/5 by satisfied customers, it’s an ideal way to explore Martinborough’s renowned wineries and indulge in a memorable gastronomic adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: