From Picton: Marlborough Wine Trip Shore Excursion

The ‘From Picton: Marlborough Wine Trip Shore Excursion’ offers wine enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the renowned Marlborough wine region. With a small group size and personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, participants can expect to sample an array of 16 different wines across 4 to 5 wineries. The scenic drive through the picturesque Wairau Valley further enhances the experience, providing a chance to explore barrel rooms and stroll through vineyards. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to discover the region’s renowned offerings, this excursion promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Key Points

• 5-hour guided tour from Picton to Marlborough wine region with a small group size capped at 10 for a personalized experience.
• Scenic 30-minute drive through a mountain pass to the Wairau Valley, where 4 to 5 wineries, including larger estates and boutique options, will be explored.
• Opportunity to visit barrel rooms, stroll through vineyards, and sample 16 different wines during the tastings.
• Lunch available at a vineyard restaurant, with the cost not included in the tour price.
• Transportation provided via air-conditioned minibuses, with pickup and drop-off from Picton and a free shuttle service from the ship to the Picton i-site.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Marlborough Wine Trip Shore Excursion offers a 5-hour guided tour that whisks visitors from Picton to the acclaimed Marlborough wine region.

During the tour, you will explore a selection of larger and boutique wineries in a small group capped at 10 participants for a personalized experience.

Led by a knowledgeable live guide speaking English, the tour includes complimentary bottled water and the option to enjoy lunch at a vineyard restaurant (at own cost).

Visitors can look forward to a scenic 30-minute drive through the mountain pass to the Wairau Valley, where they will have the opportunity to discover barrel rooms and stroll through vineyards.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this shore excursion provides a hassle-free way to take in Marlborough’s world-renowned viticulture.

Itinerary and Experience

Departing from Picton at around 9:30 AM, the shore excursion takes participants on a scenic 30-minute drive through the mountain pass to the renowned Wairau Valley vineyards.

During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore at least four to five wineries, including both larger estates and smaller boutique options.

Depending on time availability, guests may be able to venture into barrel rooms and stroll through the vineyards.

Lunch can be enjoyed at a vineyard restaurant, with the cost covered separately.

Throughout the journey, bottled water is provided on the air-conditioned minibuses, ensuring a comfortable and hydrated experience.

Transportation and Logistics

Pickup and drop-off from Picton is provided via air-conditioned minibuses, and a free shuttle service transports guests from the ship to the Picton i-site, requiring only a short walk from the berth terminal.

Tour guides will be waiting in the car park, so early arrival is recommended. The transportation arrangement ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.

Guests can sit back and enjoy the scenic 30-minute drive through the mountain pass to the Wairau Valley vineyards.

The minibuses will then take the group to visit at least 4-5 wineries, both larger and boutique options, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Marlborough wine region.

Included and Restricted

This shore excursion includes all standard tasting fees at the wineries, as well as an informative tour guide and bottled water for participants.

However, it’s not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or children under 18 years, as the tour focuses on wine tastings.

The key inclusions and restrictions are:

1. Included: All tasting fees, tour guide, transportation via air-conditioned minibus, and bottled water.

2. Not Included: Lunch at the vineyard restaurant, which is at the participant’s own cost.

3. Restricted: Not recommended for those with mobility issues or minors, as the main activity is wine tasting at multiple vineyards.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this shore excursion, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 16 reviews. Highlights mentioned by travelers include the knowledgeable tour guides, the enjoyment of tasting 16 different wines, and the positive experiences at the various wineries visited. As one customer stated, "Our guide, Mike, was incredibly knowledgeable, and we had a fantastic day at the wineries."

Criteria	Ratings
Knowledge	5/5
Variety	4/5
Value	5/5
Logistics	5/5
Overall	4.8/5

Wineries and Tastings

Throughout the 5-hour excursion, you will visit at least 4 to 5 wineries in the Wairau Valley, encompassing both larger, well-known establishments and smaller, boutique options.

The tour offers the opportunity to:

1. Explore barrel rooms and stroll through picturesque vineyards when time permits.

2. Sample a diverse array of 16 different wines during the tastings.

3. Enjoy lunch at a vineyard restaurant (at your own expense) while taking in the stunning views.

These winery visits provide an intimate, personalized experience, thanks to the small group size.

Knowledgeable guides share insights into the region’s winemaking history and modern practices, enhancing the overall experience for participants.

Scenic Mountain Drive

The scenic 30-minute drive from Picton to the Wairau Valley vineyards takes participants through a picturesque mountain pass, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

As the minibus winds its way up and over the hills, guests are treated to panoramic views of the rugged peaks, lush valleys, and sparkling waterways that characterize this stunning region.

The narrow, twisting roads provide an exhilarating journey, with each turn revealing another breathtaking vista.

Along the way, the tour guide will share insights into the local geology, history, and natural wonders, enhancing the overall experience.

This scenic drive is a highlight of the Marlborough wine tour, offering a tantalizing preview of the delights that await at the vineyards.

Lunch and Refreshments

Upon arriving at the wineries, participants can enjoy a delightful lunch at the vineyard restaurants, savoring the local cuisine while taking in the scenic vistas.

Bottled water is provided on the minibuses throughout the tour, ensuring guests stay hydrated as they explore the Marlborough wine region.

The tour offers a variety of dining options:

1. Savor a hearty lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients at the renowned vineyard restaurants.

2. Pair the exquisite wines with a selection of artisanal cheeses, breads, and other regional delicacies.

3. Indulge in a decadent dessert to cap off the wine-tasting experience.

The provided bottled water keeps guests refreshed as they stroll through the picturesque vineyards and learn about the winemaking process.

Recap

The ‘From Picton: Marlborough Wine Trip Shore Excursion’ provides a delightful way for wine enthusiasts to explore the renowned Marlborough wine region.

With a small group size, personalized attention, and a scenic drive through the Wairau Valley, participants can savor a variety of wines across 4-5 wineries, creating an unforgettable wine tasting experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: