Marlborough Icons Tour – Wine Tasting + Cruise

The Marlborough Icons Tour offers a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This full-day experience combines expert-led wine tastings at renowned local wineries with a captivating cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Guests can savor the region’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc and other acclaimed varietals, while enjoying a kiwi-style BBQ lunch featuring fresh, locally-sourced seafood aboard the vessel. With a small group size and personalized attention, the tour provides an immersive glimpse into Marlborough’s rich wine culture and stunning natural landscapes. The stage is set for an unforgettable day, leaving participants eager to discover more about this celebrated wine region.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Blenheim.

Key Points

• This full-day small-group tour showcases Marlborough’s iconic wineries and scenic Sounds, featuring expert-led wine tastings and a kiwi-style BBQ lunch cruise.
• Guests can experience the renowned Marlborough wine region, known for producing 75% of New Zealand’s wine, and explore renowned wineries.
• The wine tasting experience includes expert-led tastings of classic Marlborough varieties, like Sauvignon Blanc, and lesser-known varietals.
• The scenic cruise through the Sounds includes a seafood tasting platter and provides a tranquil respite after the morning’s winery visits.
• The tour includes hotel pick-up, round-trip transport, and a small-group size (up to 10 people) for a personalized experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton takes visitors on a journey through Marlborough’s renowned wine region, showcasing the area’s iconic wineries and scenic Sounds.

The tour includes expert-led tastings of classic Marlborough wines like Sauvignon Blanc. After indulging in morning wine tastings, guests will enjoy a kiwi-style BBQ lunch aboard a vessel before embarking on a scenic cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. The cruise also features a seafood tasting platter.

The small-group size, limited to 10 people, ensures a personalized experience. Hotel pick-up, round-trip transport, and great value make this tour a must-do for wine enthusiasts visiting the region.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour offers a range of highlights that showcase the best of Marlborough’s renowned wine region and stunning natural landscapes.

Visitors can indulge in expert-led tastings of classic Marlborough wines, such as the iconic Sauvignon Blanc, at several local wineries.

After a morning of wine tastings, guests will enjoy a kiwi-style BBQ lunch aboard a scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, accompanied by a delectable seafood tasting platter.

The small-group format, limited to just 10 people, ensures a personalized and intimate experience.

With hotel pick-up and round-trip transport included, this tour provides excellent value and convenience for exploring the highlights of this premier wine destination.

Visiting Marlborough Wineries

Several wineries dot the Marlborough wine region, producing 75% of New Zealand’s wine.

Visitors on the Marlborough Icons Tour will have the opportunity to tour and taste at a selection of these renowned wineries, learning about the winemaking process and sampling classic Marlborough varietals.

The tour takes guests into the heart of the region, where they’ll stroll through picturesque vineyards and peek inside working wineries.

Expert guides will lead the tastings, sharing their knowledge of the unique terroir and the award-winning wines produced here.

Whether it’s the iconic Sauvignon Blanc or lesser-known gems, travelers can indulge in a true taste of Marlborough’s wine country during this immersive experience.

Wine Tasting Experience

After exploring the picturesque vineyards and learning about the winemaking process, guests on the Marlborough Icons Tour can indulge in expert-led tastings of the region’s renowned wines.

At each stop, a knowledgeable guide leads the group through a selection of classic Marlborough varieties, including the signature Sauvignon Blanc.

Guests have the opportunity to swirl, smell, and savor the complex flavors of these award-winning wines.

The small-group setting allows for a personalized experience, with ample time to ask questions and gain insights into the unique terroir and production techniques that contribute to Marlborough’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions.

Scenic Cruise Through the Sounds

Following the morning of wine tastings, guests embark on a scenic cruise through the serene Marlborough Sounds. They’ll savor a seafood tasting platter as the vessel glides across the calm, picturesque waters, showcasing the region’s stunning natural landscapes. The cruise provides a tranquil respite and the perfect complement to the earlier winery visits.

As the boat navigates the intricate network of inlets and coves, travelers can admire the lush, bush-clad shores and the distant mountain ranges. The cruise offers an opportunity to appreciate the area’s natural beauty and maritime heritage.

With the salty sea breeze and the gentle lapping of waves, it’s a relaxing way to cap off a day of Marlborough’s iconic experiences.

Onboard BBQ Lunch and Seafood

During the afternoon cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, guests indulge in a mouthwatering kiwi-style BBQ lunch alongside a seafood tasting platter. The spread includes:

1. Juicy, flame-grilled meats seasoned to perfection.

2. Fresh, locally-sourced seafood delicacies.

3. An assortment of grilled veggies and garden salads.

4. Homemade sauces and condiments to complement the flavors.

While taking in the stunning scenery, guests savor the flavors of this quintessential New Zealand dining experience.

The BBQ and seafood tasting provide a delightful break from the morning’s wine tastings, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and energized for the remainder of the tour.

Tour Schedule and Meeting Point

The tour commences at 10:00 AM from the Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, where guests are picked up at 9:30 AM and returned by 5:00 PM.

The meeting point is located at 8 Sinclair Street in Blenheim, 7201, New Zealand. Visitors have the option to request pick-up and drop-off from Picton, though availability and additional fees may apply.

The tour schedule is designed to provide a full day of exploration, allowing ample time to visit multiple wineries and enjoy the scenic Marlborough Sounds cruise. Guests should plan accordingly, as the afternoon cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Additional Tour Details

The tour includes a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience for participants. Wine tastings at various Marlborough wineries allow visitors to sample the region’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc and other classic varietals. A kiwi-style BBQ lunch served aboard the scenic Marlborough Sounds cruise provides a taste of local cuisine, complemented by a seafood tasting platter. Throughout the day, an air-conditioned vehicle transports the small group of up to 10 people, ensuring a personalized and comfortable journey.

The tour offers several additional benefits:

1. Local taxes are included, providing hassle-free travel.

2. The afternoon cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions for an enjoyable experience.

3. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

4. A minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on both weekdays and weekends. Customers should confirm the tour schedule with the operator when booking, as availability may vary depending on the day of the week.

Can I Bring My Own Wine on the Cruise?

No, passengers cannot bring their own wine on the cruise portion of the tour. The tour includes a seafood tasting platter and a kiwi-style BBQ lunch, which are served with the wines sampled at the wineries earlier in the day.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Winery?

The tour typically allows around 45-60 minutes at each winery, providing ample time for tastings and exploring the vineyards. The duration at each stop may vary slightly to ensure guests experience the highlights of the Marlborough wine region.

Is Photography Allowed During the Wine Tastings?

Photography is generally allowed during the wine tastings on this tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the scenic vineyards and winery interiors, though they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tasting experience.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Participants should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, when booking the tour.

Recap

The Marlborough Icons Tour provides a well-curated experience blending wine tastings at renowned vineyards with a picturesque cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.

Guests enjoy personalized attention, expert insights, and a kiwi-style BBQ lunch featuring local seafood – all within a small group setting.

This tour offers an immersive way to discover the region’s acclaimed wines and stunning landscapes.