Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour

The Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour promises an engaging journey through the scenic Remutaka Ranges, offering food and wine enthusiasts a chance to indulge in the region’s finest offerings. With exclusive tastings of exquisite wines, olive oils, and artisanal cheeses, followed by a shared tapas-style lunch at a local vineyard, this full-day experience provides a delightful opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Martinborough. As the tour unfolds, guests will discover the interplay between the area’s natural beauty, rich history, and exceptional produce, leaving them intrigued to learn more.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Food Tours In Wellington.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion through the Remutaka Ranges with a maximum group size of 11 for an intimate experience.
• Scenic drive with live commentary, followed by tastings of renowned wines, olive oils, cheeses, and craft beers.
• Shared tapas-style lunch featuring a mix of regional flavors at a local vineyard.
• Chocolate tasting at Schoc chocolatier as a sweet finale, with hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Wellington.
• Positive customer reviews highlighting the quality of food, engaging guide, and overall experience of the tour.

Tour Overview

The Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour offers visitors a full-day excursion through the stunning Remutaka Ranges, providing an immersive experience into the region’s renowned wine, olive oil, cheese, and craft beer industries.

With a maximum group size of 11 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.

Travelers can expect a scenic drive with live commentary, followed by a shared tapas-style lunch at a local vineyard.

Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of local products, including award-winning olive oils and delectable chocolates.

The tour is priced competitively at $187.58 and boasts an impressive 5.0 rating from 25 reviews, making it a must-do activity for foodies and wine enthusiasts visiting Wellington.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests can enjoy a scenic drive through the Remutaka Ranges, with their guide providing live commentary on the local flora, fauna, and history throughout the journey.

Upon arrival in Martinborough, they’ll experience tastings of the region’s renowned wines, award-winning olive oils, cheeses, and craft beers.

The highlight of the day is a shared tapas-style lunch at a local vineyard, where guests can savor a delightful mix of flavors.

To round out the experience, the tour includes a chocolate tasting at the renowned Schoc chocolatier, providing a sweet finale to the culinary adventure.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Wellington, with private transportation provided in a comfortable vehicle. Tasting fees and GST (Goods and Services Tax) are also covered, ensuring a seamless experience. Guests will be accompanied by a professional guide/driver who provides live commentary throughout the day.

Included	Not Included
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off	Alcoholic beverages
Private transportation	Olive oils
Tasting fees	Food available for purchase
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Guests can choose to purchase additional alcoholic beverages, olive oils, and food during the tour. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup points for the tour include the hotel lobby/main entrance and the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, with a 9:30 am departure time.

The tour returns to the original meeting point at the end of the day.

Guests should note that the minimum drinking age for this tour is 18 years, and dietary requirements can be accommodated, including vegetarian options.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The guided tour through the Martinborough region provides a comprehensive exploration of the local culture, cuisine, and wines, with ample opportunities for tasting and learning about the region’s specialties.

Customer Experiences

Overall, guests have praised the quality of food, engaging guide, and intimate group experience on the Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour. Reviewers highlighted the tour as a highlight of their Wellington visit, noting the comprehensive exploration of local culture, cuisine, and wines.

However, some constructive criticism suggested room for improvement in the guide’s interaction during the shared tapas lunch. The tour’s positive sentiment stems from the exceptional wine, olive oil, and chocolate tastings, as well as the opportunity to learn about the region’s history and natural beauty.

While the majority of guests were highly satisfied, a few reviews indicated the guide could have been more attentive and engaging during the lunch portion of the itinerary.

Scenic Drive Through Remutaka Ranges

The tour begins with a comfortable and scenic drive through the Remutaka Ranges, where the guide provides live commentary on the local flora, fauna, and history of the region. As the vehicle winds its way through the picturesque countryside, guests are treated to stunning views of rolling hills, native forests, and the distant peaks of the Rimutaka mountain range.

Region	Flora	Fauna
Remutaka Ranges	Native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers	Native birds, insects, and small mammals
Rimutaka mountain range	Alpine vegetation	Mountain goats, chamois, and kea
Countryside	Pastoral landscapes, vineyards, and orchards	Sheep, cattle, and a variety of farmland wildlife

This scenic drive sets the stage for the upcoming wine and food experiences, immersing your in the natural beauty of the Wairarapa region.

Exclusive Wine, Olive Oil, and Cheese Tastings

Immersed in the heart of Martinborough’s wine country, the tour offers guests a tantalizing array of exclusive tastings that showcase the region’s finest products.

Visitors savor the complex flavors of locally produced wines, award-winning olive oils, and artisanal cheeses, each complementing the other in a harmonious culinary experience.

The wine tasting allows guests to explore the subtleties of the region’s renowned vintages, guided by knowledgeable experts.

Equally captivating is the olive oil tasting, where infused and extra virgin varieties are sampled, revealing the depth and nuance of these locally crafted oils.

The cheese tasting, featuring the area’s renowned dairy products, rounds out the gourmet experience, creating a delightful pairing with the other regional delicacies.

Shared Tapas Lunch at Local Vineyard

After exploring the region’s renowned wine and olive oil offerings, guests gather at a local vineyard for a shared tapas-style lunch, savoring an array of regional delicacies.

The thoughtfully curated menu features small plates that highlight the area’s seasonal and artisanal food products, providing a harmonious complement to the tastings experienced earlier in the tour.

Sharing plates of local cheese, seasonal produce, and specialty bites allows guests to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Martinborough.

The relaxed, convivial atmosphere encourages conversation and connection, as travelers bond over their shared love of exceptional food and wine.

This intimate dining experience caps off a memorable day of discovery in New Zealand’s premier culinary destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Wine/Olive Oil/Food Beyond the Included Tastings?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional wine, olive oil, and food beyond the included tastings. The tour offers the opportunity to buy extra alcoholic beverages, olive oils, and local cuisine at the vineyards and eateries visited during the experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Guests can capture photos of the scenic landscapes, vineyards, and tastings, but should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

No special equipment is needed for the tour. Light, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended to ensure you can fully enjoy the day’s activities. The tour provides all necessary tasting materials and equipment.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour?

Yes, this tour can be customized or extended. Travelers can discuss options with the tour operator to add extra activities, extend the duration, or tailor the itinerary to their specific interests and needs.

How Are COVID-19 Safety Measures Implemented During the Tour?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including limiting group sizes, requiring masks, and providing hand sanitizer. Guests are also asked to maintain social distancing during the experience. These measures ensure a safe and enjoyable tour.

Recap

The Martinborough Winery and Foodie Tour offers an unforgettable day of culinary exploration through the stunning Remutaka Ranges.

Theres some good exclusive tastings of exquisite wines, olive oils, and artisanal cheeses, followed by a shared tapas-style lunch at a local vineyard.

The experience culminates in a delightful chocolate tasting – a true feast for the senses in a picturesque setting.