Shore Excursion Wine Tour Including Lunch From Picton

Embarking on a shore excursion wine tour from Picton offers a delightful opportunity to take in Marlborough’s renowned wine region. This intimate tour, limited to just 10 participants, promises a scenic journey to the area’s top wineries, where knowledgeable guides lead visitors through superb wine tastings and introduce them to local flavors. Capped off with a Marlborough Platter lunch featuring seasonal produce and a complimentary glass of wine, this excursion provides a hassle-free experience, complete with convenient shuttle service. But what truly sets this tour apart is the chance to witness the breathtaking views that have captivated wine enthusiasts from around the world.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Shore Excursions In Picton.

Key Points

• This guided wine tour departs from and returns to the Picton i-Site Visitor Information Centre, providing a convenient option for cruise ship passengers.
• The tour includes a Marlborough Platter lunch with seasonal produce and a complimentary glass of wine, enhancing the wine tasting experience.
• Standard wine tasting fees are covered, allowing guests to sample the region’s top wines without additional costs.
• The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized and scenic tour of the Marlborough wine region.
• While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, guests with mobility challenges may still be able to participate with some assistance.

Tour Overview

The Shore Excursion Wine Tour from Picton offers travelers a 5.0-rated experience with a maximum of 10 participants, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the renowned wine region of Marlborough, New Zealand. Guests will depart from the Picton i-Site Visitor Information Centre and return to the same location after the tour.

The tour includes a Marlborough Platter lunch with seasonal produce, seafood, and a glass of wine, as well as all standard wine tasting fees.

Visitors can expect knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and a small group setting that facilitates a fun and personalized experience.

Itinerary and Inclusions

This tour’s itinerary and inclusions start with guests meeting at the Picton i-Site Visitor Information Centre, The Foreshore, before returning to the same location at the end of the excursion.

The tour includes a Marlborough Platter lunch featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, green-lipped mussels, salmon, cheese, and dips, with gluten-free options available. Plus, you will enjoy a glass of wine and have all standard wine tasting fees covered during the tour.

The key inclusions of this tour are:

• Marlborough Platter lunch for two

• Glass of wine with lunch

• All standard wine tasting fees covered

• Meeting and end point at the Picton i-Site Visitor Information Centre

• Shuttle service from port to meeting point (5 minutes)

Transportation and Arrival

Guests requiring shuttle service from the port to the Picton i-Site Visitor Information Centre can expect a quick 5-minute transfer, as the meeting point is located just a short distance away. For those arriving on smaller cruise ships docked near the ferry terminal, the walk to the meeting point takes only 5 minutes, following the clearly marked blue line.

Arrival Details
Shuttle Service	Required
Shuttle Duration	5 minutes
Walking Distance	5 minutes
Walking Directions	Follow blue line
Wheelchair Access	Not available

The tour’s easy accessibility and convenient meeting location ensure guests can comfortably start their wine tasting experience without any hassle.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants highlight the tour’s exceptional quality, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides, excellent wine selection, and superb lunch offerings.

Dianne_O remarked on the fun small-group setting and exceptional lunch at St Clair winery, while MarkAndrew_T and Carol_N both highlighted the tour’s beautiful scenery, great wines, and fantastic guide Nic.

Even non-wine drinkers like Nathan_W enjoyed the experience, gaining a newfound appreciation for wine. The tour’s consistently high ratings and glowing customer feedback underscore its status as a must-do activity for visitors to Picton:

• Knowledgeable, personable guides

• Superb wine selection at top wineries

• Delicious, locally-sourced lunch

• Beautiful Marlborough scenery

• Suitable for all wine enthusiasts

Additional Information

Along With the positive customer feedback, the tour operator Marlborough Wine Tours handles all communication with participants, providing confirmations upon booking and ensuring a smooth experience throughout. Guests will receive their booking confirmation immediately, with details on meeting location, tour highlights, and what to expect. The local operator maintains open lines of communication, available to address any questions or concerns prior to and during the tour. To further enhance the experience, Marlborough Wine Tours curates an exceptional lunch menu featuring seasonal local fare, with gluten-free options available upon request. The tour provider prioritizes attentive service and a seamless, memorable outing for all participants.

Confirmation	Communication	Lunch Menu
Received at time of booking	Managed by local operator	Marlborough Platter for 2
Includes tour details	Open lines of communication	Seasonal local fare
Ensures smooth booking	Responsive to questions/concerns	Gluten-free options available
Provided by Marlborough Wine Tours	Not through Viator	Enhances overall experience
Allows for preparation	Prioritizes guest satisfaction	Curated by tour provider

Meeting Point and End Point

The tour begins at the Picton i-Site Visitor Information Centre, located along The Foreshore in Picton 7220, New Zealand. At the conclusion of the excursion, the shuttle service will return participants back to the same meeting point. This convenient arrangement allows visitors to easily access the tour and ensures a seamless start and finish to their wine tasting experience.

The meeting point is just a 5-minute shuttle ride from the port, making it easily accessible for cruise ship passengers. For those arriving on smaller cruise ships, the i-Site is only a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal, following the clearly marked blue line.

Participants can expect a hassle-free transfer to and from the tour’s starting and ending point. The centralized location of the meeting point ensures a straightforward and efficient beginning and end to the excursion.

Travelers can feel confident in the organization and accessibility of the tour’s logistics.

Lunch and Beverages

Included with the Shore Excursion Wine Tour is a Marlborough Platter for two, featuring a delightful selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, green-lipped mussels, salmon, cheese, and freshly baked bread – with gluten-free options available.

In addition, you will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine during their lunch.

This expertly curated meal not only complements the wine tasting experience but also provides a chance to savor the local flavors of the Marlborough region.

The tour’s inclusion of lunch and a glass of wine ensures a well-rounded and indulgent day, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the region’s renowned culinary and vinous offerings.

Accessibility

While the Shore Excursion Wine Tour offers a delectable culinary experience, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. The meeting point and various wineries throughout the itinerary may pose challenges for those with mobility constraints, as the tour requires some walking between locations.

However, the tour may still be enjoyed by those with moderate mobility, as the distances are relatively short. Guests should be prepared for:

• Walking on uneven terrain and gravel paths at the wineries

• Navigating steps and inclines at the meeting point and winery facilities

• Maneuvering through narrow doorways and aisles at the wineries

• Entering and exiting the shuttle van to and from the port

• Accessing the restrooms, which may not be fully accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Cancellation and Refund Policies for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policies vary by tour operator, but typically allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days prior to the tour. Refunds may be subject to processing fees or tour-specific policies.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants generally cannot bring their own food and drinks on this type of tour. The tour typically includes a provided lunch and wine tastings, so outside items are not permitted. Checking with the tour operator is recommended for any exceptions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

There are typically no age restrictions for wine tours, but participants must be of legal drinking age in the local jurisdiction to consume alcohol. The tour provider can provide additional details on any age policies.

Can I Customize the Wine Tasting Selections or the Lunch Menu?

Typically, wine tours and tasting menus can be customized to accommodate personal preferences. However, for this specific tour, the lunch menu and wine selections are pre-set to provide an inclusive experience. Guests should contact the local tour operator to inquire about any potential customization options.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

The tour operator may be able to accommodate requests to extend the duration or add additional activities, though these would likely incur an extra fee. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking to ensure their preferences can be met.

Recap

The Shore Excursion Wine Tour from Picton offers a delightful and hassle-free experience, allowing visitors to indulge in the region’s renowned wines and local flavors.

With a knowledgeable guide, a scenic journey, and a Marlborough Platter lunch, this intimate tour provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the best of Marlborough’s winemaking heritage.

The convenient shuttle service and focus on local experiences make this tour a must-do for wine enthusiasts visiting the area.