Tucked away in the renowned wine region of Marlborough, New Zealand, an exceptional wine and gourmet picnic experience awaits. Indulge in a private, five-hour tour that invites you to savor six exceptional wines from the area’s top wineries, expertly paired with local delicacies like New Zealand salmon and artisanal cheeses. As you bask in the scenic beauty of hand-picked venues, you’ll discover why this immersive culinary adventure has captivated both locals and visitors alike. With wheelchair accessibility and a reserve now, pay later option, the stage is set for an unforgettable exploration of Marlborough’s renowned flavors and landscapes.
Key Points
- A private 5-hour wine tasting and gourmet picnic tour for up to 3 guests in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, priced at K$22,114 per group.
- Includes a tasting of 6 wines from top 3 wineries, accompanied by food pairings and a complimentary wine tasting glass as a souvenir.
- The gourmet picnic spread features local delicacies like New Zealand salmon, green-lip mussels, artisanal cheeses, and dips, presented at scenic venues across Marlborough.
- The tour offers pickup and return at the Picton Information Centre, catering to both cruise ship and independent travelers, with a chauffeur providing commentary on the region.
- Key features include wheelchair accessibility, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now and pay later option for booking.
Experience Overview
This exclusive wine and gourmet picnic experience in Marlborough, New Zealand offers a unique opportunity for up to three guests to indulge in a 5-hour private tour through the region’s renowned vineyards and scenic landscapes.
Priced at K$22,114 per group, it includes a live English-speaking guide, wheelchair accessibility, and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers can book their spot with no upfront payment, taking advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.
Throughout the tour, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Port of Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound, while the chauffeur provides insightful commentary on the local area and wines.
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Exclusive Wine Tasting
The exclusive wine tasting on this Marlborough experience allows guests to sample a diverse selection of the region’s renowned vintages. This includes the crisp and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand’s largest wine export – as well as the lighter, less oaky Chardonnay and the versatile Pinot Gris.
Participants will also get to try the aromatic Riesling, which offers a range from dry to sweet, and the lighter style Pinot Noir, known for its wonderful pairing with salmon. Each wine tasting is accompanied by a small food matching pack to enhance the flavors.
Plus, guests will receive a complimentary wine tasting glass as a souvenir, making this not only a unique tasting experience but also a memorable keepsake while traveling the region.
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Tasting of 6 wines from top 3 wineries
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Food matching packs to complement each wine
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Complimentary wine tasting glass
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Unique tasting experience while traveling the region
Gourmet Picnic Details
A delectable spread of local delicacies awaits guests on this gourmet picnic experience. This includes succulent New Zealand Salmon, briny green-lip mussels, artisanal cheeses, fragrant herbs, creamy dips, savory pâtés, and crisp crackers.
The scenic picnic venues provide the perfect backdrop for this culinary adventure. Guests can choose from serene Wairau Plains, landscaped gardens of local wineries, or breathtaking oceanfront along the Pacific.
Whether guests choose to dine alfresco or opt for the indoor option in case of inclement weather, they’ll enjoy a well-catered picnic. This ensures no additional food or drink is needed, allowing them to fully enjoy the flavors of Marlborough.
Tour Logistics and Pickup
Guests for this wine and gourmet picnic experience are met by a local chauffeur at the Picton Information Centre or a designated pickup point, ensuring a seamless start to their Marlborough adventure.
The tour is designed to cater to both cruise ship travelers and independent travelers, making it convenient for a wide range of visitors.
Once picked up, participants can sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Port of Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound while the chauffeur provides commentary on the region.
At the end of the tour, guests are returned to the cruise bus shuttle at the Picton Information Centre, completing their unforgettable wine and gourmet picnic experience.
The key tour logistics are:
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Pickup at Picton Information Centre or designated point
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Caters to cruise ship and independent travelers
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Return to cruise bus shuttle at Picton Information Centre
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Commentary on the region provided by the chauffeur
Scenic Picnic Venues
Scenic picnic venues for this experience include the Wairau Plains, landscaped winery gardens, botanical gardens, or the oceanfront along the Pacific Ocean, providing participants with breathtaking backdrops for their gourmet feast.
No matter which picturesque setting is chosen, the tour ensures an idyllic and well-catered picnic. Indoor options are also available in case of inclement weather, allowing guests to enjoy their bespoke spread in comfort.
From the vast, rolling plains to the serene gardens and dramatic ocean views, each location offers a unique and memorable setting to savor the delectable local delicacies and fine wines on offer during this exclusive Marlborough experience.
Wines and Pairings
This exclusive wine and gourmet picnic experience showcases a carefully curated selection of Marlborough’s finest varietals, each thoughtfully paired with delectable local delicacies to create a harmonious sensory journey.
The lineup includes:
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Sauvignon Blanc, the region’s iconic white, complemented by fresh New Zealand salmon.
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Chardonnay, a light and nuanced offering, paired with creamy green-lipped mussels.
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Pinot Gris, a medium-bodied delight, matched with a selection of local artisanal cheeses.
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Riesling, showcasing its versatility from dry to sweet, served alongside a refreshing ice cream tasting.
These pairings elevate the tasting experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Marlborough’s acclaimed wines.
Food and Beverage Inclusions
Alongside the exceptional wine selection, the gourmet picnic showcases an array of local delicacies that perfectly complement the flavors of Marlborough’s acclaimed vintages.
The picnic includes New Zealand’s renowned salmon, green-lip mussels, an assortment of artisanal cheeses, freshly harvested herbs, savory dips and pâtés, and flavorful salami paired with crisp crackers.
These local specialties are presented at scenic venues across the Wairau Plains, the landscaped gardens of wineries, botanical sanctuaries, or the breathtaking oceanfront of the Pacific.
The well-catered picnic ensures guests need not worry about additional food or drink, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the flavors of this remarkable region.
What to Bring and Know
Participants need only to bring a valid passport or ID card, with a copy accepted, and comfortable shoes to fully enjoy this exclusive wine and gourmet picnic experience in Marlborough, New Zealand.
Along with providing a Little Book of New Zealand detailing the area and wines, the tour also offers ample opportunities for photos and wine sales at the wineries.
While no additional wine by the glass or bottle is allowed until reaching the wineries, the well-catered picnic ensures no extra food or drink is needed.
Key things to know include:
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Wheelchair accessible
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Reserve now and pay later
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Private group tour with live English-speaking guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol or Food to the Picnic?
No, participants can’t bring their own alcohol or food to the picnic. The experience includes a well-catered gourmet picnic with local delicacies, and the wine tasting is provided as part of the tour.
What Is the Minimum Group Size for Booking This Tour?
The minimum group size for booking this tour is 1 person. The tour is priced at K$22,114 per group, which can accommodate up to 3 people, so a solo traveler can book the experience.
Do We Need to Arrange Our Own Transportation to the Pick-Up Point?
No, transportation to the pick-up point isn’t necessary. The tour includes a local chauffeur who meets participants at the designated pick-up location, such as the Picton Information Centre. The chauffeur then transports the group throughout the tour.
Are Any Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies Accommodated?
The tour accommodates common dietary restrictions and food allergies. Participants simply need to inform the tour operator of any requirements when booking, and the picnic will be tailored accordingly.
Can We Extend the Duration of the Tour if Needed?
The tour duration can be extended if needed, subject to availability. Travelers should inform the tour operator in advance to make the necessary arrangements. Additional fees may apply for any extension beyond the standard 5-hour tour.
Recap
The wine and gourmet picnic experience in Marlborough, New Zealand offers an exquisite opportunity to savor exceptional wines paired with local delicacies amidst breathtaking scenery.
With wheelchair accessibility, a reserve now, pay later option, and a private five-hour tour for up to three guests, this experience is perfect for creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the flavors of the region.
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