Iconic Wines of the Marlborough

Duration: 4 hours

Tour Code: pic-001

Tour three premier vineyards in New Zealand's renowned Marlborough wine-producing region and sample their signature, award-winning vintages.

Departing the pier by coach, you'll drive south through the fertile Koromiko Valley and on to Blenheim, the largest city in the Marlborough wine-producing region. Hailed as the "Gourmet Province of New Zealand," Marlborough contains more than 60 wineries, the majority of them acclaimed for their distinctive, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, one third of the region's grapes are planted in Sauvignon Blanc, which thrive in the free-draining alluvial soil.

First, you'll visit Drylands, a winery that produces the definitive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It's an intensely herbal wine, a reflection of the region's unique climate and the vineyard's intricate pattern of gravels and silts in the soil. Drylands also produces an extraordinary Dry Riesling and Pinot Noir, which you might have the opportunity to taste during the tour.

Next, it's on to the family owned and operated Allan Scott Winery, another highly esteemed winery in Marlborough. The vineyard's gravelly soil is ideal for the production of the aromatics, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. You'll learn about each wine's characteristics and be offered a sampling of the finest vintages.

Then, at nearby Saint Clair, you'll taste the magnificent products of one of the region's youngest wineries. Its first vintages came out in 1994, and Saint Clair has been winning international accolades ever since. Samplings may include a fruity Viognier, medium-bodied Merlot, and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The winery also has an extensive selection of jams, chutneys and home-made preserves.

Following this delightful and relaxing sojourn into the Marlborough wine region, you'll make your way back to the pier where your tour concludes.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of easy to moderate walking/standing. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to participate in the tastings of any alcoholic beverages. In the event of scheduling conflicts, it may become necessary to substitute a winery with another of similar quality. The sequence of the tour may vary.