Guide

Wine Touring

With more than 30 cellar doors offering tastings, the best way to explore the region's wine trail is to join one of many Marlborough wine tours.

The trail can be explored on a scheduled minivan tour, by private car, or at a more leisurely pace by bike – both as guided and independent tours.

Along the way, sample some of Marlborough’s stunning wines right next to the vines the grapes were grown on and learn about the distinctive flavours and arts of viticulture and winemaking that go into each glass.

New Zealand's largest and most famous wine region, Marlborough produces over 75% of New Zealand's wine and is the undisputed home of Sauvignon Blanc - world famous for its intense and pure flavours.

Many tours offer a bit of a variety, including visiting a chocolate factory or giving you the chance to browse boutique stores amongst the vines filled with local delicacies, homewares, art, clothing and more.

Ride the Golden Mile

If you like biking and wine, then riding Marlborough’s Golden Mile through Rapaura and Renwick is must, any time of the year.
Check out more information here

Karen Walshe Explore Marlborough Food & Wine Tours

“Marlborough has fantastic scenery and you really get to appreciate that as you’re out on your bike and in among the vineyards. It’s often fine and warm and it’s just lovely to be out there."

My insider guide to Marlborough

Ride the Golden Mile

If you like biking and wine, then riding Marlborough’s Golden Mile through Rapaura and Renwick is must, any time of the year. Enjoy the brilliant Marlborough weather and stunning scenery with this 6km ride featuring nine wineries, with dining, art and cold drink stops along the way.

Wines to sample include world-renowned sauvignon blanc, rising star pinot noir, plus chardonnay, cuvee, riesling, pinot gris, montelpulciano and more.

You can even win a prize by becoming a Golden Mile champion - simply get a stamp from five official stops and collect your prize. A maximum of five stops in one day are recommended, with all nine achievable over two days or more.

As well as having fun, safety is important. You must wear a helmet and be road safe; five of the wineries on the trail offer dining, and there are other food and cold drink stops along the way to keep you refreshed.