Blenheim wineries

The Wairau Valley, surrounding Blenheim, is a patchwork of vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, with dozens of cellar doors to visit. This area's unique combination of warm, sunny days and cool nights creates the ideal conditions for developing the intense, vibrant fruit flavours Marlborough wines are known for. While Sauvignon Blanc is the star, the region also produces excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic varieties.

Exploring the wineries is a classic Marlborough experience, and there are many ways to do it. You can join a guided wine tour, hire a bike and cycle between cellar doors on the flat valley roads, or create your own self-drive itinerary. Many wineries have restaurants or offer platters, making for a perfect long lunch amongst the vines.

Allow half a day to a full day for Blenheim wineries, plus drive time from wherever you spend the night before. Distances in Marlborough look short on a map, but winding roads, roadworks and campervan speeds stretch them, so build this stop around an unhurried day rather than squeezing it between long drives. Best time to go: The wineries are open year-round, but the harvest season (late summer/early autumn) is a particularly vibrant time. Check road conditions and seasonal ferry timetables before you lock in dates. It suits travellers who want to slow down and see Marlborough properly rather than tick it off. Send your plan to an Acrossnz advisor and we'll check the timing works.