Marlborough Wine Region
The Wairau Valley's free-draining, stony soils and long, dry autumns made Marlborough New Zealand's largest wine region, and the source of the pungent Sauvignon Blanc style that put the country on the world wine map.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Marlborough, South Island
- Best time
- Year-round; harvest season Mar – May
- Entry fee
- Free; tastings typically $10–$25
- Duration
- Half day – full day
Overview
Marlborough produces roughly three-quarters of New Zealand's wine, most of it from the Wairau and Awatere valleys near Blenheim. The first commercial vines were planted here only in 1973 — a relatively recent start compared to Hawke's Bay — but the region's distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, with its intense passionfruit and capsicum character, quickly became internationally influential, defining a wine style now emulated worldwide.
Beyond Sauvignon Blanc, the region also produces excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine, and its more than 40 cellar doors range from large-scale producers to small family operations, many an easy cycle ride apart across the flat Wairau Valley.
Things To Do
- Cellar door tastings — sample Marlborough's Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine direct from producers.
- Cycle the wine trail — the flat Wairau Valley is one of the easiest wine regions in the country to explore by bike.
- Vineyard restaurants — several wineries pair tastings with a restaurant or platter menu.
- Wine and Food Festival — an annual February event drawing visitors from across the country.
- Harvest season visits — March to May, when the valley's vineyards are at their most active.
Getting There
Most wineries are within a 15–20 minute drive of Blenheim, itself about 30 minutes from Picton. Blenheim has its own airport with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
| Location | Wairau Valley, near Blenheim, Marlborough |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Cellar doors typically open 10:00am – 5:00pm; varies by producer |
| Entry Fee | Free to visit; tastings typically NZD $10–$25 |
| Duration | Half day – full day |
| Accessibility | Varies by winery; most cellar doors are ground-level and accessible |
Gallery
Nearby Attractions
Marlborough Sounds
A maze of sea-drowned valleys and secluded bays, a short drive from Blenheim.
Blenheim
Marlborough's main town, at the heart of the wine region.
Picton
The ferry town connecting Marlborough to Wellington, about 30 minutes away.