Where to Wine in Marlborough
If you only know one thing about Marlborough in New Zealand, it’s probably that it has a whole lot of vineyards. It’s true, Marlborough produces 75% of New Zealand’s wines and is the home of most of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc. While the “Sav” is a must-try at any winery, you’ll also find that the 37 cellar doors around the region also serve other mouthwatering varietals. So get on your bike or join a Marlborough winery tour and discover some of the best (in our opinion) wineries in Marlborough!
While you’re here, you might also like 10 Marlborough Must-Dos and 10 Blenheim Must-Dos.
1. Framingham Wines
Reisling and rock come together at this awesome little winery in Rewick. Framingham has some of the oldest Riesling vines in Marlborough. Try their four types of Reisling or opt for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Montepulciano or Pinot Noir. Tastings can be enjoyed in a sheltered courtyard decorated with paving stones engraved with rock music lyrics.
Location: 19 Conders Bend Raod
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Giesen Wines
Stop for a lunch platter at Giesen Wines, either in their outdoor courtyard or upstairs with incredible views over the vines. The winery was founded by three German brothers in 1981 and Giesen Wines can now be found in around 30 different countries.
Location: 26 Rapaura Road
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Brancott Estate
One of the big names in Marlborough, the Brancott Estate has its own cellar door and heritage centre. Perched on a hill the Brancott Estate Heritage Centre offers stunning vistas. Try their Sauvignon Blanc, enjoy a falconry display or do a vineyard bike tour.
Location: 2 Brancott Road
© MarlboroughNZ.com4. Nautilus Estate
Stop by for an artisan cheese platter picnic, picnic blankets included, paired with award-winning wines at the Nautilus Estate. Try the Cuvee Sparkling Wine, the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay or Pinot Noirs.
Location: 12 Rapaura Road
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Cloudy Bay Vineyards
A great vineyard to hit during the summer, Cloudy Bay offers light lunches and tasting at their Jack’s Raw Bar. Indulge in fine wines while enjoying the views of the Richmond Ranges.
Location: Jacksons Road
© MarlboroughNZ.com6. Wither Hills
One of the closest vineyards to Blenheim, Wither Hills has a superb cellar door offering a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The winery is open for winery tours, blending experience and private tastings.
Location: 211 New Renwick Road
© MarlboroughNZ.com7. Huia
A winery with a difference, Huia uses organic and biodynamic techniques to craft great-tasting wines. Try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Chardonnay, as well as their wine under the name of Hunky Dory, made to suit most palettes.
Location: 22 Boyces Road
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Seresin Estate
Seresin Estate also has a focus on wine-making with organic and biodynamic principles. Try their fantastic Chardonnay and enjoy the views from this cellar door with a unique backcountry feel to it.
Location: 85 Bedford Road
© Olivier Colas on Wikipedia9. Wairau River Wines
With wines exclusively sourced from the Rose family estate, Wairua River Wines is 100% Marlborough. Sit in the sun on the lawns or under the verandah as you sample the lunch menu during summer, or cosy up by the fire in winter.
Location: 11 Rapaura Road
© MarlboroughNZ.com10. Villa Maria
Another big name in Marlborough with their wines found all over the world, Villa Maria is a must-stop on a Marlborough wine crawl. Stop by the cellar door just moments away from Blenheim Airport and enjoy the vineyard surroundings with award-winning wine. See more things to do in Blenheim with our 10 Blenheim Must-Dos.
Location: Paynters Road and New RenwickRoad
© MarlboroughNZ.comSources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
