Slow Down and Savour Marlborough: A Personal Wine Day with Boutique Tastings and a Paired Lunch

TE ANAU GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Slow Down and Savour Marlborough: A Personal Wine Day with Boutique Tastings and a Paired Lunch

A relaxed, six-hour small-group tour through Marlborough wine country with guided tastings, a seasonal wine‑paired lunch at Saint Clair, a sommelier-led comparative tasting, and a final stop for handcrafted chocolates.

Slow Down and Savour Marlborough: A Personal Wine Day with Boutique Tastings and a Paired Lunch.

Duration
6 hours
Location
Te Anau
Operator
Jade Marlborough Tours
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This is a day that lengthsen the palate as much as the afternoon — a six‑hour, small‑group sweep through Marlborough organized by Jade Marlborough Tours. Under the guidance of industry insider Bruce Thomas, co‑founder of Greystone Wines, you visit two hand‑picked boutique tasting rooms, sit down to a seasonal, wine‑paired lunch at Saint Clair Family Estate Winery, participate in a sommelier‑led comparative tasting of New Zealand regions, and finish with handcrafted chocolates at Makana Confections.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GUIDE

Insider knowledge from a winemaker

Bruce Thomas — co‑founder of Greystone Wines — leads the day, framing tastings with practical insights into Marlborough’s vineyards, winemaking approaches and the region’s wine history.

THE TASTINGS

Two boutique wineries and a sommelier’s comparative session

The itinerary includes guided visits to two boutique Marlborough tasting rooms where you’ll sample the region’s signature styles, followed by a sommelier‑curated comparative tasting that contrasts Marlborough with other New Zealand regions such as Waipara and Central Otago.

THE LUNCH

A seasonal, wine‑paired lunch and a sweet finish

Midday you enjoy a leisurely, seasonal lunch at Saint Clair Family Estate Winery with wine pairings; the afternoon concludes with handcrafted chocolates from Makana Confections.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

Start in the heart of Marlborough and move at an unhurried pace: guided tastings at two boutique wineries, a relaxed wine‑paired lunch at Saint Clair, a focused sommelier‑led comparative tasting across New Zealand regions, then a final stop for Makana Confections before returning to base. The day is curated to be approachable for all levels of wine knowledge while spotlighting regional differences and local craft.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Wine curious beginnersThe tour is approachable for those new to wine; Jade Tours' hosting style makes tastings accessible and informative without assuming prior expertise.
2
Enthusiast couples and friendsSmall group sizes and expert guidance from a winemaker and sommelier make this a good match for people wanting a deeper, tactile look at New Zealand wines in a relaxed setting.
3
Travelers with dietary needsSaint Clair can adapt the seasonal lunch menu for most dietary requirements when given advance notice, making the tour a viable option for guests with special diets.
4
Those seeking an active or highly physical outingThis is a seated, tasting‑and‑lunch style day rather than an active hiking or cycling adventure; it’s built around tastings, a sit‑down lunch and short transfers.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The experience runs for approximately six hours, starting in the late morning and finishing in the afternoon; exact timing will be confirmed with your booking.

Meeting & Pickup

Pickup from your accommodation is included; the operator provides pickup directly from your accommodation within Blenheim. If you’re staying outside the area, the operator can help arrange a convenient meeting point.

Dietary needs

Saint Clair can adapt the menu for most dietary requirements if you notify the operator in advance; communicate any needs when booking.

Group size & atmosphere

This is a small‑group experience limited to 10 guests, designed to feel personal and relaxed.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What’s included in the tour price?

All wine tastings, a wine‑paired lunch at Saint Clair, a guided tasting hosted by a Sommelier, a sweet treat stop at Makana Confections, and transportation between venues are included.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes — Saint Clair can adapt the menu for most dietary needs with advance notice; let the operator know your requirements when booking.

How long is the tour?

The experience runs for approximately 6 hours, starting in the late morning and finishing in the afternoon; exact timing will be confirmed with your booking.

Do I need to be a wine expert to enjoy this tour?

No — whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, Jade Tours' approachable hosting style makes the experience engaging and enjoyable for all levels of knowledge.

Where do we meet?

Pickup is provided directly from your accommodation within Blenheim; if you’re staying outside the area, contact the operator after booking to arrange a convenient meeting point or pickup option.

How many people are on the tour?

This small‑group experience is limited to 10 guests, keeping visits intimate and personal.