WELLINGTON WINE FIELD GUIDE
Marlborough by Glass: From the Pelorus River to Family Vineyards
An eight-hour tasting tour from Nelson through Richmond Forest Park and along the crystal-clear Pelorus River to Marlborough’s family-run vineyards, featuring relaxed tastings, winemaker encounters and a vineyard lunch.
Marlborough by Glass: From the Pelorus River to Family Vineyards.
Set between Richmond Forest Park and the Marlborough Sounds, this eight-hour journey threads river, town and vine. From a drive alongside the crystal-clear Pelorus River and a passage through Havelock on the shores of the Sounds to the broad, stony Wairau Plains, you’ll move from landscape into vineyard, tasting Marlborough’s signature Sauvignon Blanc alongside a wide range of local varietals and finishing with a leisurely vineyard lunch that pairs seasonal produce with regional wines.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Food-and-wine pairings that define the region
Food and wine matching is a recurring highlight on this tour: relaxed tastings are paired with local gourmet foods and a vineyard lunch that showcases seasonal produce alongside Marlborough wines.
A drive through Pelorus River country and coastal towns
The route runs through Richmond Forest Park and along the crystal-clear Pelorus River, passing the charming town of Havelock on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds—a scenic approach into the vine plantings.
Family-run vineyards and meet-the-maker tastings
Visits focus on family-run vineyards where you meet passionate winemakers, taste multiple varietals and hear how Marlborough’s character and international reputation are shaped at the source.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day unfolds as a relaxed circuit: pickup in Nelson, a drive through forested and river valleys into the sunlit Wairau Plains, then a series of relaxed tastings at family vineyards with time to talk to makers and a leisurely vineyard restaurant lunch that ties the tasting notes to local produce.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs approximately 8 hours.
Pickup is provided from Nelson City based accommodation.
Operated by Wine Art and Wilderness and presented as a full-day tour into the Marlborough wine region.
No specific gear requirements are provided in the trip details; contact the operator for any practical advice before departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Wine Exposed Marlborough experience?
The trip is eight hours long.
Where does pickup occur?
Pickup is from Nelson City based accommodation.
What age range is the trip suitable for?
The trip is suitable for participants aged 6 to 80 years.
Which wines will we taste?
The itinerary includes tastings of Marlborough’s signature Sauvignon Blanc and a range of regional varietals such as Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A leisurely vineyard restaurant lunch that pairs local seasonal produce with wines completes the experience.
Who operates this tour?
The experience is offered by Wine Art and Wilderness.