Back to my results

Wineries and cellar doors in Marlborough

  • Cloudy Bay
    Marlborough
    Cloudy Bay, Marlborough

    By Graeme Murray

  • Hans Herzog winery
    Marlborough
    Hans Herzog winery, Marlborough

    By Destination Marlborough

  • Wine Tours by Bike in Marlborough
    Marlborough
    Wine Tours by Bike in Marlborough, Marlborough

    By Destination Marlborough

chevron-thin-left
chevron-thin-right

Escape to New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc capital, a vibrant winemaking region celebrated for more than just its iconic drop.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region and the home of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. Visit more than 30 cellar doors to taste Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and other aromatic wines alongside the region’s signature variety.

Most cellar doors are located around Blenheim and Renwick, making them easy to explore on a guided tour, by bike or on a self-drive itinerary with a designated driver.

Marlborough wine regions and cellar doors

Cloudy Bay, Marlborough
Marlborough
Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, Marlborough

By Graeme Murray

Marlborough has three distinct subregions, each with unique soils and climates that are expressed in their wines.

Wairau Valley wineries

The Wairau Valley has a relatively dry climate and a mix of gravelly and alluvial soils. Its wines are often known for concentrated fruit flavours, freshness and balance. Here you’ll find renowned vineyards like Cloudy Bay, Framingham Wines(opens in new window), and Clos Henri. These vineyards are notable not only for their exceptional wines but also for their memorable cellar door experiences.

Southern Valleys wineries

The Southern Valleys subregion produces a greater range of wines, but it is particularly good for Pinot Noir and aromatic wines. While there are many highly regarded wineries here, Spy Valley Wines(opens in new window) and Saint Clair Estate(opens in new window) are are among the region's standout wineries. Despite its name, Spy Valley Wines is not good at keeping secrets. It has garnered international attention, earning a spot among the world’s top twenty new producers. Visit its cellar door to sample their award-winning range and meet some of the world’s most friendly vintners. Saint Clair Estate is a family-run winery that’s picked up a host of international wine awards over the years and produced some of New Zealand’s most decorated Sauvignon Blanc. But don’t let this intimidate you; its cellar door couldn’t be more inviting.

Awatere Valley wineries

The Awatere Valley is cool, dry and windy, yielding aromatic Pinot Noir and distinctive Sauvignon Blanc. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Yealands Estate where visitors can explore a coastal vineyard and learn about the winery’s sustainability initiatives.

Explore Cellar Doors

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

Yealands Wines
Marlborough
Yealands Wines, Marlborough

By Tourism New Zealand

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a self-guided touring route that takes you through some of New Zealand's most renowned wine regions. Spanning 380 kilometres, the trail connects three major wine-producing regions: Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and Marlborough, with a stop in the capital city, Wellington. The Marlborough portion of the trail includes thirty cellar doors and tasting experiences. 

Discover the trail

Marlborough Food and Wine Festival

Women trio enjoying wine at Marlborough Food & Wine Festival
Marlborough
Marlborough Food & Wine Festival, Marlborough

By Richard Briggs

The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival celebrates the finest wines and cuisine the Marlborough region has to offer. The annual event takes place on the second Saturday of February.

Explore the festival

Plan your Marlborough winery visit

Wine Tours by Bike in Marlborough
Marlborough
Wine Tours by Bike in Marlborough , Marlborough

By Destination Marlborough

Getting around

Many cellar doors are concentrated around Blenheim and Renwick. Join a guided wine tour, cycle between selected wineries or travel with a designated driver. Do not drink and drive.

Booking tastings

Opening days and tasting arrangements vary by season. Check each winery’s current hours and book ahead, particularly during summer, weekends and public holidays.

How long to allow

Allow at least half a day for a small selection of cellar doors, or a full day if you plan to include lunch at a vineyard restaurant.

Before you go

Wine tasting is restricted to people aged 18 and over in New Zealand. Bring valid photo ID and confirm whether children, non-tasters or large groups can be accommodated.

Explore Marlborough

Find things to do

Find places to stay

Find transport