The town of Blenheim came to fame by way of its location in the heart of Marlbourough – New Zealand’s wine capital as the largest and most influential wine growing region in the country.
Settled in the northeast corner of the South Island, which can be reached within 40 minutes by ferry from Wellington, the town is an ideal home base for visitors to explore Marlborough as part of wine tours in Blenheim. There are around 141 wineries in the region, ranging from small boutique estates to recognisable commercial brands including Cloudy Bay, Brancott Estate and Oyster Bay.Almost 80% of the country’s entire wine production comes from Marlborough, which is also the birthplace of the country’s signature Sauvignon Blanc that established New Zealand’s reputation as an international wine exporter after stunning critics in the 1980s.
Sauvignon Blanc still reigns supreme in the region, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the other main wine styles. The large river plains near Blenheim could have been forged by nature for the exact purpose of wine growing – while the sun kissed climate and fluctuations between day and night temperatures contribute towards Marlborough’s trademark crisp, vibrant styles with herbaceous characters. Gifted with beautiful weather (2,500 hours of annual sunshine) and equally inviting natural scenery, Blenheim wine tours offer visitors the opportunity to sample arguably the world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc from amid beautiful al fresco settings.
Blenheim is also within touching distance of the sea port of Picton, which is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Marlborough Sounds; a breathtakingly beautiful network of drowned valleys that offers incredible views as well as an assortment of sea faring activities including boat cruises, fishing trips, dolphin watching and sea kayaking.
At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise the best wine tours Blenheim has to offer, including elaborate tastings, luxury stays, unique activities and exceptional fine dining experiences. A Blenheim bike wine tour is among the most popular ways to explore the region since it gives visitors the chance to revel in the sunshine and natural beauty – while simultaneously working up a thirst and appetite ahead of the next winery. Among the many wineries that can be visited along the Blenheim wine trail is the world renowned Brancott Estate – where the course of New Zealand’s wine history was emphatically changed by the first plantings of Sauvignon Blanc vines.
Premium wines can be enjoyed from a state of the art Cellar Door and on-site restaurant that features majestic views across the surrounding vineyards. Another prime destination for wine tours in Blenheim is the Cloudy Bay Vineyards, which is one of New Zealand’s largest exporters with a diverse range of wines – including its flagship Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and several sparkling varieties – that can be sampled in the spacious cellar door on an outdoor terrace.
While exploring Blenheim wine tours is a must for visitors, the town also has its own attractions with an abundance of outstanding restaurants, boutique shops, galleries and walkways along the Taylor River Reserve. Blenheim is also within touching distance of the sea port of Picton, which is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Marlborough Sounds; a breathtakingly beautiful network of drowned valleys that offers incredible views as well as an assortment of sea faring activities including boat cruises, fishing trips, dolphin watching and sea kayaking.
On the shores of the Sounds, the Bay of Many Coves offers luxury accommodation from lodges surrounded by hundreds of acres of natural forests, as well as its own award-winning restaurant.If you are interested in Blenheim wine tours, visit our New Zealand destination page for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a bespoke visit – all of our private tours can be tailor made to meet your exact specifications, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand.
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