We have Wine Tours specifically geared to passengers coming off cruise ships in our nearby port of Picton.

Duration

5 Hours – Varies depending on docking times

About

Tour departure depends on the docking times and return to port is about 90 minutes prior to sailing. We visit 4 or 5 wineries and stop for lunch (own cost) at a vineyard restaurant, depending on the time available.

Our JADE WINE TOUR will depart from the I-Site in Picton. Shuttle buses are provided free from the quay to the I-Site (a distance of 2 kms from the large ship quay) and departure times are worked around the times that ships dock and passengers are allowed to disembark. You will be returned to the Shuttle terminus a minimum of 1 hour before the last shuttles leave for the ship.

Our air-conditioned minibus will depart the I-Site and carry you the 25 minutes to the Wairau Valley – home of the world famous Sauvignon Blanc varietal. Your local guides are full of history and discussion along the way. Our small groups offer a more personalised and rewarding experience.

Itinerary

The Marlborough vineyards are the home of Sauvignon Blanc and some of the country’s most vibrant and flavourful wines. You will enjoy the many aromas, textures and flavours of our world famous Marlborough wines, on a guided tour of this exceptional region.

We select a range of large, through to small family-run wineries, where you can taste the zesty Sauvignon Blancs and a wide variety of our other tasty cultivars. Visit the cellars to experience the rich aromas of wine maturing in French oak barrels and hear how our grapes are processed into our unique multi-award winning wines for which the valley is so famous.

Enjoy regional seafood and other delicacies (own cost) at a vineyard restaurant lunch.

Tasting the hand-made gourmet chocolates at the Chocolate factory is a brilliant way to end this exceptional day (if time allows) and arrive back in Picton with plenty of time before your ship’s departure.

• Wine tasting at 4 – 5 cellar doors ( as time allows )
• Scenic Drive with heaps of photo opportunities
• Stop for lunch at a cellar door restaurant – if time allows (own cost)
• Tasting hand-made chocolates at the Chocolate Factory (time permitting)
• Stop at the Lookout for pictures with your beautiful ship if time allows