Marlborough Icons Tour - Wine Tasting + Cruise

The Marlborough Icons Tour combines the best of both worlds: a curated wine tasting experience and a serene cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. With a limit of just 10 participants, it offers an intimate setting to explore renowned wineries like Cloudy Bay while sampling their exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Guests can also savor a delicious Kiwi-style BBQ lunch against a backdrop of lush hills and tranquil waters. As participants sip and cruise, they’ll discover more than just flavors; they’ll uncover the secrets behind this beautiful region. What else awaits them on this memorable journey?

Key Points

Enjoy a full-day tour of Marlborough’s wineries, featuring tastings at renowned locations like Cloudy Bay and Wairau River Winery.
Experience a scenic cruise through Marlborough Sounds, complete with breathtaking views and a seafood tasting platter.
Indulge in a delicious Kiwi-style BBQ lunch served onboard during the cruise, paired with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Benefit from a small-group setting limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.
Convenient hotel pick-up from central Picton or Blenheim, with all wine tastings and local taxes included for a hassle-free experience.

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Overview of the Tour

The Marlborough Icons Tour offers an unforgettable full-day adventure, showcasing the region’s renowned wineries and breathtaking scenery. This small-group tour, limited to just 10 participants, ensures a personalized experience as guests explore the best of Marlborough’s wine country.

Starting from Blenheim or Picton, the tour features tastings at celebrated wineries, famous for their exquisite Sauvignon Blanc. Guests will marvel at the stunning landscapes and gain insights into the unique soil and climate that shape these wines.

Plus, the tour includes a scenic cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, allowing participants to unwind and savor a delicious seafood tasting platter.

With a 4.5-star rating and numerous positive reviews, this tour promises a delightful day filled with wine, food, and stunning views.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting with hotel pick-up in central Picton or Blenheim, the Marlborough Icons Tour sets the stage for a day filled with wine tasting and breathtaking sights.

Guests visit renowned wineries like Cloudy Bay and the family-run Wairau River Winery, where they dive into the unique soil and climate that shape Marlborough’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.

After sampling exquisite wines, the group enjoys a Kiwi-style BBQ lunch onboard their vessel.

In the afternoon, they embark on a scenic cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

This relaxing journey features a platter of fresh local seafood, perfectly paired with more Sauvignon Blanc, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the region while taking in the picturesque views.

Wine Tasting Experience

Guests dive into an unforgettable wine tasting experience at some of Marlborough’s most celebrated wineries, where they explore the distinct characteristics of the region’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc.

The tour takes them to iconic spots like Cloudy Bay and the family-run Wairau River Winery, each offering a unique perspective on local viticulture.

Knowledgeable guides share insights about the area’s unique soil and climate, enhancing the tasting experience.

Attendees sample a variety of wines, learning to identify the subtle flavors and aromas that set Marlborough wines apart.

With a small group setting, guests enjoy personalized attention, making the experience even more enjoyable.

This is a perfect opportunity for wine enthusiasts and novices alike to deepen their appreciation for New Zealand’s premier wine region.

Scenic Cruise Details

Alongside the exceptional wine tasting experience, the tour includes a scenic cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, offering breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere.

This cruise provides passengers with the opportunity to unwind while soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Highlights of the scenic cruise include:

Spectacular Landscapes: Guests enjoy panoramic views of lush hills, tranquil waters, and unique wildlife.
Seafood Tasting Platter: A delightful selection of fresh, local seafood complements the onboard experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the surroundings.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: Participants can sip on the region’s famous Sauvignon Blanc, perfectly paired with the scenic backdrop.

This combination of sights and tastes makes the cruise a memorable part of the Marlborough Icons Tour.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Marlborough Icons Tour includes a variety of amenities designed to enhance the overall experience, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and memorable day.

Guests can look forward to wine tastings at renowned wineries, a delicious Kiwi-style BBQ lunch, and a seafood platter during the scenic cruise.

The tour provides air-conditioned transport with hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it convenient for everyone.

Departing at 9:30 am from the Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, the tour wraps up around 5:00 pm.

For those staying in Picton, add-on pick-up options are available, subject to availability.

Local taxes are included, so guests can focus on enjoying their day without worrying about extra costs.

Tour Accessibility

Tour accessibility for the Marlborough Icons Tour is limited, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and requires children to be accompanied by an adult. This means that those with mobility challenges may face difficulties, and families need to plan accordingly.

To help guests prepare, here are a few key points to consider:

Age Restrictions: Children must have an adult with them throughout the tour.
Mobility Needs: Guests should assess their mobility requirements, as the tour involves walking at various locations.
Group Size: The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Customer Experiences

Many visitors rave about the Marlborough Icons Tour, praising the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery that enhances their wine tasting experience.

Guests often highlight the quality of the wineries, particularly Cloudy Bay and Wairau River Winery, noting the expert insights into the unique terroir of the region.

The seafood tasting platter and BBQ lunch served onboard during the scenic cruise through Marlborough Sounds receive frequent applause, with many describing the flavors as unforgettable.

Friendly staff and a maximum group size of 10 create an intimate atmosphere, allowing for personal interactions.

Booking Information

Booking a spot on the Marlborough Icons Tour is easy and can be done online or by contacting local providers directly.

To ensure a smooth experience, potential guests should keep the following in mind:

Group Size: The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 people, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot.
Pick-Up Options: Guests can choose hotel pick-up from central Blenheim or Picton, but inquire about additional options if needed.
Cancellation Policy: It’s wise to review the cancellation policy before booking, as weather conditions can affect the afternoon cruise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

For the tour, he should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Layers are wise, as temperatures can fluctuate. A hat and sunglasses will protect against the sun while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. This policy helps maintain a relaxing atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic views and delightful tastings without distractions or concerns.

Can I Purchase Wine During the Tour?

During the tour, guests can purchase wine directly from the wineries. They’ve the opportunity to select their favorite bottles, ensuring they enjoy a taste of Marlborough even after the tour concludes.

Is There a Cancellation Policy?

The cancellation policy allows guests to change their plans up to 48 hours before the tour. If they cancel within that timeframe, they won’t receive a refund. It’s best to check the specific terms beforehand.

Are There Vegetarian Options for Lunch?

When asked about vegetarian options, the tour organizers confirm they accommodate dietary preferences. They ensure a delicious plant-based meal is provided, so everyone enjoys a satisfying lunch during the scenic experience.

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Sum Up

The Marlborough Icons Tour is a perfect blend of wine tasting and scenic beauty, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable day out.

With limited spots available, guests can enjoy an intimate experience while sampling exquisite wines and indulging in delicious local cuisine.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking to explore the stunning Marlborough Sounds, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Don’t miss the chance to book your spot and experience the magic!