6hr Martinborough Chefs shared wine tour lunch from Wellington

If you’re visiting Wellington and want to experience some of New Zealand’s best wines without the hassle of driving, a half-day tour to Martinborough might be just what you need. This 6-hour shared wine tour, offered by Kosher Tours & Travel, promises an intimate look at the region’s renowned vineyards, combined with a luxurious lunch and scenic stops along the way. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, detailed reviews and the itinerary reveal a well-rounded experience designed for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone craving a taste of New Zealand’s countryside.

What we love about this tour is its focus on personalized attention, the variety of wineries visited, and the delicious food options. Plus, the price point seems reasonable for the experiences included—three wine tastings, a gourmet lunch, and comfortable transportation. However, a potential consideration is the limited duration—some might wish for more time at each stop, especially if they’re keen wine enthusiasts. This tour appears perfect for those wanting a hassle-free day out, a good variety of tastings, and a relaxed pace. It’s geared toward small groups, making for a more intimate and engaging experience.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Lunch, wine tastings, bottled water, and transportation are covered, offering great value.
• Personalized Service: Small group sizes (max 11 travelers) mean more attention from guides.
• Beautiful Scenic Stops: Views from Rimutaka Rd Summit add a memorable touch.
• Quality Wineries: Visits to Schubert Wines and Moy Hall Vineyard showcase top-tier wines.
• Flexible Options: Alternative lunch venues like Poppies cater to different wine preferences.
• Time-constrained: The tour’s half-day format means a quick visit—perfect for a day trip, less ideal for deep dives.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Early Morning Pickup

The adventure begins at Wellington’s i site Visitor Information Centre on Wakefield Street. Meeting here at 10:00 am, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This is a small group experience, capped at 11 travelers, which ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd. From the start, the focus is on making the journey enjoyable, with bottled water provided to keep everyone refreshed.

Scenic Drive Over Rimutaka Ranges

The drive itself is part of the charm. Expect to be treated to breathtaking views from Rimutaka Rd Summit and Pylon Track (weather permitting). It’s a brief 10-minute stop, but one that’s well worth it—many reviews highlight how much travelers appreciate the chance to stretch their legs and soak in the landscape. The rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Wairarapa stretch out in all directions, setting the perfect backdrop for the day ahead.

First Winery Stop: Schubert Wines

The first tasting stop is at Schubert Wines, famous for its Bavarian influence and their exceptional Pinot Noir. Guests are offered a tasting of five wines, including the standout 2020 Pinot Noir Marions Vineyard and the Block B. Reviewers praise the wines’ balance and approachability—“a sleek, smooth-textured wine with blackcurrant, raspberry, and dark chocolate flavors”—and many find the wines suitable for both immediate enjoyment and potential cellaring.

Guests often comment on the guide’s knowledge here; they say Aaron, the guide, is exceptionally welcoming and informative, making the tasting even more engaging. Expect to spend about 40 minutes here, enough time to savor the wines and ask questions.

Gourmet Lunch at Moy Hall Vineyard or Poppies Martinborough

Next, the group heads to Moy Hall Vineyard for a catered, upmarket lunch. The setting is refined, and the meal is paired with a selection of wines, offering a true taste of Martinborough’s culinary scene. The review notes that “the lunch at Moy Hall was delicious, and the wine complement was perfect”, giving a sense of the quality on offer.

Alternatively, if you prefer white wine and antipasto, Poppies Martinborough is available as a lunch venue. This flexibility caters to different wine preferences and adds variety to the experience.

Time in Martinborough Town Square

After lunch, there’s about 45 minutes to explore Martinborough’s charming town square. Think boutique shops, local cafes, and the chance to pick up a few souvenirs or enjoy a quick stroll. Reviewers have enjoyed this brief stop, highlighting how it adds a bit of local flavor to the trip.

Return Journey and Optional Shopping

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Wellington, arriving in time for dinner. Many travelers note the comfortable ride and friendly atmosphere, making the journey just as enjoyable as the stops.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Personalized, Small-Group Experience

With a maximum of 11 guests, you’re not just another number. The reviews are full of praise for Aaron’s extensive knowledge, engaging manner, and genuine hospitality. This intimacy often leads to more tailored tastings and deeper conversations about the wines and region.

Quality Wine Tastings

Visiting reputable wineries like Schubert Wines and Moy Hall Vineyard ensures you sample some of the best that Martinborough has to offer. The Pinot Noir wines, in particular, are highly praised, with some reviews describing them as “approachable now but with potential to age gracefully.”

Gourmet Lunch Options

Whether you opt for Moy Hall’s catered meal or Poppies’ antipasto, the included lunch offers a high-end, well-curated culinary experience. Many reviewers commend the quality of the food and the pairing with local wines.

Scenic and Relaxed

The slow-paced drive through rolling hills, with scenic stops, makes it more than just wine tasting—it’s a small adventure into New Zealand’s pastoral beauty.

The Price and Value for Money

At approximately $275 NZD per person, the tour includes transport, three wine tastings, lunch, and bottled water. This all-in package is a fair deal considering the quality of the wineries visited and the gourmet lunch. For wine enthusiasts or those wanting a low-stress introduction to Martinborough wine country, it’s a cost-effective way to get a comprehensive experience without the hassle of self-driving or planning multiple stops.

What’s not included?

Additional wine beyond tastings isn’t covered, so if you fall in love with a bottle, be prepared to purchase it directly at the wineries. However, the tasting experience itself is typically enough to give you a clear idea of what you enjoy most.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a well-organized, intimate, and relaxed day trip from Wellington. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or even small families who appreciate good wine, tasty food, and scenic views without the fuss of driving. If you’re interested in learning about local wines from knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks all the boxes.

However, if you’re a serious wine connoisseur craving hours at each winery or want a more in-depth exploration, you might find the 5-hour format somewhat rushed. But for most, it strikes a good balance between tasting, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Final Thoughts

This Martinborough wine and culinary tour offers a delightful glimpse into one of New Zealand’s top wine regions, all while keeping things intimate, comfortable, and fun. The inclusion of high-quality tastings, a gourmet lunch, and scenic stops makes it a well-rounded day out.

The knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and excellent value make this experience perfect for those wanting to enjoy Martinborough without the stress of self-driving. It’s especially suited for small groups, couples, or anyone interested in a taste of local wine and food culture in a relaxed setting.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable introduction to Martinborough’s wine scene, this tour is a smart choice. Just book early—many travelers plan their trips around it, and it tends to fill up well in advance.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 5 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning before dinner time, allowing a relaxed day without feeling rushed.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from Wellington’s i site Visitor Information Centre.

What wineries are visited?
The tour includes visits to Schubert Wines and Moy Hall Vineyard, with an alternative lunch option at Poppies Martinborough.

Are meals and water included?
Yes, a catered lunch and bottled water are part of the package, along with wine tastings.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 11 travelers, ensuring a personal touch and plenty of opportunity for questions.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
While tastings are included, purchasing additional wine is not. You can buy bottles directly at the wineries if you wish.

What if the weather is bad?
Some stops, like the scenic viewpoint at Rimutaka Rd, are weather-dependent. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the guide may adjust stops accordingly; the core wine tasting and lunch will remain.

This 6-hour Martinborough Chefs shared wine tour from Wellington combines scenic beauty, top-tier wines, and a superb dining experience in a way that’s both effortless and memorable. Whether you’re a wine novice or connoisseur, it’s an easy way to savor New Zealand’s renowned Wairarapa wine region.