Blenheim is famous for its world-class wineries and lush landscapes, making it a fantastic spot for a memorable lunch experience. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to taste Marlborough’s signature Sauvignon Blanc or someone looking for a unique way to explore the region, Blenheim offers options that combine delicious food with stunning scenery. Among our favorites is the Blenheim/Renwick: Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch, which offers a relaxed way to sample regional wines while enjoying lunch at a picturesque vineyard. This tour stands out for its multiple winery visits, scenic drives, and the lovely vineyard setting for lunch, all within just four hours.
For a more curated tasting paired with a gourmet meal, the Wines of the South Island Paired Lunch Experience offers visits to two boutique wineries and a seasonal lunch at Saint Clair, adding a culinary touch to your wine adventure. If you’re seeking a luxurious experience, the Marlborough Wine Tour: Including Cloudy Bay and Lunch combines a visit to Cloudy Bay’s acclaimed vineyards with a 3-course vineyard lunch, perfect for wine aficionados wanting a bit of everything.
If you’re interested in a truly charming journey, the Horse and Carriage Wine Tour in Marlborough with Lunch offers a leisurely, scenic ride through the town of Renwick, complemented by visits to family-owned wineries. For something different, the Marlborough Sheep Station Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch combines tasting Marlborough’s agricultural heritage with fine local wines, paired with a hearty farmhouse lunch. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of each tour to help you choose the best fit for your trip.
- 1. Blenheim/Renwick: Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch
- 2. Wines of the South Island Paired Lunch Experience
- 3. Marlborough Wine Tour: Including Cloudy Bay and Lunch
- 4. Horse and Carriage Wine Tour in Marlborough with Lunch
- 5. Marlborough Sheep Station Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch
- How to Choose the Right Lunch Experience in Blenheim
1. Blenheim/Renwick: Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch
At number 1, this Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch is a perfect choice for visitors wanting a balanced experience of wine tasting and scenic dining. The tour includes visits to 3-4 carefully selected wineries, where you’ll sample Marlborough’s signature Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir—the region’s stars. One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at a scenic vineyard restaurant (own cost), where you can soak in the views and savor local flavors.
The itinerary is well-paced, with visits to multiple wineries and a scenic drive that showcases the breathtaking Marlborough landscape. The guide shares insightful commentary on the region’s wine production, making it both educational and enjoyable. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the included hotel pickup adds convenience. This tour is excellent for those who want a comprehensive taste of Marlborough’s wine scene in just half a day.
Bottom line: It’s a great option if you want to sample top wines with a scenic, relaxed lunch setting and avoid long full-day commitments.
2. Wines of the South Island Paired Lunch Experience
Coming in at number 2, the Wines of the South Island Paired Lunch Experience offers a more intimate and culinary-focused outing. This six-hour tour takes you to two boutique wineries—Lawson’s Dry Hills and Whitehaven Wines—each known for distinctive artisan wines. The visits include detailed tastings, where your guide shares insights into the winemaking process and regional nuances.
What makes this tour special is the seasonal lunch at Saint Clair, where local ingredients are paired perfectly with the wines you’ve just tasted. The experience combines education, tasting, and a leisurely meal, giving you a deeper appreciation of Marlborough’s wine culture. The visits to confections and the winery’s vineyard kitchen add extra flavors and insights into the local food scene.
While the price is higher ($198.58), it justifies itself with the quality of wine, food, and personalized service. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts who love pairing their tastings with thoughtfully prepared meals and are interested in learning about regional wine styles from a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want an immersive, culinary-focused wine tour with expert tastings and a gourmet lunch.
3. Marlborough Wine Tour: Including Cloudy Bay and Lunch
At number 3, this Marlborough Wine Tour including Cloudy Bay and Lunch is perfect for those seeking a premium, small-group experience. It features visits to Cloudy Bay, one of New Zealand’s most iconic wineries, renowned for its organic, award-winning wines. The tour includes a gourmet 3-course vineyard lunch paired with wines, offering a true taste of Marlborough’s finest.
The tour’s highlight is the visit to Cloudy Bay, where you can explore their organic practices and taste their latest vintages. The walk-through of the vineyards and the tasting session deepen your understanding of the winemaking process. The small group size (limited to six) ensures personalized attention.
This tour is a bit longer at 5.5 hours and suits wine connoisseurs or travelers wanting a luxury experience. The included transportation, from hotel pickup in Marlborough, adds convenience. The only potential downside is the price point, but the access to Cloudy Bay’s prestigious wines makes it worthwhile for serious wine fans.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting a luxury, all-inclusive wine experience with a focus on Cloudy Bay’s wines and a gourmet, vineyard-based meal.
4. Horse and Carriage Wine Tour in Marlborough with Lunch
For a unique, leisurely outing, the Horse and Carriage Wine Tour in Marlborough with Lunch takes you on a scenic ride through Renwick’s countryside. Led by Emma and her Clydesdale, Duchess, this tour combines a charming horse-drawn carriage ride, visits to two family-owned wineries—Framingham Wines and Forrest Wines—and a delicious lunch platter.
What sets this apart is the storybook experience of traveling at a gentle pace while tasting authentic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and other regional wines. The tour offers an intimate look at family wineries, often less visited by larger groups, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic connection to the land and wine. The relaxed pace allows plenty of time to appreciate the surroundings and chat with the host.
Guests often love the personal touch; one review mentions the “delightful ride and wonderful wines.” The main drawback might be the limited number of wineries visited, but for a peaceful, scenic, and personal experience, this tour is top-notch.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a gentle, romantic journey through Marlborough’s countryside with quality wines and a charming lunch.
5. Marlborough Sheep Station Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch
Number 5 offers a different flavor altogether: the Marlborough Sheep Station Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch. This six-hour experience takes you beyond vineyards to a working sheep farm, where you’ll see sheepdogs in action and learn about the region’s farming traditions. After the farm tour, enjoy a farmhouse-style winery lunch paired with local wines.
This tour appeals to those interested in Marlborough’s rural life and agricultural heritage. It combines sheepdog demonstrations and shearing shows with regional wine tastings, giving a well-rounded picture of the area’s land use. The visit to Makana Confections for handmade chocolates adds a sweet finish.
While it’s longer and more diverse, it offers an authentic connection to the land and local culture. It’s ideal for travelers keen on combining farm life with wine tasting and hearty regional cuisine.
Bottom line: A good pick for visitors who want a full day of farm tour, wine tasting, and local food, with an educational twist.
How to Choose the Right Lunch Experience in Blenheim
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your interests and travel style. If you’re pressed for time but want a quality wine and scenic lunch, the Blenheim/Renwick wine tour offers a balanced half-day. For foodies and dedicated wine lovers, the Wines of the South Island Paired Lunch provides a deeper culinary experience. For those seeking luxury, the Cloudy Bay tour is hard to beat, while the Horse and Carriage adds a romantic, scenic touch. Finally, the Sheep Station combines rural life with wine tasting, perfect for a full day of diverse experiences.
Think about your budget, whether you prefer guided winery visits or more relaxed countryside rides, and how much time you want to dedicate. Booking early is always wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots on these popular tours.
Blenheim offers a wonderful mix of wine, scenery, and local culture, making it easy to find a lunch experience that suits your travel style. Whether you want a quick half-day taste, a gourmet pairing, a luxury visit, or a charming carriage ride, there’s something to suit your palate and pace. Explore these options, pick your favorite, and enjoy a memorable culinary journey in New Zealand’s premier wine region.