Marlborough Private Organic Wine Tour

Marlborough Private Organic Wine Tour: An Authentic Taste of New Zealand’s Organic Viticulture

If you’re dreaming of exploring Marlborough’s celebrated wine scene while supporting sustainable and organic farming, this private tour offers an engaging way to do just that. With visits to four distinguished organic wineries, a delicious lunch at a top regional restaurant, and a sweet stop at a chocolate factory, this experience combines wine tasting, authentic land stewardship, and local treats all in one day.

What we love about this tour is its focus on organic principles, offering a deeper insight into how Marlborough’s winegrowers respect and safeguard the land while crafting remarkable wines. The personalized nature of a private experience means more tailored attention and flexibility—ideal for wine aficionados or curious travelers seeking meaningful, less touristy experiences. We also appreciate the variety of wineries visited, each with its unique story and style, plus the optional gin, whiskey, and cheese tasting, which adds a fun twist.

One potential consideration is the cost, which at $303.11 per person, might seem steep for those just looking for a quick tasting. However, when you factor in the quality of the visits, the inclusions, and the intimate setting, the value becomes clearer—especially if you’re passionate about organic wines or want a more in-depth experience. This tour suits travelers who enjoy good wine, authentic land stewardship stories, and delicious regional food, all with the comfort of a private, guided outing.

Key Points

• Focus on Organic & Sustainable Winegrowing: Each winery emphasizes eco-friendly practices, making this tour ideal for environmentally conscious travelers.
• Visit Four Distinct Wineries: From French-influenced Clos Henri to the eclectic Hans Herzog Estate, each stop offers a unique perspective on organic winemaking.
• Includes a Gourmet Lunch: Lunch at Allan Scott Bistro is a highlight, offering fresh, regional dishes that complement the wine experience.
• Optional Tastings & Indulgences: Gin, whiskey, cheese, and chocolate add extra layers of flavor, making the day more than just wine tasting.
• In-Depth Winery Visits: Expect around an hour at each location, allowing time for guided tastings, vineyard walks, and learning about organic viticulture.
• Private, Flexible Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored and relaxed atmosphere.

Exploring the Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Clos Henri Vineyard

The journey begins at Clos Henri, situated in the Wairau Valley’s foothills—an area shaped by glaciers and tectonic shifts, giving their soils a complex character. Managed by members of the renowned Bourgeois family from Sancerre, France, this vineyard has been cultivating grapes since 2000 with a clear focus on organic principles.

Guests will appreciate the meticulous care shown in the vineyard, and the estate’s French roots often shine through in the elegance of their wines. The tasting here is structured, giving visitors insight into both the terroir and the French-style winemaking techniques. One reviewer mentioned the “fascinating soils,” which speak to the complexity behind the wines you’ll sample.

Stop 2: Te Whare Ra

Next, you’ll visit Te Whare R, a small but dedicated organic vineyard in Renwick. Established in 1979 and run by the Flowerday family since 2003, this winery exemplifies certified organic practices. It’s a quieter, more intimate stop where you can learn about organic vineyard management and taste wines crafted with minimal intervention.

The review notes that “TWR is a small gem,” offering a genuine look at organic winemaking. Guests often find the wines at this stop to be expressive and balanced, reflecting the care put into nurturing the vines. It’s ideal for those interested in organic farming techniques and learning about small-scale, sustainable wine production.

Stop 3: FROMM Winery

A perennial favorite among visitors, FROMM Winery has earned a reputation for producing European-styled reds with a Kiwi twist. Since its inception in 1992, their focus on organic practices has been unwavering, and their wines often receive praise for depth and finesse.

Guests typically love the variety and quality of wines here, with many commenting on the excellent reds that showcase both elegance and intensity. The visit is educational, highlighting the winery’s approach to balancing European traditions with New Zealand innovation. Reviewers often mention the friendly staff and the chance to taste multiple varieties, making it a highlight of the day.

Stop 4: Allan Scott Family Winemakers & Lunch

Lunchtime is at the Allan Scott Bistro, known for its fresh, regional cuisine. Though lunch isn’t included in the tour price, many find it to be a worthwhile addition; the bistro serves dishes that beautifully complement the wines tasted earlier.

The setting is relaxed, with a focus on seasonal, high-quality ingredients. Guests have raved about the delicious food and the friendly atmosphere. As one reviewer put it, “It’s one of the best regional restaurants, and the perfect way to relax after a morning of tastings.”

Stop 5: Hans Herzog Estate

The final stop is the Hans Herzog Estate, famous for its eclectic mix of grape varieties grown on one organic single vineyard. The wines here are crafted with a relentless pursuit of high quality and natural purity, often described as unadulterated.

Visitors here get a chance to taste distinctive wines that showcase the diversity of grapes and organic methods. The estate’s passionate approach and the personal touch of Hans Herzog himself shine through in the wines and the story behind them. Reviewers commend the bold flavors and the beautiful estate setting.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

Duration & Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it a full but relaxed day. With only your group participating, you can ask questions freely and enjoy a more tailored experience. Each winery visit is around an hour—long enough to explore and taste without feeling rushed.

Transportation & Pickup

Included is a pickup option, easing logistical concerns and allowing you to relax and focus on the experience. The tour is mobile ticketed, so you can enjoy the day without worrying about tickets or check-in. The overall pace is relaxed, with enough time to savor each wine and soak up the vineyard scenery.

Price & Value

At $303.11 per person, the cost might seem high, but it’s justified by the quality of wineries visited, the private experience, and the inclusive nature of the tour. You get expert-guided tastings, a substantial insight into organic viticulture, and a delicious regional lunch—all tailored to those who genuinely love wine and authentic land practices.

Optional Extras

The tour offers optional visits to the Vines Village for gin, whiskey, and cheese tastings, adding some extra layers to your experience. The chocolate stop at Makana is a must—reviewers call it “cheeky” and a perfect indulgence, ensuring you end the day on a sweet note.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is ideal for wine lovers seeking a meaningful connection to organic farming practices. It’s suitable for those curious about sustainable viticulture and willing to spend a bit extra for a more personalized and in-depth journey. The combination of quality wineries, delicious food, and optional tastings makes it a versatile choice for lovers of authentic regional flavors.

Travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and want to learn from passionate, knowledgeable guides will find this tour particularly rewarding. The flexible, private setup also means it can be tailored to your preferences—whether you want more focus on tastings, land stories, or culinary treats.

Summary

This private Marlborough organic wine tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions. It combines educational visits to four distinct organic wineries, a delicious regional lunch, and optional tastings of gin, whiskey, cheese, and chocolates.

The tour’s focus on sustainable practices and authentic land stewardship allows travelers to understand and appreciate the deep connection between the land and the wines they taste. The private, flexible nature ensures a relaxed, personalized outing, perfect for those who want more than just a tasting—looking for a story, a sense of place, and genuine quality.

While the price reflects the exclusivity and depth of the experience, the value lies in the knowledge gained, the quality of tastings, and the authentic regional exposure. This tour is best suited for connoisseurs, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone looking for a special way to explore Marlborough’s wine scene.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable over 5-6 hours, with private group exclusivity.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, pickup is offered, which makes getting to and from the wineries seamless and stress-free.

What is the cost of lunch?
Lunch is not included in the tour price but is available at Allan Scott Bistro, which is highly praised for its fresh and regional dishes.

Can I customize the experience?
Being a private tour, it offers some flexibility, especially if you want to spend more time at a particular winery or indulge in optional tastings.

Are the wineries all organic?
Yes, each winery on this tour emphasizes organic principles and sustainable viticulture.

How long are the winery visits?
Each stop is approximately one hour, allowing enough time for tastings and exploring the vineyards.

Is there an option to visit the Vines Village?
Yes, optional tastings of gin, whiskey, and cheese are available; just check with your guide about scheduling.

What about the chocolate stop?
The Makana Chocolate factory visit is a compulsory stop, a sweet ending that many reviewers find delightful and fun.

Is the tour suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely. The guides provide plenty of information, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore.

To sum it up, the Marlborough Private Organic Wine Tour offers a well-crafted blend of education, tasting, and regional flavor, all wrapped in an intimate and sustainable package. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Marlborough beyond the typical wine tour, emphasizing authenticity, quality, and land stewardship—all while indulging in some of New Zealand’s finest wines and regional delights.