Marlborough
Wine lovers and foodies come to tour Marlborough wineries and then they discover culinary paradise. Sample fresh Marlborough Sounds seafood with one of the worlds best Sauvignon Blancs. Taste local game meat, discover Marlborough Salmon and savour Green Shell Mussels or scallops in this beautiful region. Try this prepared off a boat in the sounds or in one of the superb award winning restaurants.
While in Marlborough seek out boutique beers and liqueurs, pick fresh stonefruit in summer or visit one of many niche food producers.
Marlborough has over 130 wineries, 42 cellar doors right at its doorstep. World famous for Sauvignon Blanc, however there is much more to Marlborough wine. You’ll discover superb aromatics like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris; a regional, elegant Chardonnay style, fine Methode Traditionelle, and award winning Pinot Noir.
Alongside fine wines, you can also experience superb food in this region with its on unique style, in restaurants, cafés, and at unparalleled culinary events throughout the year.
Marlborough is home to New Zealand’s first wine and food festival, now a sophisticated event of wine, gourmet food and live music in Brancott Vineyard - a must every February for foodies from around the world. Our clear environment and high sunshine hours nurture specialty produce with the finest flavours.
Wine growers and food producers are establishing Marlborough as New Zealand’s leading province in organic food and wine production techniques.
Organic wine, cheese, honey, seafood, olive oil , nuts and vegetables are rapidly flowing from Marlborough to the fresh markets of New Zealand. Marlborough also boasts one of New Zealand’s first ‘farmers’ markets’, every Sunday October - May in a country environment near Blenheim.
Marlborough is also a part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, a sign-posted 380km (240 mile) self-drive touring route that leads you off the beaten track. Travel through five of New Zealand’s most interesting and scenic regions, including three major wine growing areas that account for more than 70% of the New Zealand’s total annual wine production. As the name suggests, this trail promises fantastic wine and food. It also serves up all kinds of cultural and adventure experiences.
Here are some recommended vineyards to visit below. For more options please visit http://www.lovemarlborough.co.nz/listings/food-dining/
Cloudy Bay, Blenheim
Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay's winery and vineyards are located in the heart of the Wairau Valley. The Cloudy Bay team combines meticulous viticulture, modern winemaking technology and traditional vinification techniques in the commitment to produce premium quality wines of region. Cloudy Bay put Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the world wine map.
Brancott Estate (Formally Montana Brancott Estate)
Their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was awarded in its first vintage - and today, continues to be awarded around the world. Brancott was the first winery in Marlborough when it opened in 1976, today their visitor facility features a retail store, tasting rooms, wine education facility, restaurant and even a small theatre.
Yealands Estate
The Yealands Estate Winery is New Zealand’s largest privately-owned vineyard – and a showcase of innovative environmental sustainability. You will find it nestled on the Seaview Peninsula in the Awatere Valley. They look forward to welcoming you at their cellar door – where you will have the opportunity to taste their wines and discover the kiwi ingenuity and innovation at the heart of Yealands Estate.
Nelson
Nelson’s is well known for producing sun-kissed fruit, farm-fresh vegetables and succulent seafood provide endless gastronomic inspiration, accompanied by high quality wines. Whether you want to experience dining among the vines, along the waterfront with fabulous views, at a country café, or in the city-scape - or perhaps park up your camper near overlooking a stunning view and enjoy some good old Kiwi fish and chips!
Stafford Lane Estate, Richmond
This boutique winery produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Montepulicano, and Pinot Noir.
Kahurangi Estate Ltd, Motueka Handmade, award winning wines from some of the South Island's oldest vines. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir & Montepulciano. Cellar door wine tastings available 7 days. 10.30am - 4.30pm.
Richmond Plains, Richmond
Producer of New Zealand's first Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from certified organic and biodynamic grapes.