Marlborough: Cloudy Bay Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Cloudy Bay tastings, organic Pinot Noir stops, chocolate finale

You’ll taste world-class wines at Cloudy Bay and other top Marlborough vineyards, enjoy a gourmet lunch with local flavors, meet passionate winemakers, and end on handcrafted chocolates. This day trip blends relaxed conversation with sensory moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to swirl it,” our guide said, holding up a glass at Cloudy Bay. I tried but nearly sloshed Sauvignon Blanc onto my shoes — nerves or excitement, not sure. The tasting room was bright and smelled faintly of oak barrels and something green, like the vineyards outside after last night’s rain. We’d barely finished our first pour when someone from the group started asking about the different terroirs around Marlborough. I liked how nobody rushed us; even the staff seemed happy to chat about soil and weather quirks. There’s this quiet pride in their voices that you can’t fake.

Next stop was Allan Scott — family-run, a bit more relaxed than Cloudy Bay but just as serious about their wine. Our guide (I think her name was Anna?) pointed out a row of gnarly old vines and told us how Pinot Noir here tastes different because of the stony ground. She let us linger in the tasting room longer than planned because we got caught up comparing notes on two Chardonnays. The air smelled like yeast and fresh bread from somewhere nearby — maybe the kitchen prepping for lunch? Anyway, by then I’d lost track of time.

The organic winery was probably my favorite part of this Marlborough wine tour. The winemaker popped in mid-tasting to say hi (and correct my pronunciation of “terroir” — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin). Their Pinot Noir had this earthy thing going on that stuck with me all afternoon. Lunch came next: two courses, local fish for me, paired with something crisp and cold. Sunlight through big windows made everything feel slow and easy for a while.

We ended at a tiny chocolate place — honestly didn’t expect that twist after all the wine. The smell hit me before we even walked in: dark cocoa and sugar melting together. Tried a sample (hazelnut praline?) and immediately bought a box for later but finished half before we got back to Blenheim. Still think about that view over the vines as we drove away — gold light on green hills, everyone kind of quiet in the van except for someone humming softly near the front.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tastings and gourmet lunch

• Cloudy Bay wine tasting and tour
• Visit Allan Scott winery and vineyard
• Organic Pinot Noir wine tasting
• Enjoy relaxed gourmet lunch
• Sample handcrafted local chocolates

Top questions

How many wineries are visited on this Marlborough wine tour?

The tour includes tastings at four different Marlborough wineries.

Is lunch included during the Cloudy Bay wine tour?

Yes, a gourmet two-course lunch is included during the tour.

Are transfers or hotel pickups available from Blenheim?

Yes, free door-to-door collection and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick areas is included.

Does this wine tour visit Cloudy Bay winery?

Yes, Cloudy Bay is one of the main stops for tasting and touring their exclusive rooms.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch on this tour?

The reference content doesn’t specify; contact provider directly for dietary requests.

Is there an opportunity to taste local chocolates?

Yes, there is a stop at a boutique chocolate manufacturer with samples available.

How long does the Marlborough wine day trip last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but it covers multiple wineries plus lunch; plan most of your day.

Are all tasting fees included in the price?

Yes, all wine tasting fees are included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes premium tastings at four distinct Marlborough wineries including Cloudy Bay, a gourmet two-course lunch paired with local wines during your meal, all tasting fees covered throughout each stop, complimentary door-to-door pickup and drop-off from Blenheim or Renwick areas (with transfers from Picton or Havelock available for an extra fee), plus an end-of-day visit to a boutique chocolate maker where you can sample handcrafted treats before heading back home.