Marlborough: Self-Guided Bike Wine Tour with Shuttle & Map

Summary

Bike through Renwick vineyards tasting local wines and cheese

You’ll start your day in Renwick with friendly locals who’ll set you up on comfy bikes (with wine panniers!) and give you tips for exploring Marlborough’s cellar doors at your own pace. Taste local wines, snack on cheese platters under the sun, and relax knowing there’s always backup if you need it. It’s less like a tour and more like being let loose in wine country—with just enough help when you want it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Renwick was the quiet—just the soft hum of bikes being wheeled out by Greg and Lorelle’s team. Lorelle waved us over, all smiles, and handed me a helmet that actually fit (my hair was a mess already, but whatever). The bikes had these big baskets and special wine panniers—honestly, I thought I’d never fill them but…well. We got a quick rundown with a cellar door map spread across the table, plus this video showing which places had cheese platters or needed bookings. It felt like everyone genuinely wanted us to have a good time, not just rush off.

We pedaled out under that big Marlborough sky—clouds moving fast but the air still warm. The bike paths were so flat even I didn’t get grumpy about cycling after the first glass. Cellar doors popped up every few minutes; we’d just lock up the bikes and wander in. At one spot, an older guy behind the counter poured us something crisp and green-smelling (Sauvignon Blanc? I nodded like I knew). Someone nearby laughed about my pronunciation of “Gewürztraminer”—I’ll never say it right. Cheese platters came out on wooden boards, crumbly and salty against the wine. There was this little moment where we all sat back in beanbags outside, shoes off, sun on our faces—nobody said much for a while.

I liked that there wasn’t any pressure to hurry or stick to a route—if we wanted to linger somewhere or skip ahead, it was easy. We called Greg once because my friend’s chain slipped; he showed up in ten minutes with hands full of tools and jokes about “wine-powered repairs.” By late afternoon my basket rattled with bottles (they collect them for you if you want), legs pleasantly tired. The shuttle back meant no worries about wobbling home—not that I’m admitting anything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-guided bike wine tour in Renwick

• Shuttle pickup from accommodation
• Arrive at base and try bikes
• Receive cellar door map and briefing
• Watch video on cellar doors
• Get fitted with hi-vis helmet and lanyard
• Bike to chosen cellar doors
• Enjoy wine tastings and cheese platters
• Return bikes to base
• Shuttle back to accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the self-guided wine bike tour?

Yes, free shuttle pickup is offered from accommodations within 15km of Renwick or Blenheim.

How many wineries can I visit by bike in Renwick?

You can choose from over 12 cellar doors within 5-20 minutes biking distance from the base.

Do I need to book tastings at Marlborough wineries?

No booking is needed for most cellar doors; only Hans Herzog, Cloudy Bay, and Framingham Wines require advance booking.

What times are available for bike hire?

You can book either 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm slots.

Is lunch included on this Marlborough wine tour?

No set lunch is included but most wineries offer cheese or mixed platters you can order on arrival.

Are bikes suitable for beginners or people with mobility needs?

Yes, bikes are step-thru with comfortable seats; trikes and specialized infant seats are also available. All areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join the self-guided wine tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; service animals are allowed too.

What happens if my bike breaks down during the ride?

An emergency backup service is available—just call the team for help anytime during your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by shuttle from Blenheim or Renwick (or free parking if you drive), step-thru bikes with baskets and wine panniers, helmets and hi-vis vests, a detailed cellar door map plus advice from locals before you go, emergency backup service if needed during your ride, and complimentary collection of any wines you buy along the way before returning comfortably by shuttle at day’s end.