Martinborough Food & Wine Tour from Wellington with Tastings

Summary

Cheese, chocolate, and Pinot Noir on a Martinborough day trip

You’ll taste artisan cheeses at C’est Cheese in Wairarapa, sample local Pinot Noir at a Martinborough winery with your guide sharing stories along the way, then finish off with handcrafted chocolates in Greytown before returning to Wellington. Expect laughter, new flavors, and those wide valley views that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You can always tell a good cheese by its smell,” Paul grinned as he handed us a wedge at C’est Cheese, his hands still dusted with flour. I’d barely gotten out of the van after crossing the Remutaka Ranges — that road winds more than I expected — when the scent hit me: fresh bread, something tangy in the air, and a kind of quiet you don’t get in Wellington. Our guide, Sarah, seemed to know everyone in town. She waved at someone across the street before nudging us inside for our first tasting.

The drive out from Wellington was only about an hour but felt like we’d landed somewhere slower. At the summit stop (555 meters up), we stepped out for a minute — wind sharp enough to wake you up, views all green and gold. By the time we reached Martinborough’s wine region, my stomach was ready for something more substantial. The winery was bright and airy; I tried to swirl my Pinot Noir like I knew what I was doing (I didn’t). The winemaker explained why this valley is so good for grapes — something about cool nights and dry days — but honestly I was distracted by how smooth that first sip tasted. Not sure if it’s just me but there’s something about drinking wine where it’s grown that makes it hit different.

Greytown was our last stop before heading back over the mountains. Schoc Chocolates is tucked into this old building with creaky floors and shelves stacked high. Murray, the chocolatier, let us try these wild flavors — one had rosemary in it? Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Mandarin (probably butchered it). The chocolate melted fast on my tongue; I still think about that dark one with sea salt. We piled back into the van sticky-fingered and happy, watching sheep blur past outside.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from city noise in just five hours. The whole Martinborough food & wine tour felt like being let in on a local secret — not fancy or fussy, just real people making things they’re proud of. Even now, when I see a wedge of blue cheese or open a bottle of Pinot Noir at home, it takes me right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wairarapa culinary tour and tastings

• Drive over Remutaka Ranges
• Stop at 555m summit viewpoint
• Cheese tasting at C'est Cheese
• Wine tasting in Martinborough
• Chocolate tasting at Schoc Chocolates
• Return via Remutaka Incline to Wellington

Top questions

How long does the Martinborough food & wine tour take?

The tour is a 5-hour round trip from Wellington.

Are tasting fees included on this day trip?

Yes, tasting fees are included for cheese at C’est Cheese, wine at a Martinborough winery, and chocolate at Schoc Chocolates.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking for specific locations.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; one collapsible wheelchair can be stored in the vehicle.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What wines are typically tasted on this Martinborough day trip?

You’ll taste local wines such as Pinot Noir at one of Martinborough’s wineries.

Where does the chocolate tasting take place?

The chocolate tasting happens at Schoc Chocolates in Greytown.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Wellington, all tasting fees for artisan cheeses at C’est Cheese in Wairarapa, wine flights at a top Martinborough winery known for Pinot Noir, and sweet treats at Schoc Chocolates in Greytown before heading back over the Remutaka Ranges to Wellington.