Martinborough Wine Tour from Wellington with Tastings & Pickup

Summary

Wellington to martinborough winding roads local wines laughter and stories

You’ll start in Wellington and cross into Martinborough’s wine country with a local guide who knows every curve in the road. Taste pinot noir straight from cellar doors, chat with winemakers, maybe grab some cheese for the ride home. It’s relaxed, personal, and full of those little moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the drive out of Wellington to feel like such a shift — one minute you’re in the city, then suddenly it’s all river bends and misty green hills. Our guide, Mike, had this way of telling stories about the Hutt Valley that made me wish I’d paid more attention in geography class. We stopped at the Remutaka Summit (it’s higher than it sounds) and I remember the wind up there — sharp, almost sweet, carrying that wet grass smell you only get after rain.

We rolled into Martinborough just as the clouds broke up. The town felt quiet but not sleepy — more like everyone was busy making something good. At the first winery, the cellar door host poured us a pinot noir and told us how their family started out with just a few vines. I tried swirling my glass like I’d seen people do (spilled a bit on my sleeve, classic). The wine tasted earthy and bright at once — not sure how else to say it. Someone asked if we could try their rosé too and they just grinned and said “of course.”

Between tastings we made a quick stop at C’est Cheese — totally optional but honestly worth it if you like cheese that actually tastes like something. I picked up a wedge for later, which ended up being lunch on the drive back. Each winery had its own vibe; one was all polished wood and sunlight through big windows, another felt more like someone’s living room with dogs underfoot. The hosts never rushed us — even when I asked what “cellar door” really meant (still not sure I get it).

The drive back was quieter — maybe everyone was just mellow from all the tasting or maybe it was that feeling of having seen something small but real. There’s this stretch where you look out over Wairarapa valley and everything is gold and green at once. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Martinborough winery tour from Wellington

• Depart Wellington in private vehicle
• Follow Hutt River through Hutt Valley
• Cross Remutaka Ranges with sightseeing
• Stop at Stuart Macaskill Lakes and Summit
• Optional cheese tasting at C’est Cheese
• Visit three Martinborough wineries
• Sample wines at cellar doors

Top questions

How long is the Martinborough wine tour from Wellington?

The tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours including travel time.

Are wine tastings included in this Martinborough tour?

Yes, tastings at three different wineries are included in your day trip.

Is pickup available from Wellington hotels?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included from Wellington.

Do you visit C’est Cheese on every tour?

The cheese shop stop is optional and depends on timing during your day trip.

Which wineries do we visit in Martinborough?

The specific wineries visited may vary based on availability each day.

Is lunch provided during this Martinborough wine tour?

No formal lunch is included but there are snacks available at stops like C’est Cheese.

Can children join this wine tour from Wellington?

Infants and small children can join if accompanied by adults; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, both wheelchairs and strollers are accommodated on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with pickup in Wellington, live commentary from your local guide along scenic routes through Hutt Valley and over Remutaka Ranges, guided visits to three Martinborough wineries for tastings of regional wines (with cellar door staff sharing stories), plus an optional stop at C’est Cheese for artisan snacks before heading back relaxed in the afternoon.