Nelson Wine Tour: Three Sub-Regions, Lunch Included

Nelson's three wine zones each pour a different style (chardonnay, pinot gris, bold reds) all in one morning.

Wine Exposed Nelson is a guided half-day wine tour through Nelson's three distinct sub-regions, tasting at boutique family-owned wineries in Moutere, Waimea and Coastal Tasman. A local guide leads the group through six hours of tastings, vineyard walks and a gourmet lunch paired with local wines. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Minimum age is 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Nelson's wine regions and lunch

• Visit Moutere vineyards
• Taste crisp chardonnays
• Explore Waimea wineries
• Taste aromatic pinot gris
• Visit Coastal Tasman vineyards
• Taste bold red wines
• Enjoy gourmet vineyard lunch

The experience

If you've landed in Nelson with a free afternoon or want to taste the region's wines without driving yourself, this tour picks you up from your hotel and moves through three separate wine areas in a single morning. Each sub-region has its own character: Moutere is known for crisp chardonnays, Waimea for aromatic pinot gris, and Coastal Tasman for bolder reds. You'll visit multiple family-owned wineries and cellar doors, guided by someone who knows the local producers and can explain what you're tasting as you go.

The day runs six hours total. After the morning tastings across the three zones, you sit down to a gourmet vineyard lunch where the food is built around local flavours and paired with wines from the region. Bottled water and light refreshments are provided throughout, and the tour ends with a return to your hotel. The pace is set by the guide and the group size stays manageable, so you're not rushing between stops or standing around waiting.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a local English-speaking guide.
• tastings at family-owned wineries across Moutere, Waimea and Coastal Tasman.
• a gourmet vineyard lunch paired with local wines.
• light refreshments and bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Wine, Art & Wilderness

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a guided pace with walks through vineyards and time at each cellar door, so you're on your feet for portions of the morning. Wear comfortable shoes and let the operator know any dietary needs when you book.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the wines in each of Nelson's three sub-regions?

Moutere is known for crisp chardonnays, Waimea produces aromatic pinot gris, and Coastal Tasman specializes in bold reds. The guide explains the character of each area as you taste.

Does the tour include lunch, or do I need to pay separately?

Lunch is included and served as a gourmet vineyard meal where local flavours are paired with the region's wines. Light refreshments and bottled water are also provided throughout the day.

What time does the tour start and when will I be back at my hotel?

Hotel pickup is included in the booking. The full experience runs six hours, so you'll be returned to your accommodation by early afternoon.

Do I need to know about wine to enjoy this tour?

No. The local guide explains what you're tasting at each stop, so it works whether you're new to wine or already familiar with it. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is there a minimum age for this tour?

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to participate in the wine tastings.