Where to Drink Wine in Blenheim
In the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region, Blenheim is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs and casual wine-drinkers alike. Within only a 20-minute drive of the town, there is a myriad of wineries to choose from. Most cellar doors in Blenheim and Marlborough are open year-round so you can enjoy internationally-acclaimed wines right at the source. Because there are around 37 wineries in the area, we’ll make your decision fatigue a little less exhausting with this list of the best (in our opinion) wineries in Blenheim.
While you’re here, you might also like 10 Blenheim Must-Dos and 9 Great Winery Tours in New Zealand.
1. Auntsfield
On the site of Marlborough’s first vineyard established in 1873, Auntsfield is a great place to start a winery crawl around the region. Sample handcrafted wines at this popular little winery open for tastings between November and March.
Location: 270 Paynters Road
2. Wither Hills
One of the closest wineries to the town of Blenheim, Wither Hills Cellar Door & Restaurant is open daily, seven days a week. Pop in for a tasting or a leisurely lunch while enjoying exceptional views of the Richmond Ranges.
Location: 211 New Renwick Road
3. Saint Clair Family Estate
Situated just east of Blenheim, the Saint Clair Family Estate’s Vineyard Kitchen is well worth visiting to dine among the vines! Their ever-changing menu reflects seasonal produce paired with award-winning wines and local craft beers.
Location: Corner of Rapaura and Selnes Road
4. Brancott Estate
Perched on a hillside overlooking vineyards and the surrounding mountains, Brancott Estate is definitely a winery to save for a special occasion. The cellar door is open daily and offers additional experiences, from falconry displays to vineyard bike tours. What’s more, the cellar door is only a 15-minute drive from Blenheim.
Location: 2 Brancott Road
5. Rock Ferry Cellar Door & Cafe
Enjoy the warm and homely feel of the Rock Ferry’s Cellar Door & Cafe. Indulge in seasonally-inspired food and organic wines in the garden or former home of the winery’s owner. The cellar door is open daily, while the cafe is open for lunch from 11.30am to 3pm.
Location: 80 Hammerich’s Road
6. Hunter’s Wines
Take a walk through the beautiful native gardens of Hunter’s Wines cellar door. There’s an art gallery on-site, as well as tastings of award-winning wines. The Garden Cafe is also open for lunch during summer.
Location: 603 Rapaura Road
7. Cloudy Bay
Summer is best spent out at Jack’s Raw Bar at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Enjoy the views of the Richmond Ranges and the surrounding vines. When winter comes, their cosy cellar door with a fireplace is a great place to warm up with a glass of wine. Find out more about the New Zealand seasons here.
Location: Jacksons Road
8. Framingham
A funky little winery, Framingham does fantastic Reisling which you can try at their cellar door. Wander into the wine cellar for their mini-museum or sit outside among the roses in their sheltered courtyard.
Location: Conders Bend Road
9. Giesen Wines
Sample wines which can be found in around 30 different countries, relax in the courtyard with a lunch platter or take in the charming and characterful decor at the Giesen’s Wines cellar door. This winery is a favourite on many of the wine tours operating in the Marlborough region.
Location: 26 Rapaura Road
10. No.1 Family Estate
For a more “exclusive” feeling experience, try No.1 Family Estate. This boutique family-owned winery produces limited edition Methode Traditionellewines grown especially to make this style of wine. The cellar door is one daily.
Location: 169 Rapaura Road
More About Blenheim
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.