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 10 Great Winery Tours in New Zealand.
Table of Contents
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. This historic estate, nestled in the majestic marl soils of Blenheim’s southern hills, offers an intimate and polished tasting experience.
Sample handcrafted, small-batch wines that showcase the terroir, including barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (“Cob Cottage”), Pinot Noir (“Hawk Hill”), and method ancestrale sparkling.
The Cowley family, passionate about preserving the site’s rich heritage, welcomes visitors for guided tastings and seasonal vineyard tours. We love how they’ve beautifully restored the 19th-century cottage, providing a perfect backdrop for wine enthusiasts who appreciate authenticity and history.
The panoramic vineyard views are simply breathtaking, making Auntsfield a must-visit for any wine lover in Blenheim.
Location: 270 Paynters Road, Southern Valleys
© MarlboroughNZ.com2. Wither Hills
As one of Marlborough’s largest producers, Wither Hills offers a polished cellar-door experience just a stone’s throw from Blenheim. We’re big fans of their classic range and premium Single Vineyard labels, featuring popular varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
Open daily, this picturesque spot combines relaxed sophistication with live entertainment, ideal for both gastronomes and casual visitors.
Pop in for wine tastings and seasonal lunches seven days a week, or indulge in Friday and Saturday dinners at their restaurant overlooking the stunning vineyards. With exceptional views of the Richmond Ranges, Wither Hills is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts in Blenheim.
Location: 211 New Renwick Road
© MarlboroughNZ.com3. Saint Clair Family Estate
Situated just east of Blenheim, Saint Clair Family Estate is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. This family-owned winery, established in 1994, has gained global recognition for its exceptional Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Their portfolio now includes the acclaimed Pioneer Block and Origin series, elegant Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and seasonal blends.
The modern cellar door at Saint Clair invites visitors to indulge in wine-and-food pairing experiences at the Vineyard Kitchen. Here, you can savour curated menus featuring local produce while enjoying stunning vineyard views.
With its trophy-laden wines and welcoming tastings, Saint Clair marries style, consistency, and culinary excellence in a truly memorable Marlborough experience.
Location: 13 Selmes Road, Rapaura
© MarlboroughNZ4. Brancott Estate
Located on a hillside with panoramic views of vineyards and mountains, Brancott Estate offers a refined wine experience just 15 minutes from Blenheim. As pioneers of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, this Pernod Ricard brand showcases one of the best in the region.
Visitors can indulge in guided tastings, featuring flights of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, or enjoy seasonal food pairings in the elegant Heritage Centre.
For a more inclusive experience, try the vineyard tours or unique falconry displays. We love the sophisticated ambience, perfect for those seeking a special wine-tasting adventure in Marlborough.
Location: 180 Brancott Road, Fairhall
© MarlboroughNZ.com5. Rock Ferry Cellar Door
Immerse yourself in the organic wine experience at Rock Ferry’s Cellar Door. This family-owned estate, dedicated to sustainable viticulture across four Marlborough vineyards, offers a delightful tasting journey.
Savour a diverse range of varietals, from classic Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir to experimental blends like their award-winning Orchard Pinot Rosé. The relaxed garden setting provides the perfect backdrop for knowledgeable staff to share stories about the vineyard’s heritage and eco-friendly practices.
Enhance your visit with seasonal food platters that perfectly complement the wines. Open daily, with hours varying by season: summer 11 am to 4:30 pm, winter 11 am to 4 pm.
Location: 130 Hammerich’s Road
© Pexels6. Hunter’s Wines
Discover the refined world of Hunter’s Wines, a family-run estate celebrated for its elegant Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. As we discovered first-hand, the cellar door, set in a lovingly restored farmhouse, offers a captivating blend of vintage charm and natural beauty.
We highly recommend their signature MiruMiru™ sparkling wine, which is a must-try for any visitor. Enjoy the atmosphere while tasting, or indulge in light meals on the veranda that overlooks native gardens and an olive grove.
The friendly team’s guidance adds a personal touch to your wine journey, making Hunter’s a standout in Blenheim’s winemaking scene.
Location: 603 Rapaura Road
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking a refined tasting experience in lush surroundings. This iconic winery put Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc on the world map with its flagship wines.
Nestled within beautifully landscaped vineyards, the cellar door offers guided tasting flights and wine-and-food pairings daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
For a delightful summer experience, we can’t get enough of Jack’s Raw Bar, open for seasonal lunches from 12 pm to 3 pm until late April.
Sip on their renowned Sauvignon Blanc, Pelorus sparkling, Te Koko, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir while soaking in breathtaking views of the Richmond Ranges.
Location: 230 Jackson’s Road, Rapaura
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Framingham
Framingham is a boutique Marlborough winery that’s making waves with its exceptional Riesling, particularly the F-Series. But that’s not all, their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and vibrant rosés are equally celebrated.
The cellar door, open daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, offers a delightful tasting experience in a charming wood-panelled room or a sun-drenched courtyard with stunning views over the Wairau Valley.
Wine enthusiasts can explore vintage cellars, admire rotating art displays, join guided tastings, and enjoy seasonal events with live music in the courtyard.
We greatly appreciate their friendly hospitality, extensive wine selection, and focus on terroir. It’s a quirky little winery that excels in the Marlborough wine scene.
Location: 83 Conders Bend Road, Renwick, Marlborough, South Island. Just outside Blenheim.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. No.1 Family Estate
For a truly exclusive sparkling wine experience, don’t miss No.1 Family Estate. Founded by a Champagne-hailing family, this boutique winery focuses solely on méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grapes.
Their signature cuvées, including Cuvée No. 1, Assemblé, and Cuvée Reine, are sure to delight bubbles enthusiasts.
The cellar door offers intimate tastings that dive deep into the sparkling process. Open Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm during winter, it’s perfect for a refined weekend outing.
While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend booking ahead for groups of six or more to ensure a spot at this popular Blenheim winery.
Location: 169 Rapaura Road, Rapaura
© Pexels10. Allan Scott Family Winemakers
Allan Scott Family Winemakers offers a delightful blend of innovative winemaking and warm hospitality. This charming family-run winery boasts an impressive portfolio, from their vibrant Sauvignon Blanc to aromatic Gewürztraminer and elegant sparkling Cecilia.
The inviting cellar door welcomes visitors for tastings, while the on-site restaurant serves standout dishes like seafood chowder.
We love relaxing in the courtyard or by the fire, soaking in the excellent vineyard views. It’s the perfect spot to combine great wine with laid-back dining, open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Location: Jacksons Road, Rapaura
© MarlboroughNZMore About Blenheim
That’s it for our guide to the best wineries in Blenheim; for more information about wine tasting and exploring New Zealand’s wine regions, check out the following articles:
For a comprehensive list of must-see attractions, we personally recommend checking out our Top 10 Natural Attractions in Marlborough.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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