Where to Wine in Marlborough
If you only know one thing about Marlborough in New Zealand, it’s probably that it has a whole lot of vineyards. It’s true, Marlborough produces 75% of New Zealand’s wines and is the home of most of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc.
While the “Sav” is a must-try at any winery, you’ll also find that the 37 cellar doors around the region also serve other mouthwatering varietals. So get on your bike or join a Marlborough winery tour and discover some of the best (in our opinion) wineries in Marlborough!
While you’re here, you might also like 10 Marlborough Must-Dos and 10 Blenheim Must-Dos.
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1. Framingham Wines
Reisling and rock come together at this awesome little winery in Renwick. Framingham has some of the oldest Riesling vines in Marlborough.
Nestled in 17 hectares of vineyards and beautifully manicured gardens, the cellar door offers spectacular views of the Richmond Ranges.
We appreciate their diverse selection, which includes four types of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Montepulciano, and Pinot Noir.
Tastings can be enjoyed in the deco-style, wooden-panelled tasting room or the sheltered courtyard, decorated with paving stones engraved with rock music lyrics.
For a unique experience, venture downstairs to explore the cellar where vintages past and present are kept.
Location: 19 Conders Bend Road, Renwick, Marlborough, South Island. 10 minutes’ drive from Blenheim on the main road to Nelson.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Bladen Wines
Nestled in the heart of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, Bladen Wines offers a unique and intimate wine tasting experience.
Established in 1989 and still proudly family-owned, this boutique winery invites visitors to explore their outstanding range of wines through hosted tastings that intertwine history and sentimentality.
The charming tasting room opens onto a trellised courtyard, where you can relax in Cape Cod chairs under the shade of an elm tree. Bladen’s impressive lineup includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir Rosé, and their aromatic blend “The Sum of Us.”
With no bookings required for tastings at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, it’s a delightfully different experience from the rest of the valley.
Location: 83 Conders Bend Road, Renwick, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Nautilus Estate
Stop by for an artisan cheese platter picnic, picnic blankets included, paired with award-winning wines at the Nautilus Estate. Try the Cuvee Sparkling Wine, the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay or Pinot Noirs.
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the relaxed and informal tasting experience at Nautilus Estate’s beautifully refurbished cellar door.
Open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, the friendly staff offer guests a tasting of four wines from their portfolio of current release Nautilus wines.
We can’t get enough of their delicious platters showcasing local produce, perfect for pairing with their award-winning wines. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and savour the flavours of Marlborough.
Location: 12 Rapaura Road, Renwick, Marlborough, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Cloudy Bay Vineyards
A great vineyard to hit during the summer, Cloudy Bay offers light lunches and tasting at their Jack’s Raw Bar. Indulge in fine wines while enjoying the views of the Richmond Ranges.
The Cellar Door, cosy in winter and airy in summer, showcases the winery’s strong sense of place. We’re big fans of their light lunches, especially the freshly shucked Marlborough oysters and Cloudy Bay clams at Jack’s Raw Bar.
Sip on a glass of their iconic Sauvignon Blanc while lounging in the expansive gardens, taking in views of the Estate Vineyard and Richmond Ranges.
For a truly relaxing experience, try one of their unique hanging egg chairs or oversized bean bags. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and savour Marlborough’s finest wines.
Location: Jacksons Road, Blenheim, Marlborough, South Island
© MarlboroughNZ.com6. Wither Hills
One of the closest vineyards to Blenheim, Wither Hills offers a superb cellar door experience with a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The winery is open daily for lunch and wine tastings, with dinner available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
We really enjoy their sharing menu, which pairs wonderfully with their award-winning wines.According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, the Single Vineyard wines are a must-try, capturing the unique character of Marlborough’s best vineyards.
For those looking for a lighter option, the Early Light range at 9.5% alcohol offers a generous taste without the heaviness.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the Core Range, crafted to reflect Marlborough’s distinct terroir. Don’t miss the Cellar Collection for a taste of the winemakers’ experimental side.
Location: 211 New Renwick Road, Blenheim, Marlborough, South Island
© MarlboroughNZ.com7. Huia
A winery with a difference, Huia uses organic and biodynamic techniques to craft great-tasting wines. Try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Chardonnay, as well as their wine under the name of Hunky Dory, made to suit most palettes.
During winter, they offer private tours with advanced bookings essential.
Wine enthusiasts can explore their organic range through relaxed tastings or opt for unique experiences like “The Tieke”, a comprehensive tasting with small bites or “The Pukeko”, an introductory sensory tour perfect for beginners.
Location: 22 Boyces Road, Rapaura, Marlborough, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Spy Valley Wines
Nestled in the picturesque Waihopai Valley, Spy Valley Wines is a 100% family-owned estate established by the Johnsons in the mid-1990s. This award-winning winery now spans 154 hectares, producing flagship Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir alongside an array of other varietals.
The cellar door offers a unique blend of terroir storytelling and sustainable winemaking, set against panoramic vineyard views.
Visitors can indulge in guided tastings, educational tours, and even a VR vineyard experience. Spy Valley’s offerings include their signature Sauvignon Blanc with passionfruit, lime, and floral notes, as well as Envoy & Block releases and rare library wines.
For those seeking something special, don’t miss their sparkling Echelon. The combination of family-run ethos, cutting-edge innovation, and dramatic valley views makes Spy Valley a compelling stop on any Marlborough wine tour.
Location: 37 Lake Timara Road, Renwick, Marlborough, South Island. 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Blenheim.
© Spy Valley Wines9. Wairau River Wines
With wines exclusively sourced from the Rose family estate, Wairau River Wines is 100% Marlborough. Sit in the sun on the lawns or under the verandah as you sample the lunch menu during summer, or cosy up by the fire in winter.
During our last visit, we had the pleasure of tasting a variety of Wairau River’s exceptional wines at their Cellar Door. The winery offers two main estate labels: the White label for larger volume estate blends and the Black label for premium, small-batch wines.
We were particularly intrigued by their unique offerings, including an Albarino (a Spanish grape variety) in the White label and both Syrah and Viognier in the Black label.
Of course, no visit to Marlborough is complete without sampling the region’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc, which makes up a staggering 86% of local wine production.
Location: 11 Rapaura Road, Blenheim, Marlborough, South Island
© MarlboroughNZ10. FROMM Winery
Founded in 1992, FROMM Winery is a boutique Marlborough producer known for its certified organic viticulture. We’re big fans of their expressive Riesling, Pinot Noir and aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.
The cellar door, open Friday to Sunday from 1 to 4 pm (or by appointment), offers a unique experience with its Private Tasting Room overlooking the barrel hall.
During our last visit, we enjoyed sampling current releases and library wines, expertly paired with commentary and snacks.
Don’t miss their textural Sauvignon Blanc, complex Reserve Pinot Noir or late-harvest styles. FROMM’s dedication to sustainability, soil health and elegance makes it a standout boutique visit in Marlborough’s wine scene.
Location: 15 Godfrey Road, Marlborough, South Island.
© FROMM WineryMore About Marlborough
That’s it for our guide to Marlborough wineries; for more information about New Zealand’s wine regions, check out the following articles:
- Mountain Biking in Marlborough
- 10 Awesome Activities in the Marlborough Sounds
- 12 Awesome Hikes in Picton
- The Complete Travel Guide to Picton
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Wine Tours in New Zealand.
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.
