Picton Guide

Picton Local Produce & Winery Tours: Taste Marlborough

Discover Picton's culinary heart and renowned vineyards on immersive local produce and winery tours, a true taste of Marlborough's finest.

12+ tours
From $$75
3-5 hours

Picton, the gateway to New Zealand's stunning Marlborough Sounds, is not just about its breathtaking waterways. Just a short journey from this picturesque port town lie rolling vineyards and fertile lands that produce some of the country's most celebrated wines and artisanal foods. Local produce and winery tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into this rich agricultural landscape, connecting you directly with the passionate people behind the flavors. These excursions go beyond a simple tasting, providing insights into sustainable farming practices, the intricacies of winemaking, and the vibrant local food scene. Imagine strolling through sun-drenched vineyards, learning about the terroir that shapes the iconic Sauvignon Blanc, or visiting small-batch producers crafting exceptional Pinot Noir. Complementing the wine experience, many tours highlight the region's fresh produce, from succulent seafood plucked from the surrounding bays to award-winning cheeses and farm-fresh seasonal fruits. These tours are designed for those who appreciate quality, sustainability, and the authentic taste of a region. They are a fantastic way to explore the Marlborough region at your own pace, uncovering the stories and the people that make its culinary offerings so special. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious foodie, a local produce and winery tour from Picton promises a deeply satisfying and flavourful adventure.

Featured Local Produce & Winery Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for local produce & winery tours in Picton

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton
From $108.68

Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough wine region visiting approximately three to four wineries. A lunch stop is not included in this tour so it is advised that you have something to eat prior to joining the tour so you can enjoy tasting a range of stunning Marlborough wines. Flexibility is the key, and we will always do our best to include any requests you may have or let the experts select some fabulous wineries for you to visit for the afternoon.

4.9(147)
3h
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Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour
From $146.86
Free Cancellation

Tour with an experienced wine guide to the famous cellar doors of Marlborough on this approx. 5-hour shore excursion from Picton to Blenheim. Compare the aromas of Marlborough's finest wines and taste the passion that goes into every bottle. You will visit four to five wineries ranging from the internationally famous to boutique, family-run wineries. One stop will be at a vineyard restaurant for lunch (at own cost) as well as a wine tasting. Finish the day with a nibble of hand made gourmet chocolates at a chocolate factory.

4.8(161)
4h
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Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough
From $76.08
Free Cancellation

This tour is one you design yourself. Use our timetable and descriptions of venues to decide where you want to hop off. Then when you're there, most venues have special discounts for you as a passenger on Hop on Hop off. If you’re not a drinker then there is still plenty on offer with a fantastic range of other activities such as museums, bike tours, chocolate shop, and amazing food to be sampled. • Get to your choice of some of Marlborough's best wineries safely and with ease • Great way to go wine tasting without a car or designated driver • Choice of a half-day afternoon or full-day ticket • Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences

4.5(46)
1h 30m
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Marlborough Wine Region Tour from the Port of Picton
From $173.3
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a 4-5 hour fun tour with a local chauffeur/guide departing from the Port of Picton with a scenic journey to the Marlborough Wine region. Taste award winning local wines, delicious gourmet treats and view stunning landscapes as you travel from place to place. Each cellar door offers unique styles and of course some famous Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. There is time to visit 3-4 wineries on your tour. Savour local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking the stunning Wairau Valley. Returning to Picton in plenty of time for your ships scheduled departure you might like to include a short return drive to see spectacular views from a great look out of Picton Port, your ship and the sparkling Queen Charlotte Sound.

4.4(87)
4h
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Marlborough Wine Tour - Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Tour
From $167.43
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Discover Marlborough's Hidden Wine Treasures with Our Relaxed Tours Join us for a delightful journey through Marlborough, a region renowned for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, which accounts for 84% of our production. However, there's so much more to discover beyond this iconic varietal! Our tours celebrate the rich diversity of Marlborough’s wine scene, showcasing beautiful Aromatics, elegant Pinot Noir, vibrant Chardonnay, and exquisite Methode Traditionnelle "Bubbles." Whether you're a wine aficionado or simply looking to explore, we aim to find a variety that perfectly suits your palate. We believe in quality over quantity, so our tours are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, allowing you to savor each moment. You’ll visit up to three to 4 unique Cellar Doors, each offering a distinct experience and an opportunity to taste the finest grape varieties Marlborough has to offer, one will be offering a vineyard a la cart lunch or for our shorter tours a beautiful vineyard platter.

4.8(25)
4h
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Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton
From $1,113.23
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  Enjoy the wineries or mix and match the day with exciting options. From the Port of Picton your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the Picton Visitors Centre near the vehicle to take you on a scenic journey through to Blenheim and the famous wine region. Savour our local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking our stunning Wairau Valley. Later, visit a chocolate boutique. Ride with peace of mind with flexible drop off to suit your ships scheduled departure. This tour has been created due to the demand for larger but small personal groups of a maximum of 11. A comfortable 11 seat Mini Tour Van is provided for your pleasure.

4.8(4)
4h
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Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton
From $1,054.48
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  Enjoy the wineries or mix and match the day with exciting options. From the Port of Picton your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the Picton I Site car park near the vehicle to take you on a scenic journey through to Blenheim and the famous wine region. Savour our local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking our stunning Wairau Valley. Later, visit a chocolate boutique. Ride with peace of mind with flexible drop off to suit your ships scheduled departure.

4.2(5)
6h
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Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch
From $223.23
Free Cancellation

Experience 'The Ultimate Marlborough Day Out', on this full day, small group tour. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, aboard Beachcomber Cruises catamaran* and get to see the historic Ship Cove, where Captain Cook anchored way back in 1770. Returning to shore around 12.30pm, The Original Marlborough Wine tours will pick you up and take you on your wine tour. At the first winery enjoy a shared platter lunch. After lunch you will get to visit a couple more wineries with a chance to try some more of the wines produced here. This is while you are relaxing, savouring and enjoying this beautiful Marlborough region. If you are located outside of the Picton area we may be able to transfer you to the start point for an additional fee, please contact us to find out. * The boat cruise is provided by Beachcomber Cruises on their Ships Cove Cruise and is generally a large boat for 80 pax ( winter the boat will be smaller).

4.6(26)
8h
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Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Picton
From $173.3
Free Cancellation

You will experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and delicious gourmet treats on this relaxing tour departing Picton, offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine region in New Zealand. A variety of options can also be included for heritage, ocean views and local craft hot spots. Your tour departs from Picton at 9:20am and a door to door service is provided from and to your accommodation. You travel in a small personal group of no more than 6 giving you a very personal group experience and a chance to meet like-minded travelers. All wine tasting fees are included and any personal requests or recommended hot spots are welcomed. Savor local cuisine at our winery venues (at your own cost). Enjoy the most popular wines Sauvignon and Pinot Noir and other wine varietals that grow well in our region. Your local chauffeur/guide has knowledge and experience to share with you and will create a fun and memorable day just for you.

4.8(9)
6h
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Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton
From $936.99
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine with your experienced local chauffeur/guide who will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Picton. Your interests are the priority for the day and can also include the Heritage Air Museum, award winning gardens, local producers of crafts and talented artisans. Your tour is custom-made especially for you. Your chauffeur/guide is a local with experience and knowledge to ensure you receive the very best Marlborough has to offer. Your tour will be in a comfortable 6 seat vehicle with wide window view advantages. Tours depart from Picton at 9:30 am or can be flexible to suit your own schedule.

4.3(4)
6h
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Transfers from Blenheim or Picton to Kaikoura
From $760.76
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Your Local Guide and Chauffeur in Marlborough New Zealand will create the perfect private tour for your South Island getaway. Specialising in Top of The South day trips from Blenheim to Picton and the surrounding Marlborough Sounds, Havelock, Nelson and Kaikoura,  Exciting custom itineraries are planned for you incorporating your own requests and itineraries, to take advantage of local knowledge and experience for easy planning for your stay. Spend a fabulous day tasting Marlborough's sensational wines, gourmet cuisine and the stunning scenic views before taking advantage of another day trip of your choice.  Whale watching, frolicking baby seals, dive with dolphins, mussel cruises, jet boating thrills, scenic drives around the bays, talented artisans and loads more. Discover the essence of Marlborough with your own local chauffeur tour guide and save time, see more and be safe on New Zealand's roads.

3h
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Private Tour: Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton
From $584.52
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 10:20am and returning at 4:30pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance. Your tour is custom-made to include any of your requests and your chauffeur/guide can recommend the very best highlights of Marlborough. Our local cuisine at our winery cafes and restaurants is a total experience where you could taste our local mussels and salmon. Lunch is at your cost, however all wine tasting fees are included.

5.0(4)
5h 30m
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Why Choose Local Produce & Winery Tours in Picton?

Scenic Vineyards

Explore the picturesque rolling hills of Marlborough, dotted with world-class vineyards.

Award-Winning Wines

Sample acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and other varietals directly from the source.

Fresh Local Flavors

Taste artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce unique to the Marlborough region.

Meet the Makers

Engage with passionate winemakers, farmers, and food producers who share their craft.

Sustainable Practices

Learn about the region's commitment to environmentally friendly viticulture and agriculture.

Authentic Experiences

Gain genuine insights into the local culture and culinary traditions beyond the usual tourist path.

Types of Local Produce & Winery Tours in Picton

Vineyard Hopping & Tasting Tours

These tours focus on visiting multiple renowned wineries in the Marlborough region. You'll typically spend time at each location, learning about their specific grape varietals, winemaking philosophy, and of course, enjoying guided tastings.

Multiple winery visitsGuided wine tastingsVineyard walksInformation on terroirVarietal specific focus

Marlborough Food & Wine Trails

Combining the best of both worlds, these tours weave together visits to vineyards with stops at local producers. Expect to sample artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, farm-fresh produce, and other regional delicacies, often paired with local wines.

Winery visitsLocal producer tastings (cheese, seafood)Seasonal produce samplingFood pairing insightsCulinary exploration

Farm Gate & Artisan Experiences

For a truly grassroots experience, these tours focus on smaller, often family-run operations. You'll visit farms, orchards, or artisan food producers, learning about their methods and enjoying direct sales and tastings of their unique products, often accompanied by wine.

Small producer focusFarm tours & insightsArtisan food samplingDirect purchase opportunitiesPersonalized interactions

What to Expect on Picton Local Produce & Winery Tours

Duration

Most tours range from 3 to 5 hours, allowing for a thorough yet manageable exploration of the wineries and local produce offerings.

Weather

Marlborough experiences four distinct seasons. Tours operate year-round, but checking the forecast and dressing in layers is always advisable, especially for vineyard walks.

Group Size

Group sizes can vary. Some tours cater to larger groups, while others focus on intimate experiences with fewer than 10 participants for a more personalized feel.

What's Included

Typically includes transport, guided tastings at selected wineries, and samples of local produce. Some tours may include a light lunch or specific food pairings. Always check the specific tour details.

Meeting Point

Tours usually depart from a central meeting point in Picton, often near the i-SITE Visitor Centre or ferry terminal. Some operators may offer hotel pick-ups, so confirm this when booking.

Additional Costs

While tastings and samples are usually included, you may wish to purchase bottles of wine or local produce to take home. Allow for extra budget for these souvenirs.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book in advance, especially during peak season (December to February), as popular tours fill up quickly.

2

Consider a mid-week tour for potentially smaller group sizes and a more relaxed atmosphere.

3

Pace yourself with tastings. Most tours offer generous pours, so enjoy them mindfully.

4

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when moving between indoor tastings and outdoor vineyard explorations.

5

Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely be doing some walking, whether it's through vineyards or around market stalls.

6

Have an open mind and be ready to try new flavors; Marlborough's culinary scene is full of surprises.

7

Check the specific cancellation policies of tour operators before booking, especially if your travel plans are flexible.

8

Don't be afraid to ask questions! The winemakers and producers are passionate about their craft and happy to share their knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I book a private winery tour from Picton?

A: Yes, many operators offer private tour options. These can be tailored to your specific interests, whether it's focusing on particular wine styles, visiting smaller boutique wineries, or arranging a more extensive culinary experience.

Q:What is the best time of year to visit for winery tours?

A: The harvest season (February to April) is a vibrant time, with beautiful autumn colors. However, Marlborough is a fantastic destination year-round. Summer (December to February) offers warm weather for vineyard strolls, and spring (September to November) sees the vines coming to life.

Q:Are these tours suitable for non-wine drinkers?

A: Many tours focus heavily on wine, but some incorporate broader culinary aspects like cheese, seafood, and local produce, which can be enjoyed by everyone. It's worth checking the specific itinerary or contacting the tour operator to see if they can accommodate varying preferences.

Q:How do I get to the wineries from Picton?

A: Most tours include transportation from a central Picton meeting point. This is a great benefit as it allows you to fully enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving. Some tours might offer accommodation pick-ups.

Q:Can I buy wine directly from the wineries?

A: Absolutely! Wineries are happy for you to purchase bottles to take home. Many tours will offer to hold your purchases until the end of the tour, making it easier to carry them back to Picton.

Q:What kind of food can I expect to taste?

A: You can expect a range of local delicacies. This often includes award-winning Marlborough cheeses, fresh mussels and oysters from the nearby Sounds, seasonal fruits like berries and stone fruits, and sometimes locally produced olive oils or other artisanal products.

Don't Miss the Perfect Picton Experience

Book your local produce & winery tours today - 12+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Picton?

Explore the historic charm and scenic beauty surrounding Picton.

Discover charming heritage buildings and the rich rural history of the area.

Enjoy easy access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures near Picton.

Immerse yourself in a region with significant colonial heritage and local stories.

Experience genuine country hospitality and the laid-back lifestyle of Picton.

Uncover a peaceful escape with a blend of history and natural allure.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Picton experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, though autumn can be slightly drier. Summers are generally pleasant, with occasional heatwaves, while winters can be crisp and chilly, sometimes bringing frost.

Best Months

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are often considered the best months to visit Picton, offering mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic beauty without the summer heat or winter chill.

Peak Season

Summer (December to February) is the peak season in Picton, characterized by warm to hot weather ideal for outdoor adventures. Expect larger crowds and potentially higher accommodation prices during this period.

Off Season

Winter (June to August) is the off-season in Picton. While cooler, it offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists and potentially lower prices, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway and cozy pub evenings.

Plan Your Picton Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Picton is most convenient with a private vehicle, allowing you to explore the town's historic streets and surrounding natural attractions at your own pace. Public transport options are limited; local bus services connect some areas, but timetables can be infrequent. For day trips to nearby natural reserves or towns, a car is essential. Taxis are available but may require advance booking, especially during weekends or local events. Consider this when planning your exploration of Picton and its beautiful environs.

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Where to Stay

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