Marlborough Wine Region

Marlborough, spread across sunny valleys at the northeastern corner of the South Island, is New Zealand's largest and most famous wine region, and it is the place that put the country on the world's wine map, for it was here that a bright, aromatic style of Sauvignon Blanc emerged in the 1970s and 80s that became one of the most recognisable wines anywhere. The region's long sunshine hours, cool nights and free-draining soils suit it perfectly, and dozens of cellar doors are scattered across the Wairau and Awatere valleys around the town of Blenheim, many offering tastings, vineyard restaurants and the chance to cycle between them on flat wine trails. Marlborough also makes fine Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, and its reach extends to the labyrinthine, forested waterways of the Marlborough Sounds nearby, so a visit can combine wine tasting with kayaking, walking and boat trips on the coast.

What's there

• The cellar doors - dozens of wineries to taste at across the valleys.
• Sauvignon Blanc - the region's signature wine, tasted at its source.
• Cycling the wine trails - the flat routes linking vineyards by bike.
• The Marlborough Sounds - the forested coastal waterways nearby for boating and walking.

When to go

November to April is warm and sunny, ideal for touring the vineyards and cycling; autumn brings the harvest and golden vines. Many cellar doors and vineyard restaurants keep seasonal hours, busiest in summer. Booking a driver or tour lets everyone taste, and the flat terrain makes cycling between wineries easy.

Things to know

Tasting means drinking, so plan transport: cycling suits the flat valleys, or take a tour or driver, as drink-driving laws are strict and enforced. Some cellar doors now charge tasting fees, often waived with a purchase. It is a working farming region rather than a manicured tourist strip, which is part of its charm. Pairing it with the Sounds makes a richer trip than wine alone.

Nearby

The Picton ferry to Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds are close; Kaikōura lies down the coast to the south.