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Introduction: From the heights of the Richmond Ranges in the West to the gentle slopes of the Wither Hills in the south, the sun drenches the alluvial plains surrounding the Wairau River, where row upon row of grapevines, predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, flourish in New Zealand’s largest wine growing region. Together with the slightly cooler Awatere Valley to the south, the Marlborough region boasts 236 square kilometres of vineyards, its zesty, herbaceous sauvignon blancs the result of sunny summer days, cool nights, and a lengthy growing season. You’ll find most of the Wairau Valley vineyards clustered in a compact geographical area, near the region’s commercial hub, Blenheim. Lunching at one of the several vineyards where on-site restaurants and cafés match each course with wines from the cellar door is a halcyon way to spend the afternoon. Tours offering transport ranging from bicycle to luxury coach allow visitors to join a group, or you can visit the cellar doors independently. The Marlborough Wine Festival, held each February to celebrate this heritage, is one of the year’s highlights. The Marlborough region also draws those wishing to enjoy ‘the great outdoors’. The Marlborough Sounds are perfect for kayaking, fishing, tramping, horse trekking and mountain biking, while inland there’s the Wither Hills Farm Park, the Mt Richmond Forest Park, and the Pelorus Scenic Reserve to explore. Trout fishermen will enjoy pursuing the Wairau River’s brown and rainbow trout, and the region boasts many outstanding gardens to visit. Enjoying a glass of the famed sauvignon blanc is the perfect end to a day spent exploring the region’s natural delights.
BLENHEIM
In stark contrast to the remoteness and undeveloped splendour of the Marlborough Sounds and the nearby Kaikoura Coast, this prosperous centre has grown alongside the burgeoning local wine industry into an urbane city lined with wide footpaths and dotted with city parks. The commercial hub of the wine region, Blenheim lazes on the sun-soaked Wairau Plains, only 29km from Picton. As well as the local vineyards, Blenheim has numerous gardens of note to visit, while the Wither Hills Farm Park, a working sheep and cattle farm administered by Marlborough District Council, offers over 50km of walking and mountain biking tracks. On the southern edge of town, the Brayshaw Heritage Park sits alongside the Marlborough Museum. This turn-of-the-century heritage street has been recreated using relocated colonial buildings, while the Museum houses local archives, vintage farm machinery and the recently opened Wine Exhibition.
Allan Scott Wines and Estate
Seresin Estate