New Zealand

Wine Trail Magic

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Detailed Itinerary

Highlights: Marlborough is now known as one of the world's top ten wine regions. Experience the dramatic transformation of the ‘fruit of the vine' to today's bottle of wine, on a Marlborough Wine Trail Tour by bicycle.

Enjoy a leisurely cycle each day (20-30 kms), while your luggage is transported ahead to your next accommodation. The wineries you visit will be happy to deliver any bottles you purchase throughout your day to your accommodation. Experience a choice of superb dinner venues.

Itinerary

Day 1         Arrival in Blenheim

Blenheim in the heart of New Zealand's Marlborough district is a busy country town full of interesting shops and cafe's.  An hour's stroll will take you from historical buildings to modern architecture. Nearby Pollard Park has wonderful gardens, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and fitness trail.

Hotel d`Urville, is a fine & elegant boutique hotel situated within the historic Public Trust Building in the center of Blenheim. We suggest you spend the afternoon exploring the local area. For an excellent evening meal in a delightful setting, the d`Urville Wine Bar and Brasserie may be just the perfect place.

Day 2           Blenheim to The Bell Tower

We suggest you start your first cycling day in a leisurely fashion.

Your destination today is a boutique lodge, situated amid stunning scenery overlooking Marlborough's vineyards. En route, why not cycle to the Wither Hills Walkway and enjoy a brisk walk to the Lookout?  From here you have an excellent view over Blenheim and the Wairau Plains.

Then cycle half way back, turn left into New Renwick Road and after a couple of kms, left again into Ben Morven Road, which starts off very flat but gradually takes you to the elevated site of Fran Maguire`s Pottery studio.  Fran is an artist with a passion for clay and food, which is reflected in her brightly coloured, unique tableware.

Visit Villa Maria Estate on Paynters Road before turning left into New Renwick Road where you can visit Matua Marlborough and Fromm Winery, which are two well established vineyards.

Then take a late lunch at the Tuscan style Highfield Estate Winery. Arrive at The Bell Tower Boutique Lodge on Dog Point early afternoon ready to be spoiled.

Cycling Distance: approx 25km

Day 3         The Bell Tower to Old Saint Mary's Convent

Wake to the calls of a host of native songbirds.  Enjoy a delicious breakfast and prepare yourself for a day of quality wine tasting.

Cycling from The Bell Tower Boutique Lodge, turn left into Dog Point Road, then right onto Hawkesbury Road and left to Middle Renwick Road. On your left is Waihopai Valley Road, where you can explore Grove Mill winery with its award winning wines, extensive wine library and Gallery. Seresin Estate in Bedford Road is another exciting and stylish winery. Only the grapes grown on the estate are used in the production of the wine.

Framingham Wine Company on Conders Bend Road is a ‘must see' with Rex Brooke Taylor being a terrific host.

Then turn right onto Highway 6, and make your way to Cellier le Brun with its unique underground cellars. It is a perfect place to have lunch before you go back along Highway 6 to Forrest Estate, which is run by John & Brigid Forrest who produce and market their own diverse range of wines.  

Perhaps call in at the well known Hunter's winery on Rapaura Rd before continuing on to the charming and character-full Old Saint Mary's Convent built in 1901.  We suggest your dinner venue tonight be Gibbs Restaurant. Your hosts will be happy to assist with a reservation and transport.

Cycling Distance:      approx 20km

Day 4         Old Saint Mary's Convent to The Peppertree

Your route today will offer at least four other vineyards of note. At the family owned Allan Scott Winery in Jackson Road taste  premium award-winning wines in a unique setting. Just opposite is the winery that took New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc wine from "curiosity to respectability" - Cloudy Bay.

Then turn left into Old Renwick Road and left again into Hammerichs Road to visit Drylands Estate, which  offers  state-of-the-art  wine  production. Saint Clair, back on the corner of Rapaura and Selmes Road is a good place for lunch, before the final stop for the day which could be ‘Price`s Traditional Country Preserves'.

If you wish this to be your last day's cycling, follow the route map via Dwers & Thompsons Roads to Spokesman Cycles in Blenheim, where you can leave your bikes (by 4.30pm please). From there, you can ring Werner at the Peppertree and ask him to transfer you to his gracious Edwardian Villa.

Alternatively, cycle to ‘The Peppertree' via the scenic route. From Thompsons Road go straight ahead into Murphy's Road which leads into Batty's Road. Then turn left into Alabama Road until you reach State Highway 1, where you turn right and cycle approximately 1km (this short section of road can be busy). The Peppertree entrance will be on your right hand side. Enjoy your last evening at this historic Homestead.

There are many good restaurants to choose locally or let your hosts Heidi and Werner know that you would like to have dinner at their place.

Cycling Distance: approx 25km

Day 5         Departure from Blenheim 

Enjoy a country style breakfast in the rich ambience of the dining room and stroll around the lovely garden before your tour ends.

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