After another epic weekend away in Marlborough, I thought I’d share a few tips so you can plan a cool trip to one of our most special regions!
I’ve spent a few weekends in Marlborough the past couple of years and every time I go there, I fall in love with the region even more. The Chateau Marlborough is a really lovely hotel to stay at right in the heart of Blenheim. Marlborough Vintners Hotel has stunning suites located amongst the vines and is just a short drive out of Blenheim.
If you’re a gin lover like me, then a trip to meet Ben at Elemental Distillers is a must.
The small team make Roots Marlborugh Dry Gin, and the way they get this gin into a bottle couldn’t be more Kiwi if it tried. Distilled by hand from six botanicals, including grapefruit from Gisborne, coriander seed from Hawke’s Bay, organic Motueka Hops, wild foraged gorse flower and wild Kawakawa fruit. How good!
Did someone say wine? Because Marlborough has one or two wineries on offer too (ok I say one or two, I really mean you’d probably need a week to get around the world class cellar doors dotted around the region).
Luckily, I have been to one or two, so here are some of the ones I’ve visited and can highly recommend:
Wither Hills Cellar Door and Restaurant.
Fromm Winery.
Forrest Winery.
Saint Claire Family Estate.
Waiau River Estate.
I’m acutely aware there are many more. So don’t worry, in the name of research I will go back and provide updates as they come to hand!
Food? Yes there is SO MUCH FOOD. Marlborough does food like it does wine – very very well! A couple of highlights are Arbour (an absolute must) and Scotch Wine Bar. It’s important for me to note that the food at all the wineries I’ve mentioned is absolutely delicious too. The region really takes pride in sourcing produce locally, and it makes you realise it’s as much a foodies heaven as it is for the wine lovers.
A big shout out must go to The Burleigh Gourmet Pies – the team there pump out delicious pies to the point they were actually at one point ranked the best “restaurant” in Blenheim on TripAdvisor!
Gosh, have we got time for more? We sure do! I would highly recommend a trip out to Pukatea/Whites Bay. It’s the most stunning beach and is just 20 minutes from Blenheim. And, if you feel so inclined to run a half marathon, the Saint Clair Half is back in May 2021. It is such a fun event which caters for anyone (you can walk it, dress up, taste wine along the way).
Stay on the lookout for Feast Marlborough’s next event too. My most recent trip was for the Bayleys Friday Night Feast which celebrates Marlborough’s finest produce and is the ultimate food lovers festival. Absolutely love me a bit of Marlborough.
By Brodie Kane