Best Wineries in the Marlborough Region

The Marlborough region is world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, but that’s just the beginning. With over 150 wineries spread across valleys and coastlines, choosing favourites is never easy. Every cellar door has its own story, character, and flavour.

From iconic names known across the globe to boutique cellar doors with family stories woven into every sip, these are the best wineries in the Marlborough region to visit on your next journey.

1. Tohu Wines – A Māori Story Across Marlborough and Abel Tasman

As we mentioned in our Abel Tasman blog, Tohu Wines is one of our absolute favourites. What sets it apart is more than the wine itself — it’s the story. Tohu is the world’s first Māori-owned wine company, weaving together whenua (land), whānau (family) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in every bottle.

Founded in 1998, Tohu represents a new chapter in winemaking, blending cultural heritage with award-winning vintages. While its roots connect to Whakatū (Nelson) and Abel Tasman, its vineyards lie in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, producing outstanding Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Visiting Tohu is as much about honouring history as it is about tasting world-class wines.

⭐ Highlights

• Māori-owned winery with cultural and historical significance
• Award-winning Pinot Noir and crisp Sauvignon Blanc
• Sustainability at the heart of everything they do
• Vineyards in Marlborough, cultural roots in Abel Tasman

2. Cloudy Bay – A Global Icon

Few wineries carry the same reputation as Cloudy Bay, a name that has become synonymous with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc worldwide. Established in 1985, it was one of the first wineries in Marlborough and played a pivotal role in putting the region on the global wine map. Cloudy Bay’s crisp, expressive Sauvignon Blanc quickly became a benchmark for New Zealand wines, admired for its freshness and vibrancy.

Visiting the cellar door is more than a tasting — it’s an experience. Guests are welcomed into stylish indoor spaces and lush garden settings, where glasses are paired with seasonal food menus, vineyard views and an atmosphere that celebrates Marlborough’s wine legacy. For wine lovers from around the world, Cloudy Bay isn’t just a stop — it’s a pilgrimage.

⭐ Highlights

• World-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
• Stylish cellar door with outdoor tasting areas
• Seasonal food and wine pairings in vineyard settings
• One of Marlborough’s most iconic wineries

3. Allan Scott Family Winemakers – Family Tradition

Allan Scott is one of the pioneers of Marlborough wine. As one of the first independent winemakers in the region, Allan Scott planted his first vines in the 1970s and has been shaping the industry ever since. The winery remains family-owned, with a focus on approachable wines that reflect both tradition and innovation.

At the cellar door, visitors are welcomed like old friends. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it easy to explore their range from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to sparkling bubbles. Add in the vineyard’s restaurant, offering vineyard-to-table dishes and you’ll find Allan Scott is as much about hospitality as it is about heritage.

⭐ Highlights

• Family-run vineyard with decades of history
• Sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris
• Relaxed cellar door with friendly hosts
• Great for first-time wine visitors

4. Framingham Wines – Boutique and Bold

Framingham Wines is where creativity and craftsmanship collide. A boutique winery best known for its Riesling, it stands out for its willingness to experiment and push boundaries. Framingham’s small team is passionate about expressive wines, often making small batches that showcase different styles and personalities.

The cellar itself has a unique underground vibe, often doubling as a venue for live music and art events. It’s a winery that feels more like a creative hub than a polished showroom, giving visitors a sense of discovery with every glass poured.

⭐ Highlights

• Boutique winery with experimental edge
• Award-winning Riesling and other aromatic whites
• Live music and events in the cellar
• Creative, welcoming atmosphere

5. Fromm Winery – Biodynamic Heritage

Founded by Swiss winemakers, Fromm Winery is steeped in Old World traditions, carried into Marlborough soils. The focus here is on Pinot Noir and Syrah, produced under biodynamic principles that emphasise natural cycles and sustainability. Each wine reflects a deep respect for the land and a dedication to authenticity.

The cellar door is small, intimate, and personal. Tastings are often guided by knowledgeable staff who share how Fromm’s European roots shaped its New Zealand identity. For those seeking more than a quick tasting, Fromm is an invitation to slow down and savour.

⭐ Highlights

• Swiss heritage winery
• Biodynamic winemaking philosophy
• Known for Pinot Noir and Syrah
• Intimate and personal tasting experiences

6. Huia Vineyards – Organic and Sustainable

Huia Vineyards is a shining example of sustainable winemaking in Marlborough. Family-run and proudly certified organic and biodynamic, Huia focuses on hand-crafted wines that reflect the character of the land. Their Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines are as elegant as they are environmentally conscious.

The vineyard has a welcoming, down-to-earth feel. It’s the kind of place where you can taste the care and attention in every glass, with staff eager to share their ethos of sustainability. For travellers who want their wine choices to align with eco-friendly values, Huia is the perfect stop.

⭐ Highlights

• Certified organic and biodynamic vineyard
• Hand-crafted, small-batch wines
• Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Methode Traditionelle bubbles
• Focus on sustainability and respect for the land

7. Saint Clair Family Estate – Award-Winning Classics

Saint Clair Family Estate has built a reputation as one of Marlborough’s most awarded wineries, consistently recognised for excellence in New Zealand and abroad. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a standout but the estate also produces exceptional Chardonnay and Syrah.

The vineyard kitchen is a highlight, offering hearty, seasonal meals designed to complement their wines. Dining here feels like a celebration of Marlborough itself: simple, fresh, and flavourful. Visiting Saint Clair is like stepping into a winery that knows its strengths and takes pride in sharing them.

⭐ Highlights

• One of Marlborough’s most awarded wineries
• Famous Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah
• Onsite vineyard kitchen for food pairings
• Family-owned with a strong local presence

8. Wither Hills – Iconic Views and Wines

Named after the rolling Wither Hills that form part of Blenheim’s landscape, this winery is one of Marlborough’s best-known names. Wither Hills is famous for its range of wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, paired with a restaurant that looks out across sweeping vineyard views.

The scale of the winery doesn’t detract from its warmth. Visitors can enjoy tastings in elegant indoor spaces or soak in the sunshine from the outdoor terrace. Wither Hills is ideal for those who want both big-name recognition and a setting that showcases Marlborough’s natural beauty.

⭐ Highlights

• Iconic Marlborough name
• Large range of wines including Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc
• Restaurant overlooking vineyard landscapes
• Easy access from Blenheim

9. Nautilus Estate – Refined and Boutique

Nautilus Estate is where precision and passion meet. Known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, Nautilus takes pride in producing wines with balance, structure, and elegance. Their small, boutique approach means that each bottle is carefully crafted.

The cellar door is modern but intimate, offering guided tastings that feel more like conversations than presentations. For those who want to go deeper into Marlborough’s winemaking philosophy, Nautilus delivers refinement without pretension.

⭐ Highlights

• Boutique producer with premium focus
• Outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
• Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines
• Intimate tasting room experience

10. Wairau River Wines – Relaxed Vineyard Dining

Owned and run by the Rose family, Wairau River Wines combines warm hospitality with consistently good wines. Their restaurant is a highlight, offering relaxed vineyard dining where seasonal produce meets carefully paired wines.

The vibe here is laid-back and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for groups, families or travellers who want to linger over lunch in the sun. With its combination of food, wine, and atmosphere, Wairau River is the perfect reminder that great wine experiences don’t need to be rushed.

⭐ Highlights

• Family-owned winery
• Relaxed restaurant with vineyard views
• Well-rounded selection of Marlborough wines
• Great atmosphere for groups and families

11. Clos Henri – A French Touch in Marlborough

Run by the famous Sancerre winemaking family Henri Bourgeois, Clos Henri brings a taste of the Loire Valley to Marlborough. Their wines combine French elegance with New Zealand freshness, making them a unique part of the region’s wine landscape. The vineyard is distinctive, with vines planted on both the Wairau Valley’s free-draining gravels and the clay soils of the southern valleys, producing wines with real depth and character.

The cellar door is set in a charming converted chapel, surrounded by vines, offering a serene and intimate tasting experience. For anyone curious about how French winemaking traditions merge with Marlborough terroir, Clos Henri is a must-visit.

⭐ Highlights

• French-owned winery with Loire Valley heritage
• Stunning converted chapel cellar door
• Elegant Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir with French finesse
• Vineyards across diverse soil types for layered flavours

12. Hunter’s Wines – Pioneering Spirit

Founded by Jane Hunter, known as the “First Lady of New Zealand Wine”, Hunter’s Wines has been at the forefront of Marlborough winemaking since the 1980s. Jane’s leadership helped showcase Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to the world and her winery remains one of the most respected in the region.

The cellar door is warm and welcoming, often featuring local art alongside wine tastings. Hunter’s continues to innovate while staying true to its pioneering roots, offering consistently excellent wines that highlight Marlborough’s strengths.

⭐ Highlights

• Founded by Jane Hunter, a pioneer of Marlborough wine
• Renowned Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
• Welcoming cellar door with local art exhibitions
• Long-standing reputation for quality and consistency

13. Jackson Estate – Elegant and Refined

Jackson Estate has a simple philosophy: respect for the land, people and history of Marlborough. Their wines are known for elegance and balance, with particular strength in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With vineyards that include some of Marlborough’s oldest vines, Jackson Estate combines tradition with modern innovation.

The tasting room, set against the backdrop of century-old gum trees, has a sense of place and timelessness. The team takes pride in sustainable vineyard practices, ensuring that their wines reflect both the land and the people who tend it.

⭐ Highlights

• Historic estate with some of Marlborough’s oldest vines
• Elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Strong commitment to sustainability
• Picturesque setting with iconic gum trees

14. Villa Maria – A Household Name with Marlborough Roots

Though Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s largest and most recognised wineries, its Marlborough vineyards are central to the brand’s identity. Known for producing consistent, high-quality wines across a wide range of varietals, Villa Maria is often the first New Zealand wine many people try abroad.

In Marlborough, their vineyards showcase the region’s classic strengths — crisp Sauvignon Blancs, expressive Pinot Noirs and aromatic whites. Visiting Villa Maria offers a chance to see how scale can still meet quality, with a name that has carried Marlborough wines to tables around the world.

⭐ Highlights

• One of New Zealand’s most recognised wine brands
• Marlborough vineyards central to their success
• Wide range of consistently excellent wines
• International reputation that helped elevate New Zealand wine

Final Thoughts

Exploring the best wineries in the Marlborough region is like taking a journey through landscapes, people and stories poured into every glass. From vineyard icons to Māori-owned pioneers, Marlborough shines as a region that balances tradition with innovation.

But as with any great tasting, the finish matters. Beyond the names we’ve highlighted, Marlborough is also home to boutique wineries producing small-batch treasures and luscious dessert wines that offer a sweet end to your day. Places like Seifried Estate with their late-harvest Rieslings or boutique makers tucked into the valleys show that there’s always another layer to discover.

So whether your palate leans to the crisp Sauvignon Blancs, the deep Pinot Noirs or the honeyed dessert wines, Marlborough has something that lingers long after the glass is empty — a reminder that this regio

🍇 Book a Marlborough Wine Tour 👉 Explore cellar doors with a local guide and taste the region’s best wines.

🚴 Join a Marlborough Wine Bike Tour 👉 Cycle between vineyards at your own pace and enjoy tastings along the way.

🚌 Gourmet Gold Wine Tour: Indulge in Cloudy Bay’s finest wines 👉 Sit back, relax and discover boutique wineries with an expert host.

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