Blenheim Bike and Wine Tasting Tour
Lots of sun, cool nights, low autumn rains and free draining alluvial soils combine to make Marlborough one of the world’s great wine producing regions. Many wineries can be reached by easy to moderate bike ride from Blenheim, although the radius of land under cultivation is rapidly spreading. The five days of the Wine Trail Magic Tour is an ideal amount of time to visit a selection of wineries, enjoy luxurious boutique accommodation and take in many other actives offered throughout the region.
The second evening of this bike wine tour is spent at The Bell Tower Boutique Lodge on Dogpoint. The Bell Tower is a purpose built boutique lodge set amongst stunning scenery overlooking Marlborough’s vineyards. Guests can choose the serenity and quiet, or socialise with other travellers and their hosts.
The suites are designed to provide comfort and serenity. French doors lead to private individual courtyards and rooms have uninterrupted and spectacular views northwest to the Richmond Ranges and northeast to Cloudy Bay.
The expansive living room area provides a relaxing ‘clubby’ sitting room with open fire, a sunny day room and an elegant dining room. The Lodge also has a comfortable library/TV room with sky and video equipment. All rooms lead through French doors to a sheltered, walled courtyard – perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun, or stroll beyond the courtyard for an expansive view of the Wairau Plains.
Your hosts aim to be as flexible as possible with breakfast timing arranged to fit your itinerary and can recommend a variety of highly regarded restaurants and cafes to cater for your lunch and evening dining requirements, where you can enjoy relaxed settings, fresh produce and world class wines.
Before arriving at the Bell Tower, we recommend a visit to the following wineries: Wither Hills, Open 7 days, 10am to 4.30pm, Phone (03) 520 8270 Villa Maria Estate, Open 7 days, 10am to 5pm, Phone (03) 520-8472 0-8472 Matua Valley, Open 7 days, 9.30am to 5pm, Phone (03) 572 8642 Fromm Winery La Strada, Open 7 days, 11am – 5pm, Phone (03) 572 9355 Highfield Estate, Open 7 days, 10.30am – 5pm, Phone (03) 572 9244
The wineries you visit will be happy to deliver your purchase throughout your day to your hotel.
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. A visit to Fran Maguire’s Pottery studio is also highly recommended – Fran is an artist with a passion for clay and food which is reflected in her brightly coloured and unique tableware.
We suggest a Tuscan-style lunch at Highfield Estate Winery.
Further information is available at Global Adventure Guide’s self guided Blenheim wine tasting bike tour.
Related posts: Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour by Bike, New Zealand Bike Tours.
