Written by Missy Johnston
The Marlborough Sounds area of New Zealand includes Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenpuru, and Pelorus Sounds. With more than 900 miles of coastline offering gorgeous views of lush green mountains, the waters contain numerous quiet coves and bays waiting to be explored on a private yacht charter trip. It would be easy to spend weeks here, with something new to see and do each and every day.
The low summer rainfall, lush hills, and plentiful sunshine have created a breathtaking landscape in Marlborough Sounds—and the perfect conditions for growing grapes. So it’s no wonder the area is home to a number of fantastic wineries, and a top spot for wine enthusiasts to explore on a yacht charter vacation.
New Zealand’s largest winemaking region, Tasman Bay, is located here in Marlborough Sounds. Tasman Bay features beautiful golden beaches along with 65 wineries and 290 grape growers. Wines from this region include Sauvignon Blanc (for which the region is most known), Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer.
There are plenty of local wineries to tour for tastings. Those who want to visit the more well-known wineries in the region can take a tour of Cloudy Bay Wineries and Oyster Bay Wineries. Cloudy Bay Wineries produces Sauvignon Blanc wines considered by many to be among the best in the world.
We recommended bringing a bottle of your favorite selections back on board, where your private chef can craft the perfect meal featuring local cuisine, including local seafood. Pair a glass of Chardonnay with New Zealand green-lipped mussels and freshly-baked bread dipped in local olive oil and sprinkled with pink sea salt from Lake Grassmere, and luxuriate in the bounty of the Marlborough land and seas. It’s the perfect way to unwind onboard your yacht charter and fully experience all the area has to offer.
Additional details on some of the best wineries in the region can be found here, and we have also compiled more information on the best way to enjoy a Marlborough Wine Country via a private yacht charter.