Blenheim, located in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, is renowned as the country’s wine capital, primarily celebrated for its exceptional sauvignon blanc. Boasting a sunny climate, fertile river valleys, and dry conditions, Blenheim is home to many of New Zealand’s most iconic wineries. Aerial views of the vast vineyards, accounting for 67% of New Zealand’s total vineyard area, offer a spectacular sight, especially when flying over the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
The region is a prime destination for wine lovers, with numerous cellar doors located within close proximity to each other, making it an ideal spot for a weekend wine tour. At the heart of it all is The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard, a unique establishment that combines a luxury hotel, a vineyard, and the hatted restaurant, Harvest. This property offers an exquisite starting point for a weekend retreat, showcasing the best of the region.
A Storied Property
The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard is rich in history. Originally a convent built in 1901 for the Sisters of Mercy next to Saint Mary’s Church in Blenheim, the property housed 19 nuns and featured a library, music room, sewing room, office, and chapel. In 1994, the convent was relocated to its current site and transformed into a bed and breakfast.
In 2016, owner Angela Dillon revitalized the property, converting the B&B into a luxury hotel with 10 individually designed rooms. Spanning 6.4 hectares, the estate is home to enchanting gardens and a working vineyard growing malbec, merlot, riesling, and sauvignon blanc. The vineyard produces between 3,500 and 5,000 bottles per year, available to in-house guests and at the hotel’s restaurant.
The transformation of the grounds has been remarkable. Once a sheep farm, the property now boasts mature trees and over 400 species of plants, including a hydrangea path, native bush walk, and several walking trails surrounding a creek and lake. Robotic lawnmowers Harriet and Harry ensure the grass remains in pristine condition, perfect for frisbee golf, croquet, or pétanque. Guests can also enjoy a heated swimming pool and a pool house offering drinks, towels, and sunscreen.
Luxurious Accommodations
Inside the hotel, the atmosphere is intimate, with a maximum capacity of just 20-22 guests. The Kingfisher room, one of the premium options, features soaring ceilings, original stained-glass windows, and views of the gardens and restaurant. Guests can relax in comfort with a modern ensuite bathroom, rain shower, bath, dual sinks, and thoughtful touches such as candles, branded matchboxes, and fresh flowers from the garden.
The hotel’s chapel, moved to the property in 1999 and renovated in 2018, has been repurposed into a unique bar. Guests can enjoy cocktails and canapés while relaxing by an outdoor fire, with drinks like the “Holy Spirit” and “The Sinner” adding to the whimsical charm.
Harvest Restaurant: A Culinary Experience
At the heart of The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard is Harvest, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding gardens. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Harvest was awarded a prestigious hat in the 2023/2024 Cuisine Good Food Awards. Head chef Wieland Matzig takes full advantage of the property’s kitchen garden, serving farm-to-table dishes that reflect the best of the season. A signature dish is the Mibrasa-braised Lumina lamb shoulder, which is slow-cooked and served with roasted vegetables, a green salad, and homemade salsa verde.
Guests are invited to explore the hotel’s organic kitchen garden, a one-acre oasis of vegetables and flowers. Guided tours, led by gardener Santiago, highlight the variety of plants, including radishes, kale, silverbeet, and crystal apple cucumbers. The lush environment is popular with bees and local birds, such as the pīwakawaka.
Vineyard Tours and Nearby Attractions
While The Marlborough provides a serene retreat, there is much to explore in the surrounding region. A guided e-bike tour through the River Cycle Trail offers an easy and scenic ride through wine country, passing by wineries like Huia and Cloudy Bay. Huia, a certified organic vineyard, offers an intimate tasting experience, while Cloudy Bay, with its 163 vineyard parcels, provides tastings in a modern cellar door with stunning views.
For those interested in the subtleties of terroir, Clos Henri, a family-owned vineyard established by the Bourgeois family from Sancerre, France, offers a tasting experience that compares wines from its French and Marlborough estates.
For something unique, Elemental Distillers, located in Vines Village, offers gin tastings at its bespoke distillery. With a focus on sustainability, the distillery produces Roots Marlborough Gin, a London Dry gin that has won multiple awards. Guests can sample a variety of gins and learn about the distilling process while enjoying small plates at the Gin Shack.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
For a break from wine and spirits, visitors can explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim. This museum houses a rare collection of World War I and II aircraft and artifacts, brought to life with cinematic displays from filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson. The exhibits, including the Stalingrad Experience, offer a dramatic and immersive journey through history.
A Destination Beyond Wine
Blenheim, and the greater Marlborough region, offers much more than just world-class wine. With luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a wealth of outdoor activities, it’s a destination that caters to a variety of interests, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of relaxation, history, and exceptional cuisine.
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