Auntsfield Estate: A Historical Winery in Marlborough, New Zealand
Auntsfield Estate is a historical winery located in Blenheim, New Zealand.
The winery dates back to 1873, when it was established as Marlborough's first colonial vineyard and winery. The original vineyard made highly regarded wine for over 50 years, and the remnants of this history have been carefully restored and preserved on the property.
Wine Tasting and Cellar Door
Auntsfield Estate produces hand-crafted Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir of uncompromised quality, all from grapes carefully grown on the family-owned estate vineyard. Visitors can visit the cellar door to sample the delicious wines and olive oils on tasting. The tasting room is nestled at the base of the hillside vineyard and offers stunning views of Marlborough.
Private Tours of the Vineyard and Cellar
Private tours of the historic vineyard and cellar are available by prior booking at 11 am daily. Visitors can email or phone to make a booking for the tour. The tour provides an immersive experience and is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the winemaking process.
Friendly Winery Dogs
While visiting Auntsfield Estate, visitors can expect to be greeted by the two friendly winery dogs, Samy and Tomo. The dogs enjoy welcoming visitors and are an added element to the welcoming atmosphere of the estate.
Wine Trail and Cycle Tour
Marlborough is known as the Sauvignon Blanc capital of New Zealand, and Auntsfield Estate is one of the wineries that contribute to this reputation. The region is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, which is over 380 kilometers of cycle trails spanning over four wine regions and more than 100 cellar doors. Visitors can enjoy the wine trail in Hawke's Bay, Wellington, and Wairarapa before taking the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries from Wellington to Picton to begin the Marlborough section.
When to Visit and How to Get There
The winery is open to visitors year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny. The opening hours are daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Auntsfield Estate is a 15 minutes' drive from the center of Blenheim and located at 286 Rapaura Road, Blenheim, Marlborough. Visitors can easily reach the winery by car, taxi or organised tours.
In conclusion, Auntsfield Estate is a must-visit winery for wine enthusiasts and history lovers visiting Marlborough, New Zealand. The estate offers a unique experience for visitors to explore the rich history of winemaking in Marlborough while enjoying the delicious wines and stunning scenery.