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Marlborough is New Zealand’s most famous wine-producing region, with around 75 per cent of the country’s wines. Sitting at the north-eastern tip of South Island, it has a dry, sunny climate that is well-suited to the sauvignon blanc grape, its legendary wine. The Wairau valley, home to the region’s principal city, Blenheim, and Awatere valley are the two best areas in which to base yourself if you are looking for a wine hotel in Marlborough. This means you can choose either to be based in the city or the country. All of our recommended wine hotels in Marlborough are within easy reach of the area’s fabled vineyards. And, in some cases, they own one!
In Blenheim
Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town, so is a good choice for those looking to do more than simply sip the latest vintage. It is situated in the heart of the wine growing country, but also provides a good range of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.
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- Chateau Marlborough offers the choice of doing your own thing at mealtimes, or taking things easy and enjoying their own restaurant. Rooms, which have kitchenettes, are chic and minimalist; the suites have full-size kitchens. Overlooking Seymour Gardens, the hotel is well-placed in central Blenheim, and also has an outdoor pool.
- Lovers of period styling should take a look at Hotel d’Urville. The art deco, boutique hotel’s rooms are individually themed from colonial to vintage to retro; some have four-poster beds. Try one of the cocktails before dinner. There’s an excellent wine list, too.
- On the edge of town, Antria Boutique Lodge is perfect for those who like quirky touches and bold, colourful art. The two high-ceilinged rooms are large and light, eclectically furnished and a showcase for abstract art. Cloudy Bay winery is within walking distance, as are plenty of restaurants.
For a rural stay
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- In a beautiful, white, 19th-century clapboard house, and surrounded by a walnut grove and free-range chickens, the two rooms at Marlborough B&B are spacious and elegant. There’s fantastic birdwatching, a relaxing garden as well as dinner with the family in the winter months.
Marlborough wine hotels for families
If you're touring the vineyards with the whole family, you might be looking for more flexible accommodation options — somewhere you can self cater if you choose (or not!). Here's our pick of wine hotels in Marlborough that should fit the bill.
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- Anglers and bird-watchers will love Anatares Homestay and its close proximity to Wairau River — never mind the dozens of wineries that surround the property. The two octagonal, wooden chalets, each with two bedrooms, are simple and modern, both with direct access to the pool and hot tub. Breakfast is also provided.
- The luxurious self-catering villas at Vintners Retreat also have access to a pool and a tennis court. Spacious, light and modern, each has huge bathrooms and glossy-white kitchens as well as private patios with BBQs.
Still not sure?