Rapaura: Wine Experiences and Cycling Tours

Rapaura is a destination for days when wine tastings and outdoor activities go hand in hand. The Vines Village brings several offerings together in one place, while individual wineries also invite visitors to enjoy a range of experiences. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to consider whether you would rather spend your time tasting wines, taking a cycling tour or combining the two. One specific point of reference is The Vines Village at 193 Rapaura Road. Whitehaven Cellar Door is located there.

Tastings with a range of focuses

Huia Vineyards offers private tours, tastings and experiences that can be booked for selected Fridays. The schedule may change, so check the booking page. Hunter’s Wines offers guided wine tastings. Its Cellar Door is located in the winery’s original farmhouse on Rapaura Road. Visitors can stroll through the native gardens, and light lunches are also available at the Cellar Door. Check current visitor and menu information with the winery in advance.

There are also a variety of offerings beyond traditional wine tastings: tastings can be booked at the Roots Gin Shack, while Cheese & Cheers pairs whisky with local cheese. The Rimapere Estate Experience combines a tasting of four premium wines, personally hosted by the Estate team, with a walk through the vineyards. No.1 Family Estate specialises in making Méthode traditionnelle and offers a complimentary wine tasting; check current tasting information before your visit. The Wine Shed is both a tasting room and wine shop, with a hand-picked selection from 15 boutique wineries.

By the lake and at The Vines Village

The Vines Village covers four acres. The grounds include extensive lakeside areas and gardens; vineyard views define the surroundings. The Village features wine and gin cellar doors, a café, a deli, boutiques and activities. A scavenger hunt is available for children, while outdoor activities also include chess and pétanque. A bike hire service for wine tours rounds out the offerings. As individual businesses and activities may change, it is worth checking the Village’s current information before you arrive.

Cycling tours: a loop or a tour through two towns

The Golden Mile is a 6 km, cycle-friendly loop around The Vines Village. Nearby, another 6 km cycling tour runs through Rapaura and Renwick. It includes nine wineries, as well as food, art and drinks stops. So the same distance offers different experiences: one route loops around the Village, while the other connects two towns and several stops. Check the current map and trail conditions before setting off.

Explore Marlborough offers guided wine tours by bicycle from The Vines Village on Rapaura Road. More than twelve wineries are no more than 3 km from the starting point; confirm tour availability with the operator. For a different kind of outing, there are also wine tours by car through the Marlborough wine region, where visitors taste wines and learn about the region. These tours also cover a larger area, and availability may change.

When choosing a holiday rental in Rapaura, use your preferred pace for the day as a guide: tastings at individual venues, activities at the Village or a cycling tour each offer a different focus. If you want to compare routes, the two 6 km options offer a clear choice between a loop around The Vines Village and a ride through Rapaura and Renwick.

Discover more destinations: Seddon, Lower Dashwood, Waikawa, North Bank, Hawkesbury, Ward, Maraetai Bay, Fairhall.

For the regional travel overview: Marlborough.