Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Bladen! We're a little family-owned vineyard in the heart of Marlborough, and we'd love to welcome you. Whether you're joining us for a wine tasting, stopping in for lunch or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy a glass of wine, here's everything you need to know before visiting.

VISITING BLADEN

Where is Bladen Wines located?

You'll find us at 83 Conders Bend Road, Renwick, in the heart of Marlborough's beautiful Wairau Valley. We're surrounded by vineyards, with the Richmond Ranges providing a pretty special backdrop.

What are your opening hours?

Our cellar door is seasonal, generally opening from late October through to early April. During the season we're open Thursday to Tuesday, 11am–4.30pm, and closed Wednesdays. Check our website or social media for seasonal updates before visiting.

Do I need to book before visiting?

Not at all! Our cellar door welcomes walk-in visitors. Our regular Taste & Tours don't require bookings either. Simply arrive a little early to secure your place.

Can I just pop in for a glass of wine?

Absolutely! You don't need to join a formal tasting to enjoy Bladen. Pop in, find a spot in the garden and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine, a beer or something delicious from our lunch menu.

How long should I allow for a visit?

Our Taste & Tour takes approximately one hour. If you're simply stopping in for a glass of wine or lunch, you can stay as long as you like during our opening hours.

Is there parking available?

Yes! Plenty of parking available.

WINE TASTINGS & EXPERIENCES

What is the Bladen Taste & Tour?

It's a little more than your traditional wine tasting! Our Taste & Tour is a journey through our wines, our vineyard and our family story. Hosted by a member of our family, you'll enjoy a walk and sip amongst the vines while hearing about our history, our passion and the three generations who have called this place home.

We'll pour you six wines and share the stories behind every glass.

How much does the Taste & Tour cost?

Our Taste & Tour is $40 per person and includes a guided vineyard experience and a tasting of six wines.

What time do the Taste & Tours start?

Our tours begin at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Do I need to book a Taste & Tour?

No bookings are required. We operate on a walk-in basis.

We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your preferred tasting to purchase your ticket. Once a tasting has started, it's a closed experience, so late arrivals may miss out.

Who hosts the wine tastings?

A member of our family! Depending on the day, you might find Blair or Deni pouring your wines and sharing a few family stories along the way. We love keeping our tastings personal, relaxed and full of character.

What wines will I get to taste?

You'll enjoy a selection of six wines from our Bladen range. Our line-up can change depending on the season, releases and what's tasting beautifully at the time.

Do I need to know anything about wine before visiting?

Not a thing! Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of wine, you're very welcome. We love sharing what we do and making wine approachable for everyone.

Can I enjoy a wine tasting without doing the vineyard tour?

If you miss one of our scheduled Taste & Tours, you're still welcome to pop in and enjoy a glass of wine or something from our garden tasting selection.

Can I purchase wine after my tasting?

Absolutely! If you've discovered a new favourite, you can purchase bottles directly from our cellar door to enjoy at home or take away with you.

FOOD, LUNCH & THE WINE GARDEN

Do you serve food at Bladen Wines?

We certainly do! Our cellar door offers a delicious selection of food, from beautiful sharing platters and toasted sandwiches to pâté and a tempting selection of sweet treats.

Whether you're after a light bite, a leisurely lunch or something sweet alongside your wine, we've got you covered.

Can I visit Bladen just for lunch?

Absolutely! You don't need to participate in a wine tasting to enjoy our food offering. Pop in, settle into the garden and enjoy a relaxed lunch with a glass of something lovely.

What is on your lunch menu?

Our menu includes:

Small cheese platters featuring Camembert, blue cheese, fresh pear, onion relish, quince jelly and crackers.
Medium sharing platters featuring a selection of cheeses, a savoury cheese ball, salami, pesto, relishes, fresh fruit and crackers.
Artisan bread with our signature hummus and relish.
Toasted prosciutto, rocket, Parmesan and truffle mayo sandwiches.
Rood Food Classic Chicken Liver Pâté.
A delicious selection of desserts, including lemon meringue pie, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, chocolate orange torte, cheesecakes and decadent chocolate cake.
Giant Chocolate Chip and Biscoff cookies.

We also offer a refreshing Strawberry & Lemon Soda.

How much are your food platters?

Our current platter options are:

Small Platter – $25 (serves two).
Gluten-free Small Platter – $28.
Medium Platter – $70 (serves four to six).
Bread Platter – $17.

We also have additional menu items and sweet treats available.

Can we order food without ordering wine?

Of course! You're welcome to enjoy lunch or something sweet without purchasing wine. Everyone is welcome at our table.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes! Our small cheese platter and artisan bread with hummus and relish are options to enjoy without meat. Please let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements.

Do you have gluten-free options?

Yes! We offer a gluten-free small platter and selected gluten-free desserts, including our Chocolate Orange Torte and Baileys Cheesecake Slice.

Do you serve desserts and sweet treats?

Absolutely! We have a delicious selection of cakes, cheesecakes, slices, cookies and other sweet treats. They're perfect alongside a glass of wine or a refreshing Strawberry & Lemon Soda.

Can we order food to share?

Definitely! Our platters are designed for sharing and are a lovely way to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends and family.

Can we bring our own picnic or food?

We have a delicious food menu available at our cellar door, so there's no need to pack a picnic! We'd love you to enjoy something from our menu while you're here.

Can we enjoy lunch outside amongst the vines?

Absolutely! Our garden is a lovely spot to settle in, enjoy something delicious and soak up a little Marlborough sunshine.

Do you offer non-alcoholic drinks?

Yes! Our Strawberry & Lemon Soda is a refreshing option for those looking for something without alcohol.

Can we enjoy a glass of wine without doing a tasting?

Of course! Our Wine Garden is the perfect place to enjoy a glass or bottle of your favourite Bladen wine. You can also choose from our garden tasting selection.

GROUPS, FAMILIES & FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

Can you accommodate larger groups?

We love welcoming groups, but our regular Taste & Tour is an intimate experience with limited spaces. Please get in touch before arriving with a larger group so we can discuss the best way to accommodate you.

Can we arrange a private wine tasting?

We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us to discuss private experiences and group enquiries.

Are children welcome at Bladen?

We welcome families visiting our cellar door. Children must remain under adult supervision, particularly around our vineyard and outdoor areas.

Are dogs welcome?

Very much so! Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Bladen. We just ask that they remain under control while enjoying the cellar door with you.

Can we visit by bicycle?

Absolutely! We're lucky to be surrounded by some beautiful Marlborough cycling routes, and we'd love to welcome you in for a well-deserved glass of wine or something to eat.

Can tour operators bring guests to Bladen?

We'd love to work with local tour operators and travel partners. Please get in touch to discuss group arrangements and experiences.

BUYING BLADEN WINES

Can I buy Bladen wines online?

Absolutely! You can explore our range and order directly through our online wine shop. Whether you're restocking an old favourite or discovering something new, we'll help get a little piece of Marlborough to your door.

Do you deliver throughout New Zealand?

Yes! We offer complimentary delivery throughout New Zealand on all six and twelve-bottle orders.

Can you ship wine internationally?

We certainly can! We work with international delivery partners to get Bladen wines to wine lovers around the world. Visit our delivery page or get in touch to discuss an order.

Can I purchase Bladen wines as a gift?

Of course! A bottle of Bladen makes a lovely gift. You can purchase wines through our online shop or enquire about gift cards.

Do you offer a wine club?

Yes! Our Bladen Wine Club is a lovely way to keep your favourite wines coming. Visit our Wine Club page to explore membership options and deliveries.

OUR FAMILY & VINEYARD

Is Bladen Wines family owned?

Absolutely! Bladen was established in 1989 by our parents, Chris and Dave Macdonald, who planted the foundations of what you see today. We're proudly family owned and operated, with three generations connected to this little piece of Marlborough.

Where did the name Bladen come from?

Bladen is a combination of Blair and Deni, the two children of founders Chris and Dave. It's a name that reflects the family at the heart of the vineyard.

How long has Bladen been making wine?

Our story began in 1989, when Chris and Dave established the vineyard in the heart of the Wairau Valley. What started as a family dream has grown into a multi-generational passion for growing grapes and making wines that reflect our beautiful corner of Marlborough.

What makes Bladen Wines different?

We're a small family vineyard with a big love for what we do. When you visit, you're not just tasting a selection of wines; you're stepping into our home, our history and our family's story. We love sharing that with the people who walk through our gates.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

We'd love to hear from you!

Whether you're planning a visit, organising a group outing or simply have a question about our wines, give us a call or send us a message.

Bladen Wines

83 Conders Bend Road, Renwick, Marlborough

Phone: 021 190 0634

Website: www.bladen.co.nz

Come for the wine, stay for the stories. We can't wait to welcome you!