Wine + Food Experience Marlborough celebrates local wineries and riverside dining under one roof – Marlborough’s new wine tourism destination, Wine + Food Experience Marlborough, has officially opened in Blenheim’s riverside precinct and is set to transform how visitors experience the region’s world-renowned wine culture.
The Mayor of Marlborough, Nadine Taylor, was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially declare Wine + Food Experience Marlborough open among the 100+ invited guests in attendance on Thursday night.
The refurbished and central venue brings together and celebrates more than 50 local wineries and food producers under one roof. Wine + Food offers visitors personalised wine tastings through innovative WineEmotion dispensers, intimate cellar door experiences, along with signature food, cheese and seafood.
“Our mission with Wine + Food is to enhance the cellar door journey, not replace it,” said Wine + Food Experience Marlborough Managing Director Lenny O’Connell. “Wine + Food ensures visitors to Marlborough who are short on time do not miss tasting the expertly crafted premium wine unique to our region. We have designed Wine + Food to be a place where locals, businesses, and visitors come together to experience the region’s finest from wines and seasonal cuisine to thoughtfully curated tastings and special events.”
The venue introduces a personalised wine dispensing system, where guests receive a WineEmotion card to sample wines at their preferred quantity (a taste, half pour, or full glass) and pace. Custom-built display units (professionally manufactured by The Custom Space team) feature immersive digital monitors sharing wineries’ brand stories and tasting notes.
For an impressive sense of arrival, Christchurch-based artists, Steve Trevella and Rose McKenzie were commissioned to produce a stunning hanging sculpture in the double level foyer of the venue, depicting copper and stainless-steel vines with golden globes of grapes.
With capacity for up to 420 guests, Wine + Food features several private event spaces including tasting rooms for personalised experiences, a sheltered outdoor terrace with elevated views of the Taylor River and Richmond Ranges, ideal for corporate events, intimate weddings or after-work drinks. The venue is well positioned to become the new go-to destination for pre- and post-show dining for locals attending events at the neighbouring ASB Theatre.
“We’re proud to breathe new life into the former Clubs of Marlborough building and the Wine + Food Experience will soon be complemented by an adjoining restaurant, expected to open shortly, offering lunch and dinner service to complete the culinary journey,” added Lenny.
In addition to local wines, guests can enjoy beer, gin and whiskey tastings and purchase featured products through the on-site off-licence. Guests can enjoy platters with artisanal products including Little River Estate cheeses, local charcuterie from Premium Game, and Manaaki preserves and condiments. Seafood experiences are also available as a signature seafood offering, crayfish, Marlborough oysters, Mills Bay mussels, Cloudy Bay clams, and smoked salmon.
The Wine + Food Experience Marlborough is open daily from 11am to 10pm, welcoming guests after traditional cellar doors have closed.
Wine + Food is proud to showcase award-winning producers, including Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022 which was named Wine of the Year at the prestigious London Wine Competition, Jackson Estate’s Bortrytis Reisling which achieved Gold at the NZ International Wine Show, and The Real Review’s 2025 Rose of the Year, Te Whare Ra Single Vineyard 5182 Rose, all highlighting Marlborough’s depth beyond its famous Sauvignon Blanc.
“Whether visiting Marlborough for the first time or returning to discover more of the region, Wine + Food offers visitors a new way to taste their way through local vineyards and food producers in a welcoming space, in any weather. This is where locals and visitors alike can gather, taste, and experience the true character and spirit of Marlborough,” concluded Lenny.
https://www.winefoodmarlborough.co.nz/
For group bookings or event enquiries, email: info@winefoodmarlborough.co.nz or phone Jacqui Rogers on 027 222 5868.
Wine + Food Experience Marlborough is located at 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim-Central, Marlborough. Open 7 days: 11am – 10pm