Why I do custom tours

Wine tasting in a Martinborough vineyard setting during a private wine tour.

My private wine tours were created for people who want more than a standard sightseeing experience. They’re personally curated by a qualified wine specialist — me — to ensure you get the depth, access, and insight that serious wine lovers value. That means tasting the top wines, meeting the right people, and understanding the philosophy behind the bottles.

This is the story of how that approach came to be.

The Chile Experience That Sparked the Idea

Last year I was in Chile with only a few days to explore the wine scene. I didn’t know the country, I was reliant on public transport, and I had no industry contacts. So, I did what most travellers do: I browsed TripAdvisor, picked the tour with the best‑looking wine content, and the next morning I was collected by a bus and off we went.

It was well organised. Comfortable bus, engaging guide, and an itinerary packed with general interest. I enjoyed it — but it wasn’t the focused wine experience I was hoping for. The guide knew a lot about Chile, but not much about wine.

Our first stop was an eco‑farm with wine production. Fascinating from a sustainability perspective, and the food platters were lovely, but the wines were rustic — I’m fairly sure the reds were bretty. My fellow travellers had fun; I found it interesting but not elevated.

Next came two famous wineries with outstanding flagship wines. But because we were a large group, we were given the standard entry‑level tasting. No chance to try the top wines, no opportunity to talk winemaking in any depth.

Wine tasting at Santa Ema winery in Chile during a research trip that inspired my Martinborough private wine tours.

This pattern is common, and for good reasons. Most operators need volume and broad appeal. And in the absence of anything tailored to wine‑focused travellers, I still booked — because at least I got some of what I wanted.

Realising There Must Be Others Like Me

That experience made me think: surely I’m not the only one who wants a deeper, wine‑focused day. And with Tourism New Zealand now promoting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail heavily in Australia, there are even more travellers looking for authentic, wine‑first experiences when they visit Martinborough.

And so my private Martinborough wine tour offering was born. Nothing against the excellent operators already here — they provide a great overview of the region. But I’m not a general tour guide. I’m a wine specialist, and my tours reflect that.

What Makes My Tours Different

I won’t take you to the Lighthouse, the Pinnacles, or to taste olive oil. With me, you’re in a private group of up to four people — often just you and your partner. I clarify your objectives and build an itinerary around the wines you want to explore.

You’ll taste flagship wines, meet winemakers, and have your questions answered by someone who genuinely understands the craft. My role is to guide you through an elevated wine experience.