Private Wine Tours
Explore the iconic regions of the New Zealand Wine Trail with private, fully curated tours designed around your interests. John is a qualified wine educator with deep knowledge of the Martinborough and wider Wairarapa wine regions, and he also offers custom wine tours anywhere in New Zealand. Whether you’re seeking a Martinborough wine tour, a Wairarapa wine tasting experience, or a bespoke wine journey across other NZ regions, each day is crafted to offer meaningful insights, exceptional wines, and relaxed, personal hosting.
Individuals welcome, one child may accompany parents (conditions)
Martinborough Wine Day Tour
Explore the Martinborough wine region - an iconic part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail - on a private journey through the region's most celebrated vineyards, shaped by your tastes and interests. This private Martinborough wine tour begins with a 9.30am pick‑up from your Martinborough, Featherston, or Greytown location. (Masterton 9am +$30, Wellington 8am +$50pp.)
Your day is curated around your interests and typically includes five vineyard visits, showcasing the best of the Martinborough wine region. A relaxed vineyard lunch is included.
Drop‑off by 4.30pm (5pm Masterton).
Maximum four guests (up to six by arrangement).
NZ$350pp, individual/child surcharge $50.
Greater Wairarapa Wine Day Tour
Explore boutique producers beyond the Martinborough Terrace — a premium journey through the wider Wairarapa, a diverse and character-rich region of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, shaped by season, availability, and your interests. This private Wairarapa wine tour begins with a 9.15am pick‑up from your Martinborough, Featherston, or Greytown location of choice. (Earlier pick‑ups from Masterton 9am +$30, or Wellington 8am +$50pp.)
The tour highlights the diversity of Wairarapa wine styles, and includes a relaxed vineyard lunch.
Drop‑off by 4.30pm (5pm Masterton).
Maximum of four guests.
NZ$450pp, individual surcharge $50.
Sorry, no children on this tour.
Reviews
"Just book this tour...John is amazing. Extremely knowledgeable, informative and a perfect guide...My wife and I had an amazing time...It's worth the price 10 times over." Mitch K., Charleston
"The wine tour with John last September was so enjoyable! We tasted world-class Pinot Noir and I learned so much about these wines. Recommend 100%!" Jariyapon Matpon, Sydney.
"I had a wonderful time on this private winery tour. From beginning to end, everything was well organized and enjoyable." Lana Piterova, Miami.
"An unequalled experience. John's expertise in wine together with his unparalleled access to behind the scenes at each vineyard we visited made this experience wonderful. I highly recommend the Wineinsights tour." Murray Wills, Lower Hutt.
"On Friday, together with a couple of friends from the US, Suzanne and I did a one-day Martinborough wine tour with John Penney of wineinsights. This was an exceptional experience". Ian, Wellington.
Anywhere in N.Z Wine Tour
Explore any part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — or any other New Zealand wine region —with a fully customised private tour designed around your interests. Whether you’d like to visit a single region over one or more days or enjoy an overview of several of New Zealand’s major wine regions, John can curate a personalised itinerary that highlights the best producers, landscapes, and wine styles across the country.
Pricing is based on the specific tour requirements, typically $450 per person per day for the tour activity, plus any agreed disbursements.
As an example, a two‑day Hawke’s Bay wine tour departing South Wairarapa at 8am (or Wellington at 7am) would cost $1,000 for one person and $900 per person for two or more. In addition, we can arrange your accommodation and charge at cost, or if you prefer you can make your own arrangements.