Wine tour was well organized but so not worth the $.

None of the wineries offer inside tours, ambiance or food to counter the intake of spirits. The whole experience lacked elegance.

Reviewed about 5 years ago

We chose their Explore the Plains tour and highly recommend it.

Pick-up is available from local accommodation so you can have a totally driving free day. Our tour lasted almost 6 hours and in that time we visited and tasted wines from Te Mania Estate, Richmond Plains, Rimu Grove, Seifried Estate and Stafford Lane. We also called in at the Grape Escape to taste liqueurs, wines, chutneys, olive oils etc. Lunch was at Seifried Estate - beautiful place with a lovely restaurant. Throughout the day, our guide Roy regaled us with information on the wines, the growers, the area and everything else - he knows his stuff and was a mine of information. Everyone we met was friendly and happy to answer questions - they were also very generous with their samplings - which isn't always the case (apologies for the pun).

This was a great excursion - good company, informative and if anything, they underestimated just how much you will drink during the tour - or was that just us :))) so don't attempt to drive afterwards!!

Reviewed almost 15 years ago

We took the Groovy Day Out tour, and had a delightful afternoon wine, liqueur and beer tasting.

Marion was our guide and the words passion, fun and enthusiastic could not be a better description! She knows her stuff. We visited Richmond Plains to sample organic wines, had a fairly extensive and informative wine tasting at Seifrieds followed by time for a sit down lunch. Afterwards we visited Redwood cellars and were free to sample any of the fruit wines, ciders and liqueurs on offer. The tour ended at a local brewery where we sampled many of the local brews including a few seasonal and festive tastes. Bay Tours offers other wine and sightseeing tours, and I would not hesitate to recommend them if you are looking for a fun and informative experience in the Nelson region.

Reviewed about 14 years ago

My husband enjoyed our wine tour.

I'm glad that we toured the Nelson area vineyards because they contrasted greatly with the Blenheim vineyards. We ended up putting a case of wine together and having it shipped back to the States. Thanks!

Reviewed about 14 years ago

Half day gourmet wine tour.

First two stops were not nice (didn't have much to do with wine rather than tacky art), good lunch, you get to drink lots of wine, last two wineries were really nice, great atmosphere and nice wine (family owned business), guide a bit stiff.

Reviewed over 14 years ago

My husband enjoyed our wine tour.

I'm glad that we toured the Nelson area vineyards because they contrasted greatly with the Blenheim vineyards. We ended up putting a case of wine together and having it shipped back to the States. Thanks!

Reviewed about 14 years ago

Our day with Roy Thompson was totally entertaining and informative for the many places we visited in Nelson.

Roy has lived his whole life in this region and personally knows the local artists, farmers, and owners of the fruit orchards, B & B's, restaurants, wineries, etc. He is a local favorite which opened so many friendly doors for us to meet so many Kiwis! He is proud of his home town and loves to show visitors why this region is such a favorite area for so many New Zealanders to live and play. It is now our favorite area of New Zealand!

Reviewed over 14 years ago

We chose their Explore the Plains tour and highly recommend it.

Pick-up is available from local accommodation so you can have a totally driving free day. Our tour lasted almost 6 hours and in that time we visited and tasted wines from Te Mania Estate, Richmond Plains, Rimu Grove, Seifried Estate and Stafford Lane. We also called in at the Grape Escape to taste liqueurs, wines, chutneys, olive oils etc. Lunch was at Seifried Estate - beautiful place with a lovely restaurant. Throughout the day, our guide Roy regaled us with information on the wines, the growers, the area and everything else - he knows his stuff and was a mine of information. Everyone we met was friendly and happy to answer questions - they were also very generous with their samplings - which isn't always the case (apologies for the pun).

This was a great excursion - good company, informative and if anything, they underestimated just how much you will drink during the tour - or was that just us :))) so don't attempt to drive afterwards!!

Reviewed almost 15 years ago