Allan Scott Family Winemakers
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Allan Scott Family Winemakers

4.2
·169 reviews·Rapaura, New Zealand

Discover innovative wines, including unique ocean-aged varieties, and enjoy a flexible self-guided tasting experience amidst stunning gardens and vine...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, Lunchtime

Enjoy delicious food & wine

CrowdMedium
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Allan Scott Family Winemakers

Allan Scott Family Winemakers

Best Time

Weekdays, Lunchtime

Enjoy delicious food & wine

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover innovative wines, including unique ocean-aged varieties, and enjoy a flexible self-guided tasting experience amidst stunning gardens and vineyards.

4.2
(169 reviews)

"Absolutely the best winery we visited in Marlborough for the overall experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

💳 Pay-as-you-pour tasting

Use the card system to select and pour your own wine samples. So easy and fun!

🍽️ Don't miss the bistro

The food is delicious and perfectly paired with their wines. Highly recommended!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean-Aged Wines

Ocean-Aged Wines

Taste Méthode Traditionnelle aged for nine years on the ocean floor. A unique Marlborough innovation.

Self-Guided Tasting Station

Self-Guided Tasting Station

Innovative card system lets you choose and pour your own wine samples. Fun and flexible!

Immaculate Gardens

Immaculate Gardens

Stunningly manicured gardens with vibrant colors and beautiful shapes. A feast for the eyes.

Bistro Dining

Bistro Dining

Enjoy fresh, well-prepared meals perfectly matched with their wines amidst beautiful vineyard views.

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Planning Your Visit

Ocean-Aged Wine Adventure

Discover Allan Scott's unique ocean-aged Méthode Traditionnelle wines, aged for nine years on the ocean floor. This innovative approach offers a taste shaped by the sea's embrace, a truly distinctive Marlborough experience. TikTok

Self-Guided Tasting Ease

Experience a self-guided wine tasting with a convenient card system. Choose your wines, control your pour, and compare favorites at your own pace. It's a relaxed and innovative way to explore their full range. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, Lunchtime
Why
Enjoy delicious food & wine
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends, Afternoon
Why
Relaxed tasting experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Allan Scott Family Winemakers wanted to do something no one else in New Zealand was doing: age Méthode Traditionnelle wine on the ocean floor. For nine years, bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay rested 13 metres deep in the Marlborough Sounds. The result was a wine shaped not just by tradition, but by the cold, salty, unpredictable environment of the sea. Over time, the bottles developed layers o...
downingcreative
28 likes • 1.4K views

💳 Pay-as-you-pour tasting

Use the card system to select and pour your own wine samples. So easy and fun! Reddit+1

🍽️ Don't miss the bistro

The food is delicious and perfectly paired with their wines. Highly recommended! Reddit+1

Sara Stocker, Managing Director of Allan Scott Family Winemakers (@allanscottwines), tells us why the Kekerengu Sauvignon Blanc is one of her favourites. Come along and try this wine at The Real Review Top Wineries of New Zealand 2023, being held on Sunday, August 27th. Get your ticket now! 🔗https://www.therealreview.com/events/tasting-top-wineries-of-new-zealand-2023-auckland/
therealrvw
55 likes • 2.4K views
📍Allan Scott Family Winemakers, Blenheim @allanscottwines coming through with the best wine tasting contraption! You literally chuck your assigned card in and you can go around tasting everything ❤️tastings were so affordable - with some at only $2. Not to mention the amazing food tho 😍😍😍 peek that ceviche 👀👀👀 #nz #auckland #newzealand #foodblog #foodblogger #foody #foodphotography #foodporn #fo...
eatingalltheway
352 likes • 6.6K views

🌸 Admire the gardens

The immaculate gardens are a beautiful surprise and worth exploring. Reddit

🌊 Try the ocean-aged wine

Experience their unique Méthode Traditionnelle aged underwater. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

💳 Pay-as-you-pour tasting

Use the card system to select and pour your own wine samples. So easy and fun! Reddit+1

🍽️ Don't miss the bistro

The food is delicious and perfectly paired with their wines. Highly recommended! Reddit+1

🌸 Admire the gardens

The immaculate gardens are a beautiful surprise and worth exploring. Reddit

🌊 Try the ocean-aged wine

Experience their unique Méthode Traditionnelle aged underwater. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(169 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Allan Scott Family Winemakers for its innovative self-guided tasting system and unique ocean-aged wines. The beautiful vineyard setting, immaculate gardens, and delicious bistro food are consistently highlighted as major draws, making it a standout experience in Marlborough. Some minor feedback suggests adding more mint to certain dishes.

"We had a great lunch at Allan Scott Family Winemakers in Blenheim. The setting among the vines is beautiful and the food was fresh, well-prepared and nicely matched with their wines. Service was friendly and it made for a really enjoyable stop on our Marlborough wine tour. Definitely worth visiting for both the wine and the bistro."

Anni

"Beautiful vineyard and delicious food. The dessert was the stand out for me lemon posset by far 😋 I had the lamb for lunch also full of flavor, my only must would be add more mint."

Elaine Bird

"A Feast for the Senses!
Allan Scott was a standout stop on our Marlborough adventure. The self-guided wine tasting was a brilliant way to explore the full range at our own pace — relaxed, easy, and perfect for comparing favourites.
The food was absolutely scrumptious, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout. But what really took us by surprise were the immaculate gardens — beautifully manicured with stunning shapes and colours. Whoever’s behind the landscaping deserves serious credit!
It’s a place that delivers on every level — wine, food, service, and setting. Highly recommended!"

Craig Dealey

What People Like

Innovative tasting system
Unique ocean-aged wines
Beautiful gardens & vineyard

What People Dislike

Wish for more mint

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Allan Scott Family Winemakers is located in Blenheim, Marlborough. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. Many visitors include it as part of a wider Marlborough wine tour, often using organized transport or self-driving. Reddit

Public transport options directly to the winery are limited. It's best to arrange private transport, join a guided wine tour, or drive yourself if you are comfortable navigating the region. Reddit

Many visitors opt for organized wine tours that include stops at various wineries like Allan Scott. Alternatively, renting a car or e-bikes allows for a more flexible, self-guided exploration of the region. Reddit

Yes, there are ample parking facilities available for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While some wineries are within walking distance of each other, Allan Scott is best visited as part of a planned route or with dedicated transport due to its location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for larger groups, to ensure availability. The self-guided tasting system is very popular. Reddit+1

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on daily operating times. Reddit

Allan Scott offers an innovative pay-as-you-pour card system for tastings, with individual pours often costing around $2. This allows you to try exactly what you want. TikTokReddit

Generally, there is no entry fee to visit the grounds and admire the beautiful gardens. Fees typically apply only for specific wine tastings or dining experiences. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase bottles of wine directly from the cellar door to take home. They also offer shipping options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The self-guided tasting uses a card system where you load funds and then use it at tasting stations to pour your own samples of various wines. It's a relaxed and interactive way to discover their range. TikTokReddit+1

While they offer a popular self-guided tasting, formal guided tours of the vineyard or production facilities may not be regularly scheduled. It's best to inquire directly about any available tour options. Reddit

Beyond wine tasting, you can enjoy a delicious meal at their bistro, explore the stunningly manicured gardens, and soak in the beautiful vineyard scenery. Reddit+1

The winery offers a beautiful setting and a pleasant atmosphere. While wine tasting is the primary focus, the gardens and bistro can be enjoyed by families. However, supervision of children is essential. Reddit

The gardens are immaculately maintained with a variety of stunning shapes and colors, offering a beautiful and tranquil space to wander and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Allan Scott Family Winemakers features a popular bistro that serves fresh, well-prepared meals designed to complement their wines. Reddit+1

The bistro offers a menu with dishes that are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, often featuring local ingredients. Expect elegant dining with options like lamb and ceviche. Reddit+1

The menu is designed with wine pairings in mind, and the staff can help you select the perfect wine to accompany your meal. Reddit+1

Reservations for the bistro are highly recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure a table and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Reddit

Reviewers have praised dishes like the lamb for its flavor and the lemon posset for dessert. The ceviche has also been highlighted. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The vineyard rows, the beautifully manicured gardens, and the picturesque bistro setting offer excellent photo opportunities. The unique tasting station also makes for interesting shots. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy capturing the unique self-guided tasting setup and the presentation of the wines. TikTokReddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcomed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests and staff, and avoid professional shoots without prior arrangement. Reddit

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most beautiful light for vineyard and garden photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the gardens still pop. Reddit

If you have the opportunity to see or purchase the ocean-aged wines, their unique story makes for compelling photographic subjects. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Allan Scott Family Winemakers offers a beautiful setting that can be enjoyed by families. The immaculate gardens provide a lovely space for children to explore (with supervision, of course), and the picturesque vineyard views create a pleasant atmosphere. While the primary focus is wine tasting, the bistro offers a menu that can cater to various tastes, making it a viable option for a family lunch. Reddit+1

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience. The self-guided tasting can be managed with children present, but it's important to keep them engaged and safe around the tasting stations and vineyard. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Allan Scott's pay-as-you-pour tasting system is a significant advantage. It allows you to control your spending by choosing exactly which wines you want to try and in what quantities, with individual pours often costing around $2. This is far more economical than traditional tasting flights. TikTokReddit

While the bistro offers a more upscale dining experience, you can opt for just the tasting and enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens for free. Packing your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds (if permitted) could be another way to save on food costs, though checking their policy is advised. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Wine Connoisseurs

Allan Scott Family Winemakers provides a sophisticated and innovative experience perfect for couples and wine aficionados. The unique ocean-aged wines offer a conversation starter and a taste of true winemaking innovation. The self-guided tasting allows couples to explore their preferences together at their own pace, fostering a shared discovery. TikTok+1

Enjoy a romantic lunch at the bistro, savoring expertly paired dishes and fine wines amidst the stunning vineyard scenery. The beautifully maintained gardens also offer a tranquil and picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll, making it an ideal destination for a special outing. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Innovation of Ocean-Aged Wine

Allan Scott Family Winemakers has embarked on a truly unique viticultural experiment: aging their Méthode Traditionnelle wines on the ocean floor. For nine years, bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were submerged 13 meters deep in the Marlborough Sounds. This process, inspired by historical underwater aging, aims to imbue the wine with characteristics influenced by the cold, salty, and dynamic marine environment. TikTok

The result is a wine that tells a story of both tradition and the unpredictable forces of nature. This pioneering approach sets Allan Scott apart, offering wine enthusiasts a chance to taste something truly extraordinary and a testament to their commitment to innovation in winemaking. TikTok

Mastering the Self-Guided Tasting

Forget traditional tasting flights; Allan Scott Family Winemakers revolutionizes the experience with their innovative self-guided tasting station. Visitors are equipped with a card that they can load with funds, allowing them to select and pour their own samples of various wines. This system offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling guests to explore the full range of Allan Scott's offerings at their own pace and budget. TikTokReddit+1

This method is lauded by visitors for its ease and enjoyment, making it simple to compare different varietals and discover personal favorites without feeling rushed. It’s a modern, interactive approach that has become a highlight for many visiting the winery, ensuring a personalized and memorable tasting journey. Reddit+1

A Culinary Delight Amidst the Vines

The bistro at Allan Scott Family Winemakers is more than just an add-on; it's a destination in itself, offering a culinary experience that perfectly complements their exceptional wines. Diners can expect beautifully presented dishes bursting with flavor, crafted from fresh, often local, ingredients. The menu is thoughtfully designed to pair harmoniously with the winery's diverse selection. Reddit+1

Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the food, with specific mentions of flavorful lamb dishes and delightful desserts like lemon posset. The elegant dining setting, surrounded by picturesque vineyard views, enhances the overall experience, making it a standout stop for lunch or a leisurely meal during a Marlborough wine tour. Reddit+1

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