Once upon a time, a passionate winemaker, who was busy working in a quiet, cold cellar, realised he had a story to tell and a lot to share about his love of the industry. After a brainstorming session with his wife, he recognized he had more to offer the world, and a few wines later… he waved goodbye to the wine cellar, borrowed the keys to the winery, and became “a man with a van… and a key”.
Blenheim Wine tours established in 2014
Hop ‘n Grape Tours established Blenheim and Picton Wine tours in 2014. With the help of our incredible guides, and our handsome fleet of (now) 3 vans, we’ve been hopping around this region ever since, opening doors to places you can’t go without a winemaker, showing off our place, our people, and our wine.
Cameron Clarke (Owner) | Tour Guide | Marketing Logistics
Gidday, I’m a down-to-earth 5th generation Kiwi lad. I was raised on a dairy farm in Taranaki, where I learned to steer a tractor at four, skin a possum and can cook a fantastic bowl of porridge.
With over 20 years in the wine industry, I studied winemaking and viticulture in Marlborough and then had the privilege of working in wineries across Australia, America and Europe.
I love surfing, snowboarding, fishing, and family holidays with my lovely wife Kylie and our two free-spirited children. Hop ‘n Grape Tours is a combined vision realised, and we are very proud of what we have created.
Kylie Clarke (Owner) | Visual Marketing | H.R. | Administration & Accounts
Kia ora, I was raised in Wairau Valley a country town here in Marlborough. I moved away from Marlborough to study and start a career. But like a lot of Marlburians, eventually I returned home… got married, had children. It’s a great place to start a family, and a business.
I love outdoor adventures! We have stunning bushwalks, the Marlborough Sounds, and mountains to climb. We are the gateway to some of the best parts of New Zealand; Nelson/Tasman, Kaikoura, Saint Arnaud are just a few of the places on our doorstep!
I’m not a tour guide… I’m the one behind the scenes, doing the jobs that need doing to “keep the wheels turning”.
Darlene Tolentino | Tour Guide | Administrative Assistant
Hi, I’m originally from the Philippines, I arrived in New Zealand in 2008 and instantly fell in love with Marlborough, the stunning scenery, the weather, and the easy life-style. Now I am proud to call this place “home”.
With the booming wine industry in Marlborough, I decided to study Winemaking. I have worked in this industry in various roles, such as cellarhand, quality control, and in the laboratory.
In my leisure time you can find me in my garden, or in my kitchen cooking up a storm. I am a mother to a sweet and cheeky boy, who keeps me on my toes.
Maurice Davies | Tour Guide
Kia ora, I was born and raised here in Marlborough. I’m married and want to have fifteen children so I can start my own rugby team!
I love this region! We live in such a beautiful area surrounded by vines, there is seafood in abundance, and there is wild game everywhere! Like NZ singer/songwriter Dave Dobbyn said…..”It’s a slice of heaven”!
I’ve been working in the wine industry for over 35 years now, I have worked in the winery as a cellar hand, but primarily in viticulture having worked for a number of vineyards, and for one of the top wineries in the region. When I’m not hosting a wine tour, I get my kicks from doing stand-up comedy, and I love hanging out with my family.
Michael Hearn | Tour Guide
Hi, I was born and raised in Griffith, Australia, but have called Marlborough home for the last three years.
I’ve worn many hats in the wine industry, ranging from cellar door, production planning, wine making and bottling. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to work in wine around the world in places such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and France. I recently came 3rd place as New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year.
In my spare time you can find me enjoying good food and drink, nerding out over science fiction, and watching live music.
Doug Avery | Tour Guide
Hi, I’ve lived in Marlborough all my life, I was raised on a sheep, beef and cropping farm, which has been in our family for over 100 years. My wife and I produced three outstanding “replacements”, and they in turn have produced five grandchildren for us so far!
I won South Island Farmer of the year, New Zealand Agricultural Communicator of the year, I wrote a book “The Resilient Farmer” (a best seller) which led to extensive international story telling tours, and I was awarded the NZ Order of Merit for services to Agricultural Farming systems and Mental Health.
In my semi-retirement, I also fill my days as a vineyard hand, and I volunteer at the Grovetown Lagoon wetland restoration project, plus enjoy lots of tramping, fishing and mountain bike riding.
Lexie | Vineyard Pest Control
This little lady is our hairy Hop ‘n Grape mascot. You can meet “Lexie” at our office, upstairs at The Vine’s Village. Lexie is a Cairn Terrier who’s main priority is to meet and greet, and charm the village with her cuteness.
When she’s not in the office, she is in a vineyard hunting rabbits, mice, and assisting with bird scaring. She was born and bred for this work, and she takes her job very seriously!