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Wineinsights offers personalised, expert‑led wine tours, education, and cellar guidance in Martinborough and the wider Wairarapa wine region. I help wine lovers, travellers, and enthusiasts deepen their understanding and enjoyment of New Zealand wine through thoughtful, small‑group and private experiences. I’m John Penney — wine educator, host, and consultant, and the founder of Wineinsights. My passion for wine began during my university years in wine service at the Wellington Club and has grown through extensive travel across New Zealand and international wine regions. I hold WSET Level 3 with Distinction and continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing study and industry engagement. Based in Martinborough, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noir regions, I maintain an extensive wine cellar and regularly host tastings for local industry professionals and visiting wine enthusiasts. I also serve as Cellarmaster for the Martinborough Wine & Food Society, supporting the region’s wine culture and community. WineInsights provides: - Private Martinborough wine tours - Custom Wairarapa and New Zealand wine tours - Wine education sessions and tasting workshops - Cellar advice and personalised wine recommendations - Hosted events for visitors, groups, and corporate guests My approach is warm, educational, and highly personalised. Every tour or tasting is tailored to guests’ interests — whether they’re curious beginners, seasoned collectors, or international travellers seeking an authentic New Zealand wine experience. Wineinsights brings together deep regional knowledge, strong winery relationships, and a genuine love of sharing wine to create memorable, meaningful experiences across Martinborough, the Wairarapa, and the wider New Zealand wine landscape.
7 DUBLIN ST, 5711, Martinborough, New Zealand
We did a wine tour with John from Wineinsights and had a brilliant day meeting winemakers and learning about wine in the Martinborough region. The wines we tasted were fantastic and the pace of the day was well timed. John has an extensive knowledge of the area and his passion for wine is evident.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Thank you Lisa, I am so pleased that you had a good day.
John Penney of Wineinsights is very knowledgeable about the industry, and he ensured that I had the best time during my private wine tour in Martinborough. I will definitely be in contact with him if I am ever back in the North Island on holiday.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it Shawn and if you do return I will have some great new experiences & wines lined up!
We had a memorable day out and about Martinborough with John. Visited a number of wineries and tasted a wide range of fantastic local wines. John knows his stuff - his knowledge of wines is superb and chatting to the winemakers made it a standout experience. Highly recommend a private tour with John @wineinsights.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Thanks so much for your kind words, it's always a pleasure to guide people who have such an active interest.
The Wineinsights tour is an ideal window into the best Martinborough can offer. John is the perfect tour guide with strong industry connections, and a well-organised, nicely-paced tour. He communicates his knowledge in a relaxed, friendly and engaging manner. His passion for wine is contagious.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Thanks Gus! Look forward to our tasting together in Sicily!
I highly recommend this wine tour with John and would do it again. He had the perfect balance of wineries, behind the scenes barrel room tasting and a lovely lunch. He is very knowledgeable on the history of Martinborough and the wines/ wineries, plus an extensive interesting wine knowledge in general. He is also easy, unrushed and good to chat with. This was an exceptional day.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Thanks Gwenda! It was truly a pleasure to spend the day with you and Rob
I've had the pleasure of attending a number of John's tastings and the quality of the wines he presents are exceptional. The wines, plus John's depth of knowledge, make him a truly memorable host and educator. I'd recommend him to anyone looking to increase their wine knowledge.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Thanks Graeme for your kind words
Just book this tour. Don’t think about. If you’re in Martinborough for a few days definitely take this tour your first day.
John, is amazing. Extremely knowledgeable, informative and a perfect guide for a town this intimate. My wife and I had an amazing time enjoying private tastings, gaining vineyard info from the growers themselves all while being chauffeured around. You’ll waste a day trying to gain the info John has about the wineries all while never experiencing his in depth understanding of the area, growers, and bonus food guide.
This tour has grown my love for wine, traveling and people.
The best part is John is local. You are supporting a professional in their hometown, what could be better.
It’s worth the price, 10 times over.
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Such a pleasure to host you and Kristen, Mitch, thanks so much for your kind words
John was brilliant his knowledge of the wine industry, the vineyards and everything the region has to offer is top level. Hes a relaxed down to earth person who supplied transport and nothing was any trouble. Highly recommend John to anyone wanting a great experience!!
Reply from Wineinsights - Wine tours & education in Martinborough
Thanks Barry, it was truly a pleasure to share our wonderful wine region with you and Therese
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