The Fancy Cow – Winery Restaurant Near Blenheim

The Fancy Cow is a winery restaurant near Blenheim, bringing together relaxed dining, Marlborough wine and a welcoming vineyard setting in Rapaura.

Among the Blenheim winery restaurants worth discovering, The Fancy Cow has a strong focus on fresh local produce, premium Italian ingredients and food made for sharing. Enjoy hand-rolled wood-fired pizza, house-made breads, pasta and seasonal dishes alongside Ant Moore wines and locally brewed beers.

The Ant Moore Wines cellar door operates from the same location, with wine tasting flights available during cellar-door hours. It makes The Fancy Cow an easy choice for visitors wanting to experience Marlborough food and wine in one place.

Why Choose The Fancy Cow?

• Winery restaurant near Blenheim
• Located in Rapaura, Marlborough wine country
• Italian-inspired dining
• Hand-rolled wood-fired pizzas
• Fresh local produce and premium Italian ingredients
• Bread and dough made fresh in-house
• Ant Moore Wines cellar door onsite
• Ant Moore wine tasting flights
• Wines made in Marlborough
• Locally brewed beers on tap
• Full bar with cocktails, spirits and non-alcoholic options
• Indoor and outdoor dining
• Vineyard and Wither Hills views
• Family-friendly setting
• Pet Highland cattle onsite
• Group dining and private functions
• Flexible spaces for celebrations and corporate events

Italian-Inspired Dining Near Blenheim

The Fancy Cow combines the flavours of Italy with fresh Marlborough produce in a relaxed setting surrounded by wine country.

The kitchen sources from local organic orchards, artisan cheesemakers and seafood suppliers, alongside premium Italian ingredients and imported meats. Pizza dough and breads are made fresh in-house, with a menu designed to suit everything from a casual lunch to dinner with friends and family.

Small plates and sharing options sit alongside pasta, seasonal dishes, steaks, seafood and desserts, giving diners plenty of choice beyond pizza.

View The Fancy Cow Menu — Explore the current food menu, including wood-fired pizzas, small plates, pasta and seasonal dishes.

Wood-Fired Pizza in Marlborough

Hand-rolled pizza is one of The Fancy Cow’s specialities, with dough prepared fresh in-house.

The menu combines Italian classics with more contemporary combinations, making the pizzas ideal for sharing over a bottle of Marlborough wine or a locally brewed beer. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available across the menu.

Ant Moore Wines Cellar Door

The Fancy Cow shares its Rapaura location with Ant Moore Wines, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Marlborough wine alongside the restaurant.

Wine tasting flights are available for walk-in visitors during cellar-door hours, while more personalised Ant Moore wine experiences can also be booked.

Ant Moore produces wines from vineyards across Marlborough’s Awatere, Waihopai and Wairau valleys, bringing another distinctly local element to a visit to The Fancy Cow.

Marlborough Wine Tastings

Visitors don’t need to choose between visiting a cellar door and stopping somewhere for lunch. The Fancy Cow combines the two experiences in one location.

The restaurant offers the Ant Moore range alongside Moore & Moore wines and selected international wines, with tasting options available throughout the year.

This makes The Fancy Cow particularly well suited to visitors exploring Marlborough’s wineries who want to include good food as part of their day.

Beer, Cocktails & More

The drinks selection extends beyond Marlborough wine.

The Fancy Cow has a full bar offering cocktails, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea. Beer lovers can choose from locally produced beers on tap, with beer tasting trays also available.

Relaxed Dining in Marlborough Wine Country

The Fancy Cow is more than somewhere to stop for a meal. The restaurant has been designed as a relaxed destination where visitors can spend time enjoying the surroundings.

Dine inside or settle in outdoors and enjoy views across the surrounding vineyards towards the Wither Hills.

Families are welcome, with plenty of outdoor space and friendly Highland cattle in the neighbouring paddock adding to the experience.

Group Dining & Functions

The Fancy Cow is also well equipped for group dining, private functions, celebrations and corporate events near Blenheim.

Several areas can be configured for different occasions, including the mezzanine, downstairs dining area, taproom and outdoor deck and grass area.

The mezzanine seats up to 66 guests, the downstairs dining area seats 44, and the taproom seats 20 or accommodates up to 50 standing. The expansive outdoor area can accommodate more than 200 people, while full venue hire is also available.

From intimate gatherings and birthdays to after-wedding receptions, business functions, social events and larger celebrations, the venue offers plenty of flexibility.

Family-Friendly Restaurant Near Blenheim

Families are an important part of The Fancy Cow experience.

Children have space to enjoy the outdoor surroundings, while the resident Highland cattle, Fanta and Ginger, have become part of the property’s character. The relaxed atmosphere makes the restaurant suitable for families as well as couples and groups exploring Marlborough.

Rapaura Restaurant Location

The Fancy Cow is located at 309 Rapaura Road, Blenheim, Marlborough, placing it in the heart of one of New Zealand’s best-known wine regions.

Its Rapaura location makes it an ideal dining stop for visitors exploring Marlborough’s vineyards and cellar doors, while remaining conveniently accessible from Blenheim.

Opening Hours

Wednesday – Saturday: 12pm – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

Opening hours may change, so visitors are encouraged to check directly with The Fancy Cow when planning their visit.

Explore Marlborough

Extend your visit and discover more of the region with our Marlborough Travel Guide, featuring accommodation, vineyards and cellar doors, cycling, scenic attractions, outdoor adventures and more.

Visit The Fancy Cow

Whether stopping for wood-fired pizza, enjoying a relaxed lunch or dinner, tasting Ant Moore wines or organising a group celebration, The Fancy Cow brings together food, wine and Marlborough hospitality in one destination.

Support local and book direct with The Fancy Cow.

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