Milford Sound
Discover the best way to experience Central Otago’s award-winning vineyards
From dramatic vineyard settings to woolshed wine tastings, uncover Queenstown’s winery gems and cellar door experiences. Whether it’s lunch platters with a view or sipping Gibbston Valley’s world-famous Pinot Noir, we take a look at the best Central Otago wine experiences. (And learn why a Queenstown wine tour might be your best option when it comes to sampling exceptional wines without the hassle of driving.)
Queenstown sits on the doorstep of Central Otago wine country, where New Zealand’s southernmost vineyards thrive on rocky terraces and along river valleys. This distinctive landscape produces globally acclaimed wines, particularly the standout Pinot Noir which draws wine enthusiasts from around the world.
Central Otago: A wine region unlike any other
What makes Central Otago wines so distinctive? Ask the experts and they will tell you it’s the perfect storm of extreme conditions—hot summers, cold winters, and a magical combination of schist soils and altitude. Central Otago’s vineyards, perched at elevations between 200-400 metres above sea level, enjoy the ideal environment for vines to produce intensely flavoured grapes with remarkable complexity.
The region boasts six sub-regions, each with its unique terroir. Gibbston Valley, closest to Queenstown, is famous for Pinot Noir. Known for its elegance, bright fruit flavours and acidity, Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir has earned international acclaim. The region also produces Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling and many other unique varietals.
Must-visit cellar doors around Queenstown
With over 70 vineyards within an hour’s drive of Queenstown, choosing where to visit can be overwhelming. Here’s our insider’s guide to some of the best winery experiences in Queenstown.
Winery lunch with a view
Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen
Just outside Arrowtown, Mora Wines’ cellar door and restaurant is a particularly stunning setting with indoor and outdoor seating surrounded by beautiful gardens. The menu emphasises fresh and locally sourced ingredients with dishes to complement the wines perfectly.
Amisfield
The distinctive stone architecture of the Amisfield restaurant and cellar door is home to award-winning wines and a restaurant that celebrates local hunters, gatherers, and farmers. Amisfield’s trust-the-chef menu is legendary among food enthusiasts.
Unforgettable winery settings
Chard Farm
The drive into Chard Farm is an adventure in itself, with visitors approaching via a single-lane road carved into the side of a river gorge. It certainly makes for a dramatic arrival. The Hay family was among Central Otago’s early wine visionaries, putting the region on the map for world-class Pinot Noir. Chard Farm’s rustic cellar door and barrel room provide a unique wine-tasting experience in Queenstown.
Chard Farm Winery & Cellar Door
Peregrine Wines
The award-winning architecture alone is worth the visit—a sweeping roof designed to evoke a falcon’s wing in flight.
Hidden vineyard gems
Brennan Wines
This small, family-owned operation grows and produces everything onsite, boasting an impressive collection of single vineyard wines. Brennan’s meticulous attention to detail—hand-picking, gentle pressing, careful barrel selection—creates wines that truly express the region’s character. The tasting room, housed in a renovated vineyard shed, delivers rustic charm, spectacular views, and the odd vineyard dog.
Waitiri Creek
Set in a charming historic woolshed, this boutique winery offers wine tastings in an intimate setting. Waitiri Creek is considered one of Gibbston Valley’s original wineries and has been family-run since its establishment in 1993. From the patio or garden seating, take in valley views while sampling a selection of signature wines —from crisp whites to elegant Pinot Noirs.
The most relaxing way to experience Central Otago wine country
With vineyards scattered throughout the region, there are several ways to explore Central Otago’s wine scene. Self-driving offers flexibility but also means the driver will have to miss out on tastings. A network of scenic bike trails is a popular alternative, with e-bike rentals making the tracks easier to handle, but not everyone loves pedal power. For those wanting maximum enjoyment with minimum hassle, a guided wine tour delivers the complete experience.
Our Queenstown Wine Tour is the best way to make the most of the region’s wineries. Over five hours, we’ll take you through Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley to visit four outstanding vineyards, including Mora, Waitiri Creek, Brennan Wines, and Chard Farm. Meet with the cellar door hosts as they share the stories behind each sip and enjoy private tastings and access you simply can’t get on your own. The tour includes all tastings, a delicious light platter, and transportation from central Queenstown.
Book your wine adventure today.
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