4.9 (752) · Queenstown · By Appellation Wine Tours Free cancellation
Embark on a tasting journey through three of Central Otago’s distinct and scenic wine sub-regions: Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell.
Discover why the Central Otago region is celebrated globally for its unique cool-climate wines as you visit four boutique vineyards and sample their offerings.
Enjoy a delightful platter-style lunch featuring locally sourced produce, perfectly paired with a flight of wines. You may also have the chance to explore the charming historical settlement of Old Cromwell.
Your knowledgeable wine guide will share fascinating facts and stories about the early pioneering history and the development of this renowned wine region.
✓ Shared platter-style lunch✓ Knowledgeable local guide✓ Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle✓ Wine tastings at 4 vineyards/cellar doors✓ Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off (from selected hotels)✕ Gratuities for your guide✕ Additional food and drinks not specified in the itinerary1 Gibbston
Your first stop brings you to a charming cellar door in the picturesque Gibbston Wine Region. You'll visit either Monte Christo, Mt Rosa, or Brennans.
Here, you will experience your first wine tasting of the day, exploring the exceptional wines that define the Gibbston Wine Region.
Please note that our winery visits vary daily. If you have a specific winery preference, kindly inform us, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
· 45 min
2 Carrick Winery Cellar Door
Savor a delicious platter-style lunch at Carrick Winery & Restaurant, offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Dunstan.
The lunch features locally sourced produce and is accompanied by a tasting flight of four estate wines, providing a true taste of Central Otago's food and wine culture.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance, and we will be happy to make arrangements.
· 1 h 30 min
3 Cromwell
Your third stop is at another winery in the beautiful Cromwell Wine Region, where you will visit either Misha's, Domaine Thompson, or The Brae.
Enjoy your third wine tasting of the day at this distinguished location.
· 45 min
4 Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Explore the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, situated on the shores of Lake Dunstan.
This unique heritage attraction showcases a blend of original and reconstructed buildings from the former main street of the 1860s gold rush town of Cromwell.
· 15 min
5 Gibbston
Your final stop brings you to another winery in the beautiful Gibbston Wine Region, visiting either Monte Christo, Mt Rosa, or Brennans.
Here, you will enjoy your last wine tasting of the day.
· 45 min
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
We will provide you with your exact pickup time once your hotel has been selected.
If your accommodation is not listed, please provide your hotel details, and we will inform you of the nearest pickup point.
Please note: Pickup is available from the Hilton Queenstown or Kawarau Hotels in Kawarau Village for a transfer fee.
Minimum participation numbers are required for the tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation if insufficient passengers are confirmed. In such cases, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.
Hotel pickups begin before the tour start time. Please contact the local tour provider to confirm your exact pickup time.
A minimum of 2 people are required for this tour to run.
This tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can comfortably ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are welcome on the tour. Specialized infant seats are available upon request. All areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible. This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The minimum age to participate in the tour is 6 years. The minimum age to consume alcohol is 18 years. Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. A minimum of 2 people are required for this tour to operate. Boutique Wine Tour Enjoy a 5.5-hour small group winery tour. Includes wine tastings and a gourmet platter-style vineyard lunch. Departs daily at 11:00 AM. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central Queenstown hotels. Jet Boat and Wine Tour Experience a thrilling Jet Boat ride. Duration: 1 hour. Pickup is included. Book in advance, especially during peak season, as tours can fill up. Inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking. Wear comfortable shoes as there may be some walking involved. Bring a camera to capture the stunning vineyard landscapes. Be prepared to learn about the unique terroir and winemaking techniques of Central Otago. Consider the Jet Boat and Wine Tour for an added adventure. For a full refund, please ensure you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 3663GWT
Activity offered by Appellation Wine Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Wine enthusiasts Couples Small groups of friends History buffs Foodies Explore three distinct wine sub-regions of Central Otago. Visit four boutique vineyards with guided tastings. Enjoy a delicious platter-style lunch with wine pairings. Discover the history and formation of the wine region. Stroll through the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Small group tour for a personalized experience.
Population 29,000 (2023)
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 11° Jan 11° Feb 9° Mar 6° Apr 3° May 1° Jun 0° Jul 1° Aug 3° Sept 5° Oct 7° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the wine tour? + The Boutique Wine Tour lasts for 6 hours.
How many wineries will we visit? + You will visit four boutique vineyards or cellar doors.
Is lunch included in the tour? + Yes, a shared platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce and accompanied by a flight of wines is included.
What is the minimum age for this tour? + The minimum age to participate in the tour is 6 years, and the minimum age to consume alcohol is 18 years.
Is hotel pickup included? + Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Queenstown. Pickup from Hilton Queenstown or Kawarau Hotels in Kawarau Village is available for a transfer fee.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather or low numbers? + The tour may be cancelled if there are not enough participants or due to bad weather. In such cases, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great day out!
969bernadetteg, October 2026
We had an absolutely fantastic day on our boutique wine tour in Queenstown with Craig from Appellation Wine Tours. From the moment we stepped on the bus, Craig created a fun, relaxed atmosphere with his great sense of humour and endless supply of jokes. He has a real talent for bringing people together and encouraged everyone in the group to get to know one another, which made the day feel more like an outing with friends than a typical tour.
Craig’s knowledge of the region and its wines was excellent, but what really stood out was his enthusiasm and personality. He made every stop enjoyable and ensured everyone was having a great time throughout the day. The wineries were fantastic, the scenery was spectacular, and the whole experience was seamless from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a wine tour in Queenstown that is fun, friendly, and unforgettable, I highly recommend Appellation Wine Tours and Craig. It was one of the highlights of our trip and a day we’ll remember for a long time.
Response from the operator · appellationvino Wow thank you for such a wonderful review!
We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your day with Craig and that he helped make your tour such a memorable experience. He really is amazing! Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we’ll be sure to share them with Craig.
We hope to welcome you back to Queenstown again soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent Wine Tour!
J2874EWstevew, October 2026
Excellent experience with Appellation Wine Tours! The schedule and vineyards visited were wonderful, our guide was on-time and very helpful, all the logistics were great. We're very pleased and thankful, and so glad we did this!
Response from the operator · appellationvino Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the wineries and had such a great experience with us. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Queenstown again one day!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Traveling Sherros
heathersM1122XI, October 2026
Had a great day with our friendly guide John. He provided interesting facts with a lovely sense of pride as a local. The wines were better than expected and higher quality than the ones we can buy at home in Australia. We highly recommend this tour with this company the experience is very enjoyable and very informative. Thanks John.
Response from the operator · appellationvino Thank you for joining us! We’re so glad you enjoyed the day and the wines. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to John. Thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Queenstown again soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Good Vibes All Around
syeungri, October 2026
John was a class act of a guide — knowledgeable, hilarious and the works. We were also fortunate to have an energetic and fun tour group which made the experience all the more enjoyable. The wines were wonderful so we couldn’t help but purchase a bottle from each winery.
They also went the extra mile to return us a pair of sunnies that we left behind straight to our hotel. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator · appellationvino Thank you for the great review! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour with John and the rest of your tour group. It's lovely to hear that you loved the wine so much you bought some bottles!
Thanks again for joining us, and hope to have you on tour again one day in the future!
★★★★★ Viator review
Wine boutique tour
Jo_B, September 2026
This tour was amazing! Jakob was so entertaining and delightful! His knowledge and enthusiasm made the trip so enjoyable. Wineries were all amazing.
Response from the operator · appellationvino Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Jakob, and the wineries you visited were amazing!
We hope to welcome you back on tour with us one day soon. Enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand!
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