15 Top Queenstown Vineyards & Wineries To Visit

There are many great reasons to do a wine tasting trip (or two or three) around Queenstown, among them the world class wine, stunning landscapes, and the fantastic choice of wineries you can visit. 

Queenstown is located in Central Otago, one of my favorite wine regions in New Zealand. It’s renowned for its Pinot Noir and diverse range of other varietals, produced by award-winning wineries spread throughout the region. 

The area’s cool temperatures and long growing season contribute to the development of complex flavors and aromas in the grapes.

These Queenstown vineyards and wineries I’ve listed below are our favorites.

About Central Otago Wine

Central Otago is the world’s southernmost commercial wine region, with a distinctive mountainous terrain and soil rich in minerals. 

The area’s natural geographic orientation creates a unique microclimate that experiences a substantial diurnal temperature variation. This fluctuation in temperature between the warm days and cool nights fosters the growth of complex, vibrant flavors in the grapes that are hard to replicate in other wine regions.

As for grape varietals, Central Otago is particularly famous for the Pinot Noir, producing full-bodied, complex wines that embody the terroir. White varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer flourish as well, thanks to the region’s diverse soil composition and climate.

Map of Queenstown Vineyards and Wineries

Central Otago is made up of several wine sub-regions and Queenstown is the ideal base from which to explore them for a day of wine tasting.

We tend to hover around the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell sub-regions, as you’ll see in our winery choices below.

It’s easy enough to do on your own or you can book a wine tour from Queenstown. 

It’s a scenic one-hour drive from Queenstown to Cromwell, which has a concentrated town center. You’ll pass through Gibbston Valley on the way, and Bannockburn is a short drive from Cromwell. 

There are plenty of other fun things to do in Cromwell like visiting the historic precinct and, depending on the season, picking your own stone fruit. If driving yourself, I recommend staying overnight in Cromwell. Otherwise you’ll need to ensure you have a designated driver. 

I’ve grouped the wineries by sub region and listed them in order starting from the closest to Queenstown and finishing in Cromwell. This will help you to prepare a plan before setting out in the car for a day of tasting. 

Depending on how much time you spend at each, you should be able to visit 3 to 4 wineries as a day trip, which will provide a nice variety.  

The Queenstown Wine Hopper Bus is a nice alternative to driving yourself where you have flexibility to create your own itinerary for the day without someone having to sacrifice being a sober driver.

Best Queenstown Wineries

So if you’re wondering what is the best winery in Queenstown, here’s a rundown of the top wineries in the region – the final decision rests on you and your palate.

Although I’ve provided as much detail as possible, it’s a good idea to double check opening hours and whether you need to book in advance for tastings, as this may change depending on the day and or season.

Arrowtown Wineries

1. Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door

Amisfield is a well-known winery located in the beautiful Lake Hayes area near Queenstown, famous for its Pinot Noir and aromatic whites. The winery is set against a stunning backdrop of vineyards and mountains, offering a picture perfect vista to admire while you savor your sips. 

They offer a standard, bespoke or premium wine tasting experience. We did the Standard Tasting which cost us $25 NZD each and included up to five wines. We enjoyed learning about the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the Central Otago region during our tasting. 

The Premium Tasting includes six of their wines, comparing older vintages with the younger counterparts, and Bespoke Tastings include a number of rare wines and older vintages from their library.

The Bespoke Tastings must be booked 48 hours in advance, whereas the Standard and Premium Tastings do not require a booking for groups under seven people. 

In addition to wine production, Amisfield features a popular bistro that offers a dining experience of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that pairs beautifully with their wines. 

Gibbston Valley Wineries

3. Chard Farm

You’ll definitely want to stop by this family-run winery for the stunning views and exceptional wines, particularly its delicious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The tasting room is located on Chard Road and has a nice laid back vibe, with casual outdoor seating in a beautiful garden to enjoy your tasting.

Charm Farm has been perfecting their world-class wines since 1987. We love the winery’s unique location, perched above the Kawarau River, offering a breathtaking backdrop for wine tastings and vineyard tours. 

Aside from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, we like the fresh citrusy notes in the Pinot Gris and subtle herbal undertones of the Swiftburn Sauvignon Blanc.

Right now you need to make a reservation for a tasting. They don’t allow walk-up appointments which makes for a more intimate experience. It’s also reasonably priced with tastings starting at $20 NZD per person.

4. Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant

Located 25 minutes from central Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Winery is one of the region’s most famous wineries, thanks to their award-winning Pinot Noir, along with their restaurant and cheese pairing experience. 

It’s also home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave which is remarkable to see. The Classic Cave tour offers good value at $28 NZD per person for a visit to the wine cave with 3 tastings. 

There’s a selection of other tours and guided tastings like the Complete Winery tour, our preferred choice, which includes a tour of the vineyard, winemaking facility & wine cave with 4 wine tastings. 

We also like the Cheese & Wine guided tasting because you get to sample delicious artisan cheeses paired with their wines in a private French country-styled room.

Bookings are required for their tours and guided tastings. 

If self-guided is more your style, their Cellar Door has 3 tasting board options, each including 4 wines and the option to get small sharing plates with your tastings. It’s a nice space with indoor and outdoor seating, and you don’t need to make a booking for this one. 

5. Peregrine Wines

Known for its distinctive architecture and high-quality wines, Peregrine is a family-run wine producer specializing in Pinot Noir, along with a variety of other wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

The winery is recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices, and the architecture of its facilities is striking, featuring a distinctive design that resembles a bird in flight, which aligns with its name. 

They offer a range of experiences including wine tastings, guided tours, and a sleek tasting room with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains.

Their standard Cellar Door Tasting is a nice introduction to the wines and offers the best value at $30 NZD per person. We liked that it was limited to four people for a more personalized experience. 

They also offer two behind-the-scenes tours, which includes a private tour of the winery, and a more in depth tour including the vineyard with a private tasting.

6. Kinross Winery, Cellar Door & Cottages

A boutique winery known for its beautiful setting and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Kinross Winery produces a range of wines, with a focus on Pinot Noir, as well as other white, rosé and red varietals.

Tastings are held in their rustic cellar door, with the Classic Wine Experience starting from $25.00 NZD per person, and local cheese and charcuterie platters available for an additional charge. 

They are the cellar door for five premium, small production wineries including Kinross, Valli, Wild Irishman, High Garden Vineyard and Hawshead. This means you can try wines from Kinross as well as neighboring vineyards all in one stop, including some rare and exclusive wines you won’t see on the supermarket shelves. 

In addition to wine tastings, Kinross offers vineyard tours, a matched food and wine experience in their beautiful restaurant, and a boutique cottage for a truly relaxing getaway.

They were also awarded the 2024 Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award, which means they are considered one of the best wine experiences in the country. That’s saying a lot!

7. The Church Cellar Door & Cafe

The Church Cellar Door is a unique and charming venue located in Gibbston Valley. Housed in a historic church, the building’s architecture and character provide a warm and inviting environment while the extensive outdoor area, complete with games, make it an ideal summer activity. 

The building was originally an old Presbyterian Church, built in 1894, and moved to its current location in 2000. It’s full of charm, with a laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. 

The cellar door features local wines from Mt. Edward Winery, and is particularly known for its home block Strongsay Chardonnay, which has a lovely character thanks to the positioning and terrier of the vineyard.

In addition to wine tasting, the cafe offers a nice lunch menu ranging from sharing platters to mains, with local beers on tap.

Groups of two or more are required for tastings and bookings can be made on their website. Tastings last for about 45 minutes and cost $30 NZD per person.

8. Mt Rosa Wines

One of my favorites! Mt Rosa’s Cellar Door is slightly off the beaten path with a uniquely elevated position showcasing stunning scenery. 

I love the relaxed, rural setting of this boutique winery, tucked in amongst the vineyard surrounded by mountains and rolling hills. The winery focuses on small-batch production, allowing for a hands-on approach to winemaking and a strong emphasis on quality.

Wine tastings are available in their rustic cellar door, where you can sample a range of over five varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and my personal favorite, Blanc de Noir (it’s unique, fresh and a little bit fruity), among others. There’s also the cutest caravan that services their outdoor area.

From a warm cozy fire in winter to a sunny courtyard complete with beanbags in summer, Mt Rosa is a place you can easily spend an entire afternoon.

And if you’re feeling peckish, they offer light snacks and platters matched with their wines, or you can simply add a cheese pairing. We added on the cheese pairing and they selected which cheeses to include based on the wines we were tasting. It was perfect!

Bannockburn Wineries

9. Felton Road

Located in Bannockburn, Felton Road is highly regarded for its biodynamic practices, which results in an array of high-quality wines. You can savor their outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, among others at their beautiful cellar door.

Their premises are absolutely stunning. As you drive through the gates, it feels like a fairytale with a large beautiful building surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see.

They host tastings from Monday to Friday and you must book ahead of time. There are generally two tastings per day, usually scheduled for 10.30am or 1.30pm, so be sure to factor that into your planning. 

You’ll get a walk through the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting, which generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours for the whole visit. Their passion for what they do really shines through. 

Best of all, there is no charge for the tasting or visit. 

10. Mt. Difficulty Wines

Mt. Difficulty Wines is a major player in the Central Otago wine scene. They have many vineyards in the area, and a tasting room at Bannockburn where you can check out what they’re doing. 

Specializing in premium Pinot Noir grown on their estate, this Central Otago vineyard dates back to the late 1900s. The vine age, along with the unique microclimate of Bannockburn results in an array of high-quality wines, particularly the extra complexity and concentration of their Pinot Noir. 

This location beneath the mountain is a contemporary building with a rustic entrance housing a separate Cellar Door and restaurant. Sitting high above the vineyards, it offers panoramic views of Bannockburn and the Cromwell Basin.

You can do a tasting inside or on the outdoor patio. The tasting room features wines from their Mt. Difficulty and Roaring Meg labels, with lunch and platters available in their restaurant.

In addition to Pinot Noir, you can try various Mt. Difficulty white wines, like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc. You can also enjoy a selection of white wines, rosé and Pinot Noir under their second label, Roaring Meg. 

Bookings are not required for small group tastings, however we recommend booking ahead for the restaurant or for groups of 7 or more.

11. Akarua Winery & Cellar Door

Created in 1996, Akarua Winery began when Edmond de Rothschild Heritage purchased 34.5 of the best hectares in the area. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were the two varietals first planted on the estate, reflecting the name ‘Akarua’, which means two vines in te reo Māori. 

They’re making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are perfect for growing in Bannockburn, and a small amount of Pinot Gris, Riesling and Rosé. At their tasting room, you can try a classic tasting of 4 wines, including a Sauvignon Blanc from their Rimapere vineyard, a comparative tasting, or a premium tasting.

There are a lot of things to love about this winery, including their application of regenerative viticulture and organic practices with the aim of being Biogro certified by 2026.

Cromwell Wineries

12. Misha’s Vineyard

Misha’s Vineyard is a lovely boutique winery producing exceptional Pinot Noir and aromatic whites in the heart of Cromwell. 

Opened in 2004 by Misha and her husband Andy, the winery is the realization of a vision they had to be able to work together and build something. Their wines are made with the grapes from their single vineyard estate.

Being a fully certified sustainable vineyard under the New Zealand Winegrowers certification program, this remarkable winery specializes in small-batch, artisanal wines crafted passionately and precisely using a strict regime of sustainable farming practices.

We really enjoyed the views overlooking Lake Dunstan from the bright and modern tasting room while savoring the flavors and aromas of Misha’s handcrafted wines including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. It was an afternoon well spent.

13. Wild Earth Wines

Located next to Micha’s, Wild Earth’s Cellar Door provides an opportunity to explore award-winning wines alongside fresh New Zealand cuisine. 

Wild Earth focuses on sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking to express the unique terroir of the region. While the Pinot Noir may cause all the rage, they also focus on Rosé, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling, all worth a try.

One of the distinctive features of Wild Earth is its wine barrel cooker, known as ‘The Stoaker.’ This innovative cooking method allows the winery to offer a unique dining experience that pairs beautifully with their wines, showcasing fresh New Zealand cuisine.

Tastings are held in The Stoaker Room, a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere with knowledgeable staff who are eager to share insights about the various varietals and the winemaking process. 

Tastings are $15 NZD per person for five wines, although we highly recommend trying the food. We tried the Stoaker Tasting Platter with 5 matching wines and really enjoyed the experience. 

14. Wooing Tree Cellar Door & Kitchen

Named after a century old local landmark, Wooing Tree is a family-owned vineyard known for its  high-quality Pinot Noir and the light and refreshing “Blondie”, a Blanc de Noir made from 100% Pinot noir grapes with aromas of white peach, tropical fruit and orange blossom. 

This location sits beneath the picturesque Pisa Ranges, with a view of the iconic Wooing Tree from the Cellar Door. The tree is said to have originally drawn locals seeking romance to “Woo” their lovers, making it a symbol of cherished moments.

Although the 16 hectare vineyard is mostly dedicated to Pinot Noir, they also produce small batches of Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. 

You can do a tasting inside or on the expansive outdoor garden patio. The large contemporary tasting room features wines from their estate as well as shared plates and platters for pairing. 

15. Scott Base Vineyard

Despite being visible from the main highway, Scott Base Cellar Door has remained a hidden gem among the best wineries in Cromwell for many years, until now. Word is out, and this family-owned boutique winery is a delightful place for wine-tasting.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll love the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains from the patio. 

The relaxed and cozy tasting room offers a welcoming space for wine lovers and craft beer enthusiasts alike. You can enjoy a variety of Scott Base wines, as well as a selection of Moa craft beer along with light bites and platters.

The boutique winery’s six-hectare vineyard mainly produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine, although you can try other white varietals from the Allan Scott label, along with Josh Scott’s ‘craft wine’ like the Cavalier Green Ginger wine.

Scott Base also offers a family-friendly environment with indoor and outdoor patio settings where kids can enjoy the sandpit and lawn games. 

Conclusion

Many of these wineries have stunning views, but they all have a welcoming vibe and great wine to discover. These Queenstown vineyards and wineries not only produce exceptional wines but also provide beautiful settings and memorable tasting experiences, making them must-visit destinations in the Queenstown region.

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