Which wineries do you visit on the tour?
We don’t follow a fixed itinerary – every day is a unique adventure tailored to your group. Our tours generally feature small, boutique wineries, and we have a repertoire we often visit, including Mora, Kinross, Wet Jacket, Chard Farm, Gibbston Valley Winery, Amisfield, Mt Rosa, Monte Christo, Brennan, and Nockies Palette at Stoneridge Estate. Each winery has its own character, with high-quality wines and welcoming, knowledgeable staff.
If there’s a particular winery you’d love to visit, please mention it in the Special Requirements field when you book.
For wineries outside our regular list, we can create a Bespoke tour to include them. For a quote, availability, or to arrange a bespoke tour, please email us at info@queenstownwinerytours.com.
What food is included on the tour?
If you booked the Private Wine Trail Tour, a delicious seasonal lunch is served at one of our stops, typically featuring a shared gourmet meal with mains, sides, and starters. Menus vary by winery and season.
Please note that drinks and any additional food items are not included but can be ordered and paid for directly at the restaurant on the day.
All the restaurants can accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegetarian options. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking so we can notify the restaurant in advance.
For the Afternoon Wine Escape, a cheese platter is included during the tour. Please note that this is not suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
There’s no minimum age to join our tours, and we welcome families.
Children and teenagers are always welcome, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under 7 years old require a car seat, which parents need to bring.
Under New Zealand law (Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act), the minimum legal age to purchase alcohol is 18. While those under 18 cannot buy alcohol themselves, they may taste wine with parental consent.
Please note that no tastings are served directly to minors. If parents wish, children may share from their parents’ tastings.
What kind of clothing is appropriate for this tour?
A casual dress is best, with comfortable shoes.
Where do you pick up from?
Return transfers to and from your central Queenstown accommodation are complimentary. We can also arrange pick-up from Arrowtown.
How many wineries will we go to?
We will visit 4 wineries on The Private Wine Trail Tour and, if requested, we can visit more than 4 wineries on The Private Wine Trail Tours (additional fees may incur).
We visit 3 wineries in The Afternoon Wine Escape.
How do you choose which wineries to go to each day?
There are several considerations we take into account when planning the itinerary for the day. If you state any preferences on a style, we will factor that in. If you have any specific requests on places to go, we will try to accommodate those when possible. If you just leave it up to us, we will put together a well-rounded day with a focus on variety, scenery, quality wines, and interesting, educational experiences. Your best bet is to just sit back, relax, and let the day unfold, and we will share our deep knowledge of the Gibbston Valley with you.
What is the duration of the tour?
It varies, but most of the wineries are open from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and that is the time frame within which we structure our tours. We have flexible departure times that vary between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. If you need to be back by a certain hour, please let the driver know and we will ensure it.
We will get in touch with you the day before your tour to let you know the exact time of your pickup.
What level of wine knowledge are tours aimed at?
Our tours are informative, informal and fun. They are for everyone who enjoys wine and wants to learn more or experience great wines. Our guests have included winegrowers from other countries, wine collectors, WSET students and, most frequently, people who simply have an interest in and enjoy wine and want a personal, informative and informal experience.
I have special dietary requirements. Is this a problem?
All the restaurants we visit can accommodate special dietary requirements relating to allergies, but we ideally need to inform them in advance. All the restaurants we visit can offer a vegetarian meal. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we can select the best restaurant option for your tour.
It's important to note that for the Afternoon Wine Escape, the cheese platter is not a vegan option, as it includes dairy products made from cow's milk. If you follow a vegan diet and are unable to consume dairy products, this tour may not be a good fit for you.
Are your tours suitable for children?
Yes. All wineries visited allow children.
Can I buy the wines we taste?
Yes, of course. Our wines are divine, and you will want to take them home with you! They are also great gift options!
Shipping can be arranged from many of the wineries to most countries in the world, including the USA, Australia and all of Europe.
Can you recommend some restaurants in Queenstown?
Yes, we know all the great places, just let us know the dates!
You might want to take a look at this website: https://www.firsttable.co.nz/queenstown-lakes/
What is provided in the vehicle?
Chilled bottled water for everyone. If you would like other items in the vehicle, we would be happy to provide them for special occasions or celebrations given advance notice.
Can certain vineyards be requested to visit?
Yes, though we cannot guarantee it, we always do our best to adhere to our client’s special requests.
What group sizes do you take on your wine tours?
We keep our maximum group size to 10 people, ensuring a personalised and interactive tour.
We generally visit small boutique wineries that are limited in space, and we find that this works well as a number for an intimate experience and provides good interaction with the growers and between the group.
We like to keep things small, manageable, and intimate so you get the full enjoyment of a personalised tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
FOR GROUP TOURS
Cancellations made up to 5 days in advance are eligible for a refund, excluding the non-refundable booking fee.