15 Must-Try Wine Tours In Queenstown

Queenstown is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, but did you know it’s also a premier destination for wine lovers? The region’s climate and soils produce some of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noirs and other varietals. Whether you prefer a luxury experience or a relaxed self-guided outing, Queenstown offers a variety of wine tours that showcase Central Otago’s distinct flavors. We particularly like the Boutique Wine Tour, for its all-in-one package of tastings and a gourmet lunch, and the Hop on Hop off tour, which offers incredible flexibility and a chance to explore at your own pace. From scenic drives to boutique cellar doors, Queenstown’s wine scene is as spectacular as its scenery.

Quick Overview

Our list covers small-group tours, luxury cellar tours, self-guided bike experiences, and flexible hop-on-hop-off options. Each tour offers unique features like behind-the-scenes cellar visits, gourmet lunches, or customizable itineraries. For a full breakdown, see the detailed reviews and highlights below, including the Boutique Wine Tour, which consistently earns 5-star reviews for its well-rounded experience.

1. Boutique Wine Tour – visit Central Otago, 4 Wineries & Lunch

This small-group tour packs tastings and lunch into a 5.5-hour adventure. It’s perfect for those who want a hassle-free day with hotel pickup, transport, and a scenic walk through Cromwell if time allows. You’ll visit Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell, soaking in views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. The highlight is pairing top Central Otago wines with a gourmet lunch platter. The tour’s reviews reflect its popularity: travelers love the knowledgeable guide and the delicious wine and food. Ideal for first-timers or couples wanting a comprehensive, relaxed day.

Bottom line: Great value for a full day of tasting, scenery, and gourmet food in a small group environment.

2. Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

This 6-hour tour features behind-the-scenes cellar tours and luxury transport in a Mercedes van. It starts at Gibbston Valley Winery, exploring the region’s largest underground wine cave. You’ll visit four wineries, including Kinross, Mt Rosa, and Ayrburn, tasting a wide variety of wines along the way. Guests rave about the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to sample local wines without the stress of driving. The tour is perfect for serious wine enthusiasts wanting in-depth access. The luxury vehicle adds a touch of comfort, and the tour’s reviews often mention the delicious tastings and personalized experience.

Bottom line: A top choice for those wanting an upscale, behind-the-scenes look at Central Otago’s best wineries.

3. Queenstown: Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour with Platters

This 4-hour tour strikes a more casual tone, focusing on three stops in the Gibbston region. You can choose between wine or craft beers, making it flexible for mixed groups. The final stop features antipasti platters, ideal for relaxing and sharing. The itinerary includes GT Tasting Room, Kinross, and Altitude Brewing, providing a good sampling of local wines and beers. Guests love the informal vibe and the generous tastings. This tour is perfect for those who want to taste without the formality, especially if you’re new to wine or beer.

Bottom line: A relaxed, fun way to experience Queenstown’s drink scene with food included.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour

This full-day experience combines wine tastings with gourmet food in a small-group setting. You begin with visits to multiple wineries, including a tour of New Zealand’s largest wine cave at Gibbston. The tour features a gourmet lunch with wine pairings, regional cheeses, and the chance to explore Cromwell’s historic precinct. It’s ideal for foodies and wine lovers who want a comprehensive tasting journey. Guests praise the personalized service and the delicious, carefully paired meals. The all-inclusive price offers notable value considering the extensive itinerary and quality food.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an in-depth, luxurious day of wine and food in Central Otago.

5. Queenstown Wine Tour

This flexible tour allows you to customize your day with a hop-on-hop-off approach. Starting at Marmolada Cafe, you set the pace, visiting wineries like Gibbston Valley and Kinross at your leisure. The tour is designed for independent explorers who want flexibility to skip or spend more time at favorite spots. Reviewers appreciate the personalized experience and the knowledgeable guides who help tailor the trip. It’s a budget-friendly option for adventurous travelers who prefer control over their itinerary.

Bottom line: Best suited for those who love spontaneity and want to choose their own wineries.

6. Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!

This 5.5-hour tour combines scenic views with delicious food and wine tastings. You visit Gibbston Valley, Mt Rosa, and Kinross, with a lunch at Kinross paired with regional wines. The tour includes hotel transfers and small-group service, ensuring a personalized experience. The reviews highlight the amazing food, interesting wineries, and knowledgeable guides. It’s ideal for food and wine enthusiasts wanting a well-rounded day with scenic drives and quality meals.

Bottom line: Excellent choice for those wanting a balanced experience of scenery, wine, and food.

7. Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch

This all-inclusive, half-day tour covers three boutique wineries with hosted tastings and a main course lunch expertly paired with wine. The tour emphasizes personalized attention and the chance to learn about winemaking secrets from local experts. Guests value the delicious food, beautiful scenery, and informative guides. It’s perfect for travelers who want a more intimate experience with the added bonus of a superb meal.

Bottom line: Ideal for a short, high-quality wine experience with a strong focus on food.

8. Queenstown Wine Tour – Gibbston Valley Cave | Kinross | Amisfield

This adults-only tour combines luxury minivan transport with visits to Gibbston Valley, Kinross, and Amisfield. It begins with a guided tour of Gibbston’s wine cave, then continues with in-depth tastings and lunch at a winery restaurant (own expense). It appeals to wine connoisseurs who appreciate behind-the-scenes access and the relaxing atmosphere of a mature, adult-focused tour. The guide shares local insights, and reviews commend the professional service and quality of wines. It’s a smooth, comfortable way to sample top-rated wineries.

Bottom line: Best for adults seeking a sophisticated, relaxed wine experience with behind-the-scenes access.

9. Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines

This self-guided bike tour lasts about 7 hours and includes shuttle service to Arrowtown and Gibbston. You’ll enjoy easy riding among scenic vineyards, with all gear included. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine exercise and wine tasting. Visitors love the flexibility to explore at their own pace and the spectacular scenery. Many reviews mention how much fun it is to distribute your own time among wineries like Kinross and Aldridge.

Bottom line: A great choice for adventure-seekers who want a relaxed, physical experience while sampling great local wines.

10. Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese

This 3.5-hour tour offers a focused experience with visits to Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. You’ll explore New Zealand’s largest wine cave, sample wines, and enjoy a cheese pairing experience. It’s ideal for shorter trips or first-time visitors who want a snapshot of Otago’s wine scene. The reviews mention friendly guides and excellent value, especially considering the cheese and cave tour included.

Bottom line: A compact, engaging option for those pressed for time but eager to taste Otago wines.

11. The Wine Trail Tour

This full-day tour emphasizes visits to smaller vineyards often off the beaten path. It includes up to eight wineries, with lunch and bottled water. The air-conditioned comfort makes it suitable year-round. Reviewers appreciate the personalized service and quality wines, especially the focus on less commercialized vineyards. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts who want an in-depth day with tailored options and fewer crowds.

Bottom line: Best for dedicated wine lovers looking for authenticity and variety.

12. The Original Queenstown Wine Trail Tour – Celebrating 33+ Years!

This long-standing tour provides inside tips from a local guide and includes transfers from select hotels. You’ll visit Gibbston, Mt. Rosa, and Waitiri Creek, sampling delicious wines and cheeses. It’s praised for its friendly guides and great wine selection. With over 33 years of experience, it offers a trustworthy, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for first-timers or those wanting to hear stories behind the wines.

Bottom line: A reliable, personable choice for anyone wanting a trusted tour with local insights.

13. Queenstown: Wine Tasting Tour

This tour visits four top cellar doors, including Gibbston Valley’s underground cave. It’s a 6-hour experience that focuses on highlighting the best of Central Otago wines, especially Pinot Noir. Reviewers love the comfortable vehicle, informative stories, and ample tastings. It suits wine fans looking for variety and some hidden gems.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive tasting day with a relaxed pace.

14. Queenstown Afternoon Wine Tour – Peregrine | Kinross | Amisfield

This 3.5-hour tour is ideal for adults seeking an intimate experience. It features visits to Peregrine, Kinross, and Amisfield, with a focus on award-winning wines and learned tasting techniques. The guide helps you understand wine better, and the lunch at Amisfield is a highlight. It’s favored for its personalized approach and relaxing atmosphere—a perfect choice for romantic getaways or wine connoisseurs.

Bottom line: Great for those wanting a relaxed, educational, adult-only experience.

15. Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

This flexible bus pass gives you control over your schedule, with buses running every 45 minutes. You can visit wineries, breweries, or attractions like Jet Boating or Arrowtown at your own pace. Reviewers love the convenience and the ability to customize. It’s ideal for independent travelers who want variety without the commitment of a full tour.

Bottom line: Best for explorers who prefer freedom and flexibility in their wine-tasting adventure.

How to Choose Your Perfect Queenstown Wine Tour

When selecting a wine tour, consider your budget, time, and interest level. For luxury, behind-the-scenes access, the Award Winning Premium Tour (see details) is hard to beat. If you’re more casual or traveling with friends, the Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour (see details) offers a relaxed experience with food and local brews. For active travelers, the Bike & Wine Tour (see details) combines exercise and tasting with stunning views.

If your plan is to maximize flexibility, the Hop on Hop off (see details) gives you control over where and when to stop. Meanwhile, those seeking an all-inclusive, comprehensive day should consider the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour (see details) for gourmet lunches and insider winery visits.

Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment. Remember to clarify if you want small-group intimacy, behind-the-scenes access, or self-guided flexibility to find your best fit.

Queenstown’s wine scene offers a surprisingly diverse array of experiences — from luxurious cellar tours to active bike adventures, and flexible hop-on-hop-off options. Whether you’re after a gourmet, all-in day or a laid-back afternoon with craft beers, the region’s wineries won’t disappoint. For those serious about wine, the award-winning tours provide the most comprehensive tastings, but even casual explorers will find options that suit their style. Don’t forget to book early, especially for popular tours, and prepare to enjoy Central Otago’s world-class wines amidst some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.