Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings

If you’re visiting Queenstown and looking to combine sightseeing, wine tasting, and fine food in one memorable day, this Gourmet Food and Wine Tour promises an indulgent experience. We haven’t personally gone on this tour, but based on in-depth reviews and detailed itineraries, it’s clear this experience offers a well-rounded taste of New Zealand’s premier wine regions without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to visit Australasia’s largest underground wine cave for a tasting paired with local cheeses, which is a rare and exciting highlight. Second, exploring four premium vineyards across three distinct regions—Gibbston, Cromwell, and Bannockburn basin—gives visitors a genuine sense of the land’s influence on the wines. Lastly, the wine-barrel cooked lunch with five expertly matched dishes offers a delicious and immersive way to enjoy local cuisine.

However, one aspect to consider is that the tour involves a fair amount of driving—about 6.5 hours in total—so it may not be ideal for those sensitive to long bus rides. Still, for lovers of wine, scenic drives, and relaxed tastings, this experience is perfectly suited. It’s especially great for small groups (limited to 12 people), making for a friendly and intimate atmosphere.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, leisurely day sampling the best wines and foods of Central Otago’s celebrated wine regions, all with warm, knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Multiple Wine Regions: Explore three unique sub-regions with distinctive terroirs.
• Special Tasting Highlights: Includes a visit to Australasia’s largest underground wine cave for an exclusive wine and cheese pairing.
• Gourmet Lunch: A wine-barrel cooked feast featuring five dishes matched with premium wines.
• Comfortable Transport: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Queenstown, with an experienced guide.
• Authentic Local Insights: Learn about the land, the wineries, and the pioneering history of this rugged region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Complete Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Introduction

The adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup from central Queenstown. The transport is a small, comfortable bus—perfect for a cozy group—allowing for easy conversation and scenic views on the way out of the city. The tour guide, such as Muza or John (as many reviewers noted), is not only friendly but also impressively knowledgeable about the region’s history, geology, and wine production.

Scenic Drive: Kawarau Gorge and Beyond

As you leave Queenstown, you’ll enjoy a relaxing drive through the Kawarau Gorge. The landscape is stunning: rugged cliffs, rushing rivers, and a feeling of stepping into a different world. Reviewers like Vicky appreciated how Muza kept the group on schedule without sacrificing the fun, making the long drive feel engaging rather than tedious.

Wine Region Highlights: Gibbston, Cromwell, and Bannockburn

The tour visits three key sub-regions, each with its unique character. Gibbston, often called the “Valley of the Vines,” is famous for its high-quality wines and picturesque vineyard settings. Cromwell’s region boasts a mix of boutique wineries where many guests reported seeing stunning views and tasting wines that truly reflect the land. Bannockburn provides a slightly more rugged backdrop, often with a focus on cool climate wines.

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Unique Wine Cave Tasting

One standout feature is a visit to Australasia’s largest underground wine cave. Here, you’ll experience a tasting in a truly unique setting, paired with local cheeses. Guests like Barbara and Craig noted how special this was—an opportunity to taste premium wines in an extraordinary environment, elevating the entire experience.

Lunch: Wine-Barrel Cooked Feast

The highlight meal is a wine-barrel cooked lunch, crafted with precision and care. Expect five tasting dishes—ranging from meats to flavorful accompaniments—each paired with an exquisite wine. Samantha praised it as “super tasty and filling,” while Karen called it “delicious” and “generous.” The lunch is designed to be both satisfying and an excellent showcase of local produce and winemaking skills.

Additional Stops: Old Cromwell and Arrowtown

In between wine tastings, the tour includes visits to historic Old Cromwell, where you can stroll through the town’s charming streets, and Arrowtown, a lively and picturesque gold rush settlement. These stops allow for some leisurely exploration, photographs, or just a quiet moment to take in the scenery.

The Return Journey

After a full day of tasting, sightseeing, and savoring, the group heads back to Queenstown, often reflecting on the wines tasted, the delicious food, and the beautiful landscape.

Why This Tour Is Worth the Price

At $175 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines multiple vineyard visits, a unique underground wine cave tasting, a gourmet lunch, and scenic drives—all in under seven hours. When you consider the inclusion of hotel pickup, all tastings, and a professional guide, the value becomes clear. Many guests noted that the wines were of excellent quality, and the lunch was far more substantial and thoughtfully curated than typical vineyard tastings.

Compared to doing this on your own, the small-group setup and expert guidance ensure you get the most out of each stop, learning about wine production and regional nuances along the way. Plus, the opportunity to taste boutique wines and visit historic sites adds layers of authenticity and enjoyment that often aren’t accessible to independent travelers.

The Guide and Group Dynamic

Several reviews highlight the importance of a good guide. Muza and John, in particular, received praise for their extensive knowledge, friendly personalities, and ability to keep the tour lively and efficient. The smaller group size means conversations are more personal, and guests can ask plenty of questions—perfect for wine enthusiasts or history buffs alike.

Practical Tips

• Dietary restrictions: Make sure to mention any special requirements when booking, as the lunch can be tailored.
• Longer days: Expect about 6.5 hours, including travel time, so plan your day accordingly.
• No extra wine purchases included: If you fall in love with a bottle, you’ll need to buy it separately.
• Availability: The tour operates with a minimum of two participants, so check ahead if you’re traveling solo or in a small group.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers who appreciate a deep dive into New Zealand’s cool climate wines. It’s also perfect for those wanting a relaxed, scenic day with delicious food, and for visitors who value small-group intimacy and expert guides. If you’re interested in learning about regional terroirs while enjoying a luxurious lunch and beautiful landscapes, this is a great choice.

However, if you’re pressed for time or prefer a more active or hands-on experience, you might want to explore other options. Also, those prone to motion sickness or sensitive to long bus rides might want to prepare accordingly.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 6.5 hours, including travel, tastings, and meals. Check with the provider for specific start times.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, all wine tastings, a gourmet lunch cooked in wine barrels with five paired dishes, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide.

Are there any additional costs?
You should budget for any extra wine you choose to purchase at the wineries, as these are not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with special dietary needs?
Yes, dietary requirements can be communicated at booking, and the lunch can be tailored accordingly.

Can I join this tour if I haven’t been to New Zealand before?
Absolutely. It’s a fantastic introduction to the South Island’s wine regions and scenic highlights, perfect for first-time visitors.

What happens if the minimum number of participants isn’t met?
In that unlikely event, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Gourmet Food and Wine Tour from Queenstown strikes a balance between scenic beauty, authentic wine tasting, and culinary delight. The small group format, expert guides, and unique experiences like underground wine cave tastings elevate it above standard wine tours. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting a relaxed, luxurious day exploring New Zealand’s renowned wine regions with plenty of opportunities to learn and indulge.

If you’re after a truly memorable way to spend a day in South Island—sampling fine wines, enjoying delicious food, and soaking up stunning landscapes—this tour offers excellent value and a wealth of authentic experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, you’ll leave feeling informed, satisfied, and inspired by New Zealand’s award-winning wines and warm hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: