The Original Queenstown Wine Trail Tour Celebrating 33+ Years!

Introducing the Queenstown Wine Trail Tour: An Authentic Sip of Central Otago

If you’re craving a taste of New Zealand’s renowned wine scene, the Original Queenstown Wine Trail Tour offers a thoughtful way to explore some of the region’s best vineyards without the fuss. Celebrating over 33 years, this tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of satisfied travelers, and for good reason.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll get inside expert insights from guides who know the area intimately. Second, the visits to three carefully selected wineries showcase a variety of styles and wines, often with generous tastings. Third, the combination of scenic vineyard views and underground wine caves makes for a memorable, picture-worthy day.

However, a potential consideration is that lunch isn’t included in the tour price, meaning you’ll need to budget extra for a meal at one of the winery restaurants. That said, many reviewers say the tour strikes a fantastic balance of value, comfort, and authenticity — perfect for wine enthusiasts or anyone looking to discover Central Otago’s wine gems in a relaxed setting.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate good wine, enjoy scenic drives, and want local insights without the stress of driving. It suits those seeking a well-organized, intimate experience that’s more about quality than quantity.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with knowledgeable, friendly guides who add personality and local insights
• Visit to three top wineries, including a tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave
• Convenient pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown hotels (select locations)
• Tastings of regional wines and regional cheese, with options to purchase or enjoy at your leisure
• Flexible itinerary with time for lunch at a winery (own expense), blending tasting with dining
• Small-group format (max 14 travelers), ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

First Stop: Gibbston Valley Winery – The Underground Wine Cave

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to Gibbston Valley Winery, often called the “Capital of Queenstown’s wine region”. Here, you’ll explore NZ’s largest underground wine cave, which provides a cool, dark setting perfect for aging and storing wine. The tour of the cave is included and gives you an inside look at the winery’s unique storage methods.

This isn’t just a walk through wine cellars; it’s an experience to appreciate how the region’s climate and geology influence the wines. The cave’s atmospheric setting makes the tasting session even more special, as you sample wines in an environment that’s a part of New Zealand’s wine-making identity. Reviewers like Robert G praised the tour for its “prompt, informative, and non-intrusive” guide, which allowed plenty of time to enjoy the tastings and take photos.

Second Stop: Mt Rosa Wines – A Focused Tasting Experience

Next, you’ll visit Mt Rosa Wines, where a hosted tasting experience awaits. Expect to sample a range of wines, guided by staff who are passionate about their craft. The tasting here is designed to give you a genuine sense of the region’s flavors, with the staff providing insights into the grapes and winemaking processes.

Reviewers have highlighted the quality of wines at this stop, with one noting that “the wines were excellent and a good representation of the region.” It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn what makes Central Otago wines special, especially given its reputation for Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varieties.

Third Stop: Kinross – Scenic Lunch and Tasting

The final stop is Kinross, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely, fully hosted tasting session. This winery often impresses guests with its stunning setting and friendly atmosphere. The tour includes time for a winery lunch at your own expense, typically in a beautiful courtyard setting.

Multiple reviewers, including Elizabeth_S, appreciated the “lovely lunch at Kinross,” which added a relaxed vibe to the day. The winery’s offerings seem to blend good wine with a welcoming environment, making it a memorable conclusion to your tasting journey.

What’s Included, and What’s Not

This tour offers great value through hosted tastings, transportation, and insider tips. The cost covers driver/guides, hotel pickup and drop-off from select Queenstown hotels, and visits to three wineries. You’ll also enjoy the chance to explore the underground cave at Gibbston Valley and sample regional wines.

Lunch, cheese, craft beer, and coffee are available but not included — so you should budget accordingly if you wish to indulge. Many travelers find the optional lunch to be a worthwhile addition, especially at the scenic Kinross venue.

While the tour is well-paced, some guests wish the lunch was part of the package, but the flexibility lets you choose your preferred meal and spend as much or as little as you want.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles to keep you comfortable during the roughly 5.5-hour experience. With a maximum of 14 travelers, it maintains an intimate, friendly atmosphere that allows plenty of time for conversation and questions.

Timing and Booking

Starting at 12:00 pm, the tour fits well into a day in Queenstown, especially if you plan to explore earlier or later. Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is popular and receives rave reviews — it was booked twice on the day of review, indicating strong demand.

Guide Experience and Guest Feedback

Guests consistently praise guides like Richard, Ed, Andrew, Angus, and Lance — describing them as knowledgeable, entertaining, friendly, and unobtrusive. One reviewer noted that the guides “weaved the tour with finesse,” making the experience both educational and fun.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just under $113 per person, the Queenstown Wine Trail offers access to multiple top-tier wineries, guided tastings, and a unique underground cave experience. Considering the personalized service, quality wines, and scenic stops, many guests say it’s an excellent deal.

The tour’s focus on small groups enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and tailored attention. Plus, the optional lunch and the chance to buy wines directly from the wineries make it a well-rounded, immersive outing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Central Otago’s renowned vineyards without the hassle of driving. It suits travelers who appreciate learned guides and authentic tastings in beautiful settings. If you enjoy scenic drives, friendly company, and regional wines, you’ll find this tour a highlight of your Queenstown visit.

It’s also a good fit for those who prefer a relaxed, small-group environment over large, rushed tours. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about New Zealand wines, this tour delivers a memorable day out.

FAQs

• What is the tour’s duration?

Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transport, tastings, and breaks.

• Are hotel pickups included?

Yes, from select central Queenstown hotels.

• Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes, the minimum age is 18 years old for alcohol consumption.

• How many wineries are visited?

Three wineries are included in the tour.

• What is the highlight of the tour?

The underground wine cave at Gibbston Valley and the guided tastings at each vineyard.

• Can I buy wine during the tour?

Yes, wine tastings are hosted, and you can purchase bottles directly from the wineries.

• Is lunch included?

No, lunch is at your own expense but can be enjoyed at the winery restaurant.

• What’s the group size?

A maximum of 14 travelers ensures a personal experience.

• Are tours suitable for non-drinkers?

While tastings are central, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery and learn about winemaking.

• What should I wear?

Casual, comfortable clothing with suitable footwear for winery tours and possibly walking in the caves.

Final Thoughts

The Original Queenstown Wine Trail Tour stands out as a well-balanced, authentic way to experience Central Otago’s top wineries. Its combination of expert guides, scenic vineyard stops, and underground cave visits make it more than just a tasting — it’s an insight into the region’s wine culture.

The attention to detail and small-group atmosphere ensure that you’ll leave feeling informed, relaxed, and with a few bottles or memories to cherish. Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or a casual taster, this tour offers genuine value in a beautiful setting.

Perfect for those who want a leisurely, engaging, and taste-rich day out, it’s an experience that captures the essence of Queenstown’s vibrant wine scene. Just be ready to explore, learn, and sip your way through a slice of New Zealand’s best vineyards.