Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

If you’re planning a trip to Queenstown and wine tasting is on your list, you’ll want to read this comprehensive guide to the Queenstown Wine Tour offered by Altitude Tours. This highly-rated experience promises a relaxing yet enriching journey through some of New Zealand’s best vineyards, all wrapped in a package that balances quality, comfort, and convenience.

What we love about this tour? First, the knowledgeable guides like Kevin, Shanay, and Ana bring the wineries to life with stories and insider tips. Second, the scenic locations—from underground cellars to vineyard views—are truly memorable. Third, the variety of wines and tasting experiences makes it a great overview for both wine lovers and those new to the craft. On the flip side, a minor consideration could be the timing; some reviews mention feeling a bit rushed at certain stops, so pacing might not suit everyone.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, guided experience without the hassle of driving, and anyone curious about New Zealand’s renowned wine scene, especially Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re seeking a well-organized, immersive day with friendly company, this could be just what you need.

Key Points

• All-inclusive tastings at four diverse wineries provide a thorough overview of local wines.
• Luxury transportation in a Mercedes van ensures comfort and style.
• Flexible pickup options make planning easier and more convenient.
• Behind-the-scenes cellar tours add an educational touch.
• Small group size enhances intimacy and personalized attention.
• Highly praised guides bring authenticity and local flavor to the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Queenstown Premium Wine Tour is more than just a series of tastings; it’s a carefully curated experience that balances education, scenic beauty, and social fun. For around $140 AUD, you get six hours of expertly guided visits to four wineries, all with transport included. This cost, considering the depth of tastings and the personalized approach, offers excellent value, especially compared to visiting wineries independently and organizing transport.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Gibbston Valley Winery

Your journey begins at the legendary Gibbston Valley Winery, one of the region’s founding vineyards. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look with a guided tour of their vast underground cellar, which is the largest in New Zealand. This part of the experience is a highlight for many, as it offers insight into the winemaking process that’s usually hidden from visitors. The one-hour visit includes an admission ticket and sets a great tone with stunning cellar architecture and the chance to learn about the winery’s history.

Reviewers consistently mention how much they appreciated the guided tour—one said it made the experience more engaging. The setting also lends itself to fantastic photo opportunities, with the underground tunnels and the vineyard views beyond.

Stop 2: Kinross Winery

Next, the tour moves to Kinross Winery, renowned for offering multiple labels and a broad selection of wines. Their cellar door is a cozy yet modern space where a host takes you through tasting several varieties, including wines from smaller producers that they showcase. The 1.5-hour stay here allows ample time to explore different styles, from crisp whites to bold reds.

Many visitors rave about the personalized service—reviewers mention how the host showcased wines from various producers, giving a broader picture of New Zealand’s wine diversity. The setting is described as picturesque, perfect for soaking in the vineyard scenery while tasting.

Stop 3: Mt Rosa Wines

Boutique and owner-operated, Mt Rosa Wines offers a more intimate experience. Situated just below the impressive Nevis Bluff, this winery provides a sleek, new cellar door that radiates sophistication. Sitting among the vines, you’ll enjoy tasting wines crafted with care, often highlighted as being particularly high quality and unique.

Here, the one-hour visit is more relaxed, with reviews praising the sophistication of the setting and the knowledgeable hosts. It’s a great stop if you’re interested in discovering boutique wines and learning about small-scale winemaking.

Stop 4: Waitiri Creek Wines

Your final stop is a scenic one—Waitiri Creek Wines, housed in a beautifully renovated woolshed on Gibbston Back Road. Known for its family-owned charm and picturesque location, this winery offers a fitting end to the day with a relaxed tasting atmosphere. The one-hour visit often includes sampling wines in the outdoor setting, where some reviews mention sipping wine outside the church-like structure—an ideal way to end a day of tasting.

Guests frequently say they appreciated the friendly family vibe here and often purchase bottles to take home, with some buying as many as five.

Comfortable, Convenient Transport

One of the tour’s biggest perks is traveling in a luxury Mercedes van. The vehicle’s comfort is consistently praised—reviewers note the spacious seating and smooth ride. The pickup and drop-off at central Queenstown hotels makes planning seamless, especially after a day of tasting (or if you’d prefer to avoid driving).

Guides Who Know Their Stuff

Multiple reviews highlight how guides like Kevin, Ana, and Shanay bring enthusiasm and knowledge to the experience. They share stories behind the wines, give insights into the winemaking process, and are attentive to guests’ needs. For example, one review mentions how Shanay shared background info on winemaking in New Zealand, making the visit more engaging and educational.

Small Group Advantage

With a maximum of 14 guests, the tour maintains an intimate feel. This allows for more personalized attention from guides and the chance to chat with fellow wine lovers. Several reviewers commented on how the small group size contributed to a relaxed atmosphere and better interaction.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviewers mention feeling slightly rushed at certain stops, especially if timing gets tight due to traffic or delays. A few noted that the stays at wineries could be a bit longer, but overall, the pacing is generally well-received. It’s worth considering that this tour is designed to fit in four wineries within six hours, so some may find it a bit quick if they prefer a more leisurely pace.

Plus, some reviews reflect on the late pickup times or delays, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The company does strive to communicate pick-up times clearly, with some reviewers noting that the guides are punctual and the transportation comfortable.

The Value for Money

When analyzing the price—roughly $139 AUD per person—the tour offers a solid package: multiple quality tastings, guided cellar tours, scenic drives, and inclusive transport. This means you avoid the hassle of organizing your own transport and can focus entirely on enjoying the experience. Many responses mention how worthwhile the cost was, especially compared to the number and quality of wines tasted.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn more about New Zealand wines without the stress of driving. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting a convivial, informative day out. If you appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts, scenic stops, and good value, this tour ticks all those boxes.

It’s also a good choice if you want to sample a variety of wineries—from large underground cellars to boutique vineyards—and enjoy insider insights into each location.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including four winery visits, tastings, and transport.

Are meals included?
The reviews mention a delicious lunch at Kinross Winery, so it’s likely included or available during the tour, though check specifics when booking.

What is the pickup time?
The tour begins at 10:00 AM, with pickup options from central Queenstown hotels. The company confirms pickup times the night before.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour features a luxury Mercedes van praised for comfort and smoothness.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour operates with a fixed itinerary, but the small group size allows some flexibility. For specific requests, contacting the operator is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine, the friendly guides ensure everyone is engaged. Some reviews mention accommodating non-drinkers, but confirm with the operator if needed.

What is the minimum drinking age?
The minimum age is 18, so bring your passport or NZ driver’s license as proof of age.

This Queenstown wine tour offers a well-organized, enjoyable way to sample a curated selection of some of New Zealand’s best wineries. The combination of expert guides, scenic vineyard locations, and luxury transport makes it a standout choice for visitors who want to indulge without the hassle of planning.

If you value authentic insight, small group intimacy, and scenic variety, this experience is tailored for you. While some may find the pacing a bit brisk, overall, it delivers excellent value and memorable moments. Perfect for those eager to learn about local wines and enjoy a relaxing day out in Queenstown’s beautiful scenery.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about New Zealand’s vinicultural gems, this tour can be a highlight of your trip, blending education, scenery, and good company seamlessly.