Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

Planning a wine-focused day in Queenstown? We’ve looked into the Premium Wine Tour offered by Ultimate New Zealand Tours, which promises a relaxed journey through the heart of Central Otago’s renowned wine region. While we haven’t physically been on this specific tour, we’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your adventure.

What we love about this experience is its blend of beautiful scenery, diverse wineries, and the convenience of round-trip transport. The tour’s focus on multiple cellar doors means you’ll get a taste of different wineries, each with its own character. Plus, the small-group format combined with expert-guided visits ensures a more personalized experience. One thing to consider is that the guide’s limited commentary was noted as a downside by some reviewers — so if you’re after a highly narrated experience, this might not be your ideal choice. This tour suits wine lovers who appreciate scenic drives, authentic tastings, and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Multiple Wineries: Visit four distinctive cellar doors, each offering unique wines and atmospheres.
• Scenic Route: Experience stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover River, and surrounding landscapes.
• Convenient Transport: Enjoy round-trip pickup and drop-off from Queenstown, making it hassle-free.
• Expert Tastings: Sample a variety of wines, including those from small producers, with knowledgeable hosts.
• Relaxed Pace: Each stop lasts about an hour, allowing ample time to savor wines and take photos.
• Limited Guide Commentary: Some guests felt the driver lacked storytelling or detailed explanations during the drive.

Exploring the Itinerary

Stop 1: Gibbston Valley Winery

Our first destination is the legendary Gibbston Valley Winery, one of the region’s founding establishments. Here, you’ll join a guided tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cellar, which is quite a sight. The cave-like cellar, carved beneath the vineyards, offers an atmospheric place to learn about the winemaking process. Guests often comment on the impressive scale and historical significance of the winery, making it a memorable start.

While admission is free, the highlight is the guided tour, which provides insights into the winery’s history and production. We loved the way this stop set a tone of authenticity and craftsmanship. The tasting here includes some of the region’s flagship wines, giving you a solid foundation for the rest of the day.

Stop 2: Kinross Winery, Cellar Door & Cottages

Next, the tour takes you to Kinross Winery, a family-run operation producing a range of labels. This winery offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can try a variety of wines, including both their own creations and selections from smaller producers. The cellar door host is praised for showcasing different wines, making this stop both educational and enjoyable.

Guests appreciate the chance to sample multiple labels at one location, often highlighting the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The scenic setting, with views over the vineyards, adds to the charm. Expect about an hour at this stop, giving you ample time to explore the different wines and perhaps purchase a bottle or two to take home.

Stop 3: Mt Rosa Wines

Mt Rosa Wines is a boutique winery that stands out thanks to its owner-operated approach and stunning location under Nevis Bluff. The newly built cellar door provides a more modern, sophisticated backdrop for tasting. Here, you’ll learn about smaller-scale winemaking, which many guests find more intimate and authentic.

Visitors often mention the beautiful vineyard setting and the chance to enjoy wines directly from a passionate producer. The tasting experience is complemented by the scenic surroundings, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the landscape. This stop lasts around an hour, providing a calm, engaging experience.

Stop 4: Ayrburn

The final stop is at Ayrburn, where you can enjoy a self-guided flight of wines either inside the historic Manure Room or outside if the weather’s kind. Surrounded by historic grounds and lush gardens, this winery’s vibe is laid-back and personal, with some guests noting the outdoor tasting as a highlight.

Guests find Ayrburn to be a quaint way to finish the day, especially if they enjoy exploring wines at their own pace. The self-guided format allows for a more relaxed experience, and the scenic property’s atmosphere makes it a perfect wrap-up.

What It Means for You

Transportation: The fact that the tour includes round-trip transport means you can relax without worrying about navigating or driving. This is particularly valuable if you plan to indulge in tastings or are unfamiliar with the area.

Group Size & Atmosphere: This is a private tour for your group, which typically makes for a more intimate and tailored experience. Even with a small group, the tour’s duration (about 5-6 hours) is well balanced, offering enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Pricing & Value: At around $310 per person, the cost might seem steep, but it covers multiple tastings, transport, and guided insights. The inclusion of visits to four wineries—ranging from historic to boutique—adds to the value, especially if you love wine and scenery.

Tour Experience & Limitations: Guests have expressed that the guide’s limited commentary was a minor downside, with some wishing for more storytelling about the wineries or the landscape. Still, the overall experience is praised for its quality and scenic value.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer mentioned that all the wineries were “awesome” and they enjoyed a very good time, though they wished the driver had explained more about the countryside or the wineries themselves. This indicates that the tour excels in providing quality tastings and beautiful views but may lack in narrative detail.

Another guest highlighted the driver’s kindness, especially in helping a couple with a small child who had no cash for the return bus, which speaks to the friendly, accommodating nature of the experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts keen to sample a variety of local New Zealand wines without the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple bookings. It suits travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day out, especially those who appreciate small-group settings and authentic wine experiences.

If you enjoy learning about winemaking, picturesque landscapes, and having a flexible schedule, this tour ticks all those boxes. However, if you’re looking for a highly narrated experience or extensive commentary about the region, you might find it a bit quiet on the storytelling front.

Final Thoughts

The Premium Wine Tour at Queenstown offers a well-rounded experience that combines authentic wine tastings, stunning scenery, and convenient transportation. While the guide’s commentary might not be extensive, the quality of the wineries visited and the breathtaking backdrop make it a worthwhile choice for many.

For those wanting a laid-back, enjoyable day discovering Central Otago’s wine scene, this tour provides good value. Its small-group, private format ensures personalized attention, and the stops cover a nice variety of winery styles—from historic estates to boutique producers.

The price reflects the inclusions and the convenience, making it a solid pick if you’re serious about wine and scenery. Just keep in mind that some guests felt the drive itself could be more engaging, so setting expectations accordingly will help you enjoy your day to the fullest.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip pickup and drop-off from Queenstown are part of the package, ensuring a stress-free day.

How long is the tour? The experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with about an hour spent at each winery.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, this tour is often booked around 17 days ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is most suitable for most travelers; service animals are also allowed. Specific age limits aren’t mentioned, but it’s geared towards adults or those of drinking age.

What is the winery experience like? Expect a mix of guided and self-guided tastings, with some stops offering insights into wine production and a chance to enjoy peaceful scenic views.

To sum it up, this Queenstown wine tour offers a balanced mix of scenic drives, authentic tastings, and convenient logistics. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate day sampling New Zealand’s best wines in a beautiful setting, especially if they prefer a guided, worry-free experience.