Top Rated Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour & Platters Included

Planning a trip to Queenstown and eager to explore its celebrated wine and craft beer scene? This highly-rated small-group tour offers an excellent way to enjoy local drinks without the fuss of organizing transport or worrying about getting home. With perfect reviews and rave recommendations, it’s a favorite for those wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of New Zealand’s Gibbston region.

What we love about this tour? First, the flexibility to choose between wine and beer tastings at each stop makes it ideal for groups with varied tastes. Second, the inclusion of shared antipasto platters adds a lovely touch of local flavor and social vibe. Third, the knowledgeable guides weave in plenty of regional stories, making each stop more interesting than just sipping wine or beer. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s small group size and booking requirements mean it’s best to plan ahead and book early.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a laid-back, informative experience with a focus on quality local drinks and a dash of Queenstown’s scenic charm. If you’re after a fun, hassle-free way to sample the region’s best, this is a great pick. However, those looking for a more extensive or wine-focused tour might consider alternative options.

Key Points

• Flexible tasting options: Choose between wine or craft beer at each of the three stops.
• Relaxed, small-group atmosphere: Max 14 travelers ensures a personal experience.
• Inclusive transportation: Pickup and drop-off from Queenstown makes logistics effortless.
• Authentic regional insights: Guides share local history and drinking culture.
• Tasty additions: Shared antipasto platters elevate the tasting experience.
• Excellent reviews: Consistently high ratings and glowing feedback.

Inside the Queenstown Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Queenstown’s Gibbston region’s drink scene, combining fun, education, and scenic views—all in one four-hour window. The focus on small groups guarantees personalized attention, and the balance between wine and beer tasting caters to a variety of preferences, making it flexible and inclusive.

Seamless Planning and Pickup

Starting at the Marmolada Cafe in central Queenstown, the tour includes convenient transport, removing any hassle about how to get to the Gibbston area. Plus, with mobile ticketing, booking is straightforward, and the tour can be easily scheduled around your other activities.

Stop 1: GT Tasting Room at Gibbston Tavern

Your adventure kicks off at the historic Gibbston Tavern’s GT Tasting Room. Here, you get your first taste of the region’s offerings—either a curated wine or local craft beer. The tasting lasts about 45 minutes, giving enough time to appreciate the flavors without feeling rushed.

Guests often comment on the location’s ambiance, being in a historic setting that adds a layer of authenticity to the experience. A review highlights the chance to sample wines directly grown and made in the Gibbseton area, setting the tone for a quality tasting.

Stop 2: Kinross Winery & Boutique Wines

Next, you’ll hop in the van for a short drive deeper into the Gibbston valley to Kinross Winery. Here, your guide hosts a tasting session with multiple boutique producers, including Kinross and four other regional wine labels. This stop is a favorite among travelers who appreciate the variety—sampling a drop from each of five producers.

A review mentions that the guide’s knowledge and engaging personality made this part particularly fun, even when weather wasn’t perfect. It’s a great opportunity to discover lesser-known, high-quality wines or beers you might not find elsewhere.

Stop 3: Canyon Brewing at Arthurs Point

The final stop is at Canyon Brewing, situated just 25 minutes from Queenstown, in Arthurs Point. This is your chance to unwind with a flight of locally brewed beers—crafted with finesse and style. The relaxed atmosphere here invites socializing and chatting with the guides and fellow guests.

Reviews often mention the “yummy charcuterie” served here, adding a satisfying bite alongside the drinks. It’s the perfect way to wind down, reflect on your favorites, and enjoy the mountain views.

What to Expect During the Tour

Transport and Group Size: The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Queenstown, making your day hassle-free. The group is limited to 14 people, ensuring a friendly, intimate environment where you can ask questions and connect with others.

Duration and Pacing: Spanning approximately four hours, the tour allows enough time at each location for tasting and socializing without feeling hurried. Expect about 45 minutes at the first stop, around an hour at Kinross, and another hour at Canyon Brewing.

Guides and Local Insights: Based on reviews, guides like Ash, Tomas, and Shanay are consistently praised for their friendliness, humor, and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned Ash as being “informative, friendly, funny, and helpful,” which made the experience memorable.

Tasting Options and Food: The tour offers the option to select between wine and beer, accommodating different preferences. The included antipasto platters at Canyon Brewing add a delightful local touch, making the experience more than just sipping.

Price and Value: At $133.55 per person, many consider this a solid deal given the inclusions—multiple tastings, transport, and food. The reviews echo this perception, emphasizing the good value for a half-day adventure.

Authentic Experiences Shared by Travelers

Many reviews highlight the guides’ personalities—Kevin, Thomas, Do, and Ash are singled out for their engaging and humorous hosting styles. One reviewer even mentioned that “Ash kept us laughing the entire drive,” which shows how much a good guide can enhance the day.

Others appreciated the variety of drinks and the quality of the tastings, with comments like “the wines were very, very good,” and “the boutique beers were top-notch.” Several travelers also enjoyed making new friends in the small group, often continuing their outing afterward.

The inclusion of antipasto platters was a highlight for many, with one traveler noting “yummy charcuterie brought to our table,” adding a satisfying flavor boost to the tasting experience.

Challenges and Considerations

One reviewer pointed out that if the minimum number of participants isn’t met, the tour might get canceled, which is worth keeping in mind. Communication about rescheduling options could be clearer, but overall, most guests find the tour well-managed and worth the effort.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a relaxed, social afternoon immersed in Queenstown’s renowned drink culture. It suits travelers who appreciate a mix of scenic views, good company, and authentic local tastes. It’s also perfect for small groups seeking personalized service and flexibility with their tasting choices.

If you love discovering new wines and beers without the hassle of organizing transport, this tour offers both convenience and quality. However, if you prefer a more wine-focused itinerary or a longer, more in-depth experience, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown, making logistics straightforward.

Can I choose between wine and beer tastings?
Absolutely. You can select your preferred tasting at each stop, catering to diverse tastes.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 4 hours, with enough time at each stop for tastings and socializing.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring an intimate and friendly atmosphere.

Are food and drinks included?
Shared antipasto platters are provided at the final stop, and tastings of wine or beer are included at all three locations.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Participants must be 18 or older, and it’s recommended to bring ID such as a passport or NZ driver’s license.

What are the stops on the itinerary?
The tour includes the GT Tasting Room at Gibbston Tavern, Kinross Winery with boutique wines, and Canyon Brewing for craft beers.

What if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
The tour might be canceled, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I join last minute?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

What’s the overall value of this tour?
Given the inclusions, small-group setting, and highly positive reviews, most travelers find this to be excellent value for money.

Final Thoughts

This Queenstown afternoon wine and craft beer tour offers a well-balanced experience that combines scenic beauty, authentic regional drinks, and expert guides. Its flexibility, intimate setting, and quality tasting stops make it stand out as a top choice for travelers wanting a relaxed yet enriching afternoon. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or simply looking to unwind and meet new people, this tour promises a memorable taste of Queenstown’s drink culture.

Ideal for small groups, social drinkers, and those short on time but seeking quality. It’s a great way to enjoy Queenstown’s famed landscape and local flavors without the fuss, all at a reasonable price point. Just remember to book early if you want to secure your spot, and prepare for a fun, delicious, and scenic ride through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.