Queenstown: Central Otago Wine Tour with Lunch & Tastings

Summary

Queenstown vineyards, local flavors, wine caves and lunch in the hills

You’ll taste Central Otago’s best wines straight from boutique cellars near Queenstown, wander through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, and enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch paired with estate wines. With a local guide leading small groups between three unique wineries (and hotel pickup included), you’ll soak up mountain views and stories behind every glass — plus those little moments you can’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out of the van and the air just smells different? That was Queenstown for me — like sun-warmed grass and something a little wild. Our guide, Sarah, greeted us with this easy grin and right away started talking about how Central Otago’s wines are shaped by the crazy seasons here. She pointed to the mountains, still streaked with snow even though it was nearly summer. I remember someone in our group asking if we’d really get to see a wine cave, and Sarah just winked and said, “Wait till you see it.”

The first winery was quiet except for birds somewhere in the vines. We tried pinot noir that tasted almost earthy — not sure I have the right words, but it sort of lingered. I liked that nobody rushed us; we could ask anything (I asked why their chardonnay didn’t taste like oak chips — turns out they use old barrels). The wine cave itself was cool and dark, almost echoey. It smelled faintly of stone and something sweet — maybe fermenting grapes? There was this moment where everyone went quiet at once, just listening to our footsteps on the floor.

Lunch was at a place overlooking rows of vines running down toward the river. They let us pick from an a la carte menu; I went for lamb because, well, New Zealand. Paired with another estate wine — honestly, I don’t usually care about pairings but this one actually worked. One of the staff (Li?) laughed when I tried to pronounce “Gibbston” properly; probably butchered it but she appreciated the effort. The whole thing felt relaxed but special at the same time — not formal or stiff at all.

We stopped at two more boutique wineries after that — each had its own vibe. At one spot, an older winemaker told us about frost fighting with wind machines (“sometimes they sound like helicopters at 3am,” he said). I still think about that view from his tasting room: gold hills rolling away under sharp blue sky. The drive back into Queenstown was quiet; maybe everyone else was as full (and slightly tipsy) as me. I kept thinking how five hours felt both long and way too short.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Queenstown wine tastings and lunch

• Visit underground wine cave
• Enjoy hosted wine tasting
• Have wine and food paired lunch

Top questions

How long is the Queenstown wine tour?

The Queenstown wine tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

Is lunch included on this Central Otago wine tour?

Yes, a winery lunch paired with estate wine is included.

How many wineries do we visit?

You’ll visit three boutique wineries during the tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Queenstown.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options for lunch?

You can advise specific dietary requirements when booking; options are available.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

No, participants must be at least 18 years old; not suitable for infants or children.

What’s special about the wine cave experience?

The tour includes access to New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave for a behind-the-scenes look.

What happens if one winery isn’t available?

If a listed winery is unavailable on your day, another boutique winery will be visited instead.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Queenstown, travel by air-conditioned vehicle with your local guide, hosted tastings at three boutique wineries (including New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave), plus an a la carte winery lunch paired with estate wines using fresh local produce before returning in the afternoon.