Queenstown: Gibbston Valley Wine Cave & Amisfield Tasting Tour

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Free cancellationExcellent qualityLikely to sell out

1/20

Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Central Otago vineyards, wine cave tour, small group tastings

You’ll step inside New Zealand’s largest wine cave at Gibbston Valley before tasting Central Otago wines at boutique vineyards like Kinross and Amisfield. With a local guide leading your small group, you’ll meet locals (and maybe Bella the wine dog), enjoy lunch in a vineyard garden, and soak up scenery that lingers long after you leave.

5h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Boutique wine tour in Gibbston Valley

Drive through Gibbston Valley
Guided tour of Gibbston Valley wine cave
Tasting at Gibbston Valley Wines
Wine tasting at Kinross winery
Lunch at Kinross winery bistro or garden
Final wine tasting at Amisfield Winery

The Experience

I thought I knew what to expect from a Queenstown wine tour, but the first thing that hit me was the cool, earthy smell inside the Gibbston Valley wine cave. Our guide, Matt, flicked on his torch and grinned—he’d clearly done this walk a hundred times but still seemed genuinely excited to show us the rows of barrels tucked into the rock. I ran my hand along the damp stone wall (probably not supposed to do that) and tried to imagine what it was like when they first started making wine here back in the ’80s. The Pinot Noir tasted different down there—maybe it was just the cave talking.

Afterwards we piled back into the van—Mercedes, so yeah, pretty comfy—and Matt told stories about old winemakers and how Central Otago ended up famous for its reds. At Kinross, we tasted through bottles from different producers—Valli, Hawkshead, Wild Irishman—each one had its own little story. Lunch was on our own dime but honestly worth it; I sat outside in their garden with a pizza and watched a couple of locals argue (gently) about rugby scores over rosé. Bella the wine dog wandered by for a scratch behind the ears. It felt easygoing in that way New Zealand does so well.

Last stop was Amisfield—the place looks like it’s made out of mountains and glass. The tasting room had these huge windows facing Lake Hayes; light bouncing off everything. I tried to pronounce “Pinot Gris” in my best Kiwi accent (failed spectacularly). The staff didn’t mind—they just laughed and poured another glass. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home pouring supermarket wine. If you’re into good company and real stories more than just ticking boxes, this day trip from Queenstown is hard to beat.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter, guided commentary from a local expert, entry and tastings at three boutique wineries—including an exclusive Gibbston Valley wine cave tour—and plenty of time to relax over lunch at Kinross before heading back to Queenstown together.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Alpine Wine Tours