Queenstown: Twilight Wine & Beer Tour with Platters

Summary

Wine or beer in Gibbston then platters by the lake at sunset

You’ll spend an afternoon around Queenstown choosing between local wines or craft beers at three different spots across Gibbston and Arthurs Point—with plenty of time for shared platters, laughter, and low-key stories with your guide and fellow travelers. Includes pickup in central Queenstown so you can relax right from the start.

What’s the experience like?

I wasn’t sure if I’d picked the right tour at first—my mate’s all about craft beer, and I’m more of a Pinot Noir person. But the Twilight Wine & Beer Tour from Queenstown actually let us both do our thing without any weird compromise. We started out at this rustic spot, the GT Tasting Room at Gibbston Tavern. The place smelled faintly like old wood and hops (not unpleasant, honestly). Our guide, Jamie, just grinned when I hesitated between wine and beer—“No wrong answers here,” she said. Turns out she was right. The wine was local, bright, a bit earthy; my friend’s beer flight came from a brewery literally down the road. There were a couple of regulars at the bar who nodded hello but mostly kept to their pints.

The drive deeper into Gibbston felt quick—a bit of golden light on the vines, sheep somewhere off in the distance. At Kinross Cellar Door we got this little intro to five boutique producers (I tried to remember all their names… failed). Tasted some pinots that made me wish I had a notebook. If you’re into beer instead, they hand you tasting notes so you don’t feel left out. The charcuterie board was piled with cured meats and cheese—I probably ate more than my share. Someone at our table tried to pronounce “Gewürztraminer” and we all lost it for a minute. It felt easy there.

Last stop was Altitude Brewery near Queenstown Marina—by then everyone had loosened up. The sun was dropping behind the hills and people were swapping stories about where they’d come from (one couple from Wellington, another guy solo from Sydney). We shared antipasto platters and tasted whatever we hadn’t tried yet—no pressure if you wanted to skip something. You could hear laughter bouncing around the tables and outside, boats clinking softly against the dock. I still think about that view over the water as we headed back into town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon wine and beer tasting tour

• Visit GT Tasting Room at Gibbston Tavern
• Choose wine or local craft beer tasting
• Drive to Kinross Cellar Door in Gibbston
• Enjoy hosted wine tasting or beer sampling
• Indulge in charcuterie boards
• Drive to Altitude Brewery at Queenstown Marina
• Relax with tasting flights of wine or beer
• Return to Queenstown for dinner plans

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Queenstown wine & beer tour?

Yes, central Queenstown pickup and drop-off are included.

Can I choose between wine or beer tastings on this tour?

Yes, you can pick either wine or craft beer tastings at each stop.

Are food platters included during the day trip?

Yes, shared antipasto or charcuterie platters are served during tastings.

How many stops are there on this afternoon tour?

The tour visits three locations: GT Tasting Room, Kinross Cellar Door, and Altitude Brewery.

What time does the tour return to Queenstown?

The group returns around 7pm—just before dinner time.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome—it’s a relaxed group atmosphere.

Do I need to bring ID for tastings?

You’ll need your passport or NZ driver’s licence for age verification.

Are non-drinkers allowed on this tour?

The minimum drinking age is 18; non-drinkers aren’t specifically mentioned in the info provided.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes central Queenstown pickup and drop-off, guided tastings at three cellar doors or breweries in Gibbston and Arthurs Point (with your choice of local wines or craft beers), plus generous antipasto platters along the way before heading back into town just before dinner time.