Queenstown stands out as New Zealand’s premier wine destination thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, cool-climate vineyards, and a variety of tours that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re after an intimate tasting experience, a relaxed day with craft beers, or a self-guided bike tour through vineyards, Queenstown’s wine scene offers it all. One of our favorites is the Premium Small-Group Wine Tour, 4 Wineries, Lunch from Queenstown, which combines boutique wineries with a gourmet lunch and personalized attention. Meanwhile, the Award Winning Premium Wine Tour impresses with behind-the-scenes cellar tours and luxury transport, perfect for those wanting a more indulgent day. Queenstown’s variety of options makes it a perfect stop for wine connoisseurs and casual sippers alike.
Quick Overview
From small-group boutique tastings to flexible hop-on-hop-off bus adventures, Queenstown offers a wide array of wine tours. For those who love a personal touch, small-group tours like the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown are perfect, offering visits to multiple wineries with gourmet lunches. If you prefer a more relaxed, self-paced experience, the Queenstown Hop on Hop off Wine Tours let you pick your stops and explore at your own pace. For activity lovers, the Bike & Wine Tour combines exercise with wine tasting, cycling through Arrowtown and Gibbston. Whether you’re after luxury, flexibility, or adventure, Queenstown’s wine tours promise a memorable experience.
1. Premium Small-Group Wine Tour, 4 Wineries, Lunch from Queenstown
At number 1, this Premium Small-Group Wine Tour offers a balanced blend of boutique wineries, scenic drives, and gourmet lunch, all within an intimate setting limited to 12 people. The tour includes visits to the Gibbston wine region, a light platter lunch at Bannockburn, and additional tastings in Cromwell and Gibbston. The journey takes you through lush valleys and historic gold-mining areas, with stops for spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Guests consistently praise the personal attention and generous tastings, with reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guide and spectacular scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is its small-group format, ensuring you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, personalized experience with plenty of time to savor wines from select boutique vineyards. The hassle-free hotel pickup makes it an easy, no-stress day. If you love pairing your wine tastings with picturesque landscapes and local history, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: Great for wine lovers seeking an intimate, well-rounded experience with excellent scenery and lunch.
2. Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries
Next on our list is the Award Winning Premium Wine Tour, which has earned perfect reviews from more than 570 travelers. This tour emphasizes behind-the-scenes cellar tours and tastings at four top wineries in the Gibbston Valley, including a guided tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave. The luxury Mercedes van adds comfort to the six-hour experience, seamlessly connecting visits to boutique vineyards such as Mt Rosa Wines and Waitiri Creek. The tour is suitable for those who want to learn about winemaking processes while sampling excellent wines.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the variety of wines, especially the chance to explore the wine caves and sample some of New Zealand’s finest pinots. The round-trip transport means you can indulge without concern for driving. It’s an ideal choice for serious wine enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the region’s best.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, high-end wine experience with expert insights.
3. Top Rated Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour & Platters Included
For those who want variety, the Top Rated Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour combines local wines and craft beers in a relaxed afternoon setting. The tour visits three locations, including the historic GT Tasting Room and Canyon Brewing, with a shared antipasto platter to complement the tastings. It’s a social, fun experience with a focus on regional flavors and local brews, making it ideal if you’re not strictly a wine aficionado.
The flexible itinerary allows you to choose between wine or beer tastings at each stop, and the small-group format ensures a lively atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and great variety, with some mentioning it’s a perfect way to unwind after morning excursions or outdoor adventures. The included tastings and platters make this a good value for an afternoon of casual tasting.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a mix of wine and beer in a laid-back, social setting.
4. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour
At number 4, this Gourmet Food and Wine Tour combines premium wine tastings, gourmet lunch, and regional cheeses in a full-day experience. Visiting multiple wineries and Australasia’s largest wine cave, the tour explores the diverse sub-regions of Central Otago. The highlight is a gourmet lunch utilising retired French oak Pinot Noir barrels, paired perfectly with regional dishes. The tour includes visits to Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where you learn about the Otago Gold Rush.
Guests love the blend of high-quality tastings, scenic drives, and personalized attention in a small-group setting. The full-day format suits those who want a deep dive into Otago wines paired with excellent food. It’s particularly good for foodies and wine lovers wanting an indulgent, educational experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a comprehensive, all-inclusive day with top wines, regional food, and expert guidance.
5. Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour
Number 5 on our list is the Flexible Wine Tour, a hop-on-hop-off style experience that offers unmatched flexibility. Departing from Queenstown, you can hop on at 12 pm, visit wineries like Kinross and Ayrburn, and choose your own pace. The small bus allows personal attention, and you can hop off for meals or sightseeing in Arrowtown or at the wineries.
Reviewers love the customizability and relaxed pace, with many appreciating the driver’s local insights. It’s suited for travelers who want to control their day without sacrificing the winery experience. Keep in mind, food and additional drinks are at your own expense, but the freedom to visit your preferred spots makes the value clear.
Bottom Line: Best for independent-minded wine lovers who want flexibility combined with guided transport.
6. Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch
This Wine & Food Tour combines scenic views, boutique wineries, and a guided tasting experience topped with a gourmet lunch. The tour visits Gibbston Valley’s largest underground cellar and other vineyards, with a focus on pairing wines with regional cuisine. Guests rave about the delicious 5-dish lunch that complements the wines perfectly.
The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, with highlights including visits to Mt Rosa Wines and Kinross. It’s ideal for those who want to indulge in both regional flavors and scenery with a laid-back yet educational approach.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food and wine enthusiasts seeking a scenic, relaxed, and tasty day.
7. Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch
Number 7 features a comprehensive Queenstown Wine & Food Tour. It offers three boutique wineries, each with guided tastings, plus a wine and food pairing lunch. The tour focuses on the region’s best wines, scenic drives, and culinary delights, perfect for visitors wanting a full experience in a manageable half-day.
Guests appreciate the expert guidance and delicious paired lunch, which elevates the tasting experience. It’s suitable for those who want a balanced, well-rounded tour with a focus on local wine and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a classic, all-inclusive wine and food experience with scenic views.
8. Queenstown Wine Tour with Wine Dog | Adults Only
Our number 8 pick is the Wine Dog Tour, where Bella the dog joins as a fun addition to the wine tasting experience. This adults-only tour takes you in a luxury minivan through Gibbston Valley, visiting three boutique wineries including a guided tour of NZ’s oldest wine cave. The tour emphasizes personalized attention and is praised for its friendly, knowledgeable guide.
The tour’s unique feature is the casual, dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a hit for animal lovers. Guests enjoy the relaxed pace and insider access to behind-the-scenes cellar doors. It’s perfect for those who want a fun, personable experience with a local twist.
Bottom Line: Ideal for animal lovers and those seeking a relaxed, personable wine tour with insider insights.
9. Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines
Number 9 offers the Bike & Wine Tour, combining active exercise with wine tasting. Starting in Arrowtown, you cycle along scenic routes to Gibbston’s wineries, with shuttle pickups and drop-offs included. The e-bikes make it accessible for most fitness levels, and you can stop for photos, tasting, or snacks whenever you like.
Many travelers love the freedom to explore at their own pace and the stunning riverside scenery. The tour is well-suited for active travelers who appreciate the outdoors and want to combine exercise with wine. Reviewers mention how fun and picturesque the ride is, with the team providing all necessary gear.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active wine lovers who want a self-guided, scenic day on two wheels.
10. Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese
Number 10 includes the Queenstown Classic Wine Tour, a well-rounded half-day experience that combines wine tastings, a cave tour, and regional cheeses. You’ll visit three wineries, including the iconic Gibbston Valley—home to New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave—and finish with a cheese platter. The guide shares interesting stories about each winery and the region’s winemaking.
Guests consistently mention the generous tastings and informative guide. It’s ideal if you want a short but comprehensive wine experience without sacrificing quality or scenery.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a quick yet thorough introduction to Otago wines and local food.
11. The Wine Trail Tour
Standing out as a full-day adventure, the Wine Trail Tour visits up to eight wineries, mostly smaller, off-the-beaten-path vineyards. Starting from Queenstown or Arrowtown, you’ll enjoy customizable itineraries with plenty of tastings, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. The guide’s local knowledge makes it a favorite among repeat visitors.
Guests appreciate the personalized itinerary and fewer crowds, making it ideal for serious wine fans who want to explore beyond the main wineries. The included lunch and bottled water add to the value, offering a full day of wine adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for dedicated wine explorers wanting depth and variety.
12. The Original Queenstown Wine Trail – Celebrating 33+ Years!
Number 12 showcases the historic Queenstown Wine Trail, a 5.5-hour tour that’s been delighting wine lovers for over three decades. It covers three wineries, like Gibbston Valley and Mt Rosa, including a cave tour and cheese tastings. The tours are known for their friendly guides and relaxed vibe, with plenty of interesting stories along the way.
This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate tradition, with the added bonus of visiting the region’s most famous wineries and tasting a selection of renowned wines. Guests highlight the personalized attention and informative commentary.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a classic, well-established winery experience with local charm.
13. Queenstown: Wine Tasting Tour
Number 13 offers a 6-hour guided tour exploring four top cellar doors. It features visits to off-the-beaten-path wineries and the massive underground cave at Gibbston Valley. The tour emphasizes variety and storytelling, with guests tasting 18+ wines, including award-winning pinots. The vehicle is modern and equipped with WiFi, making the journey comfortable.
This tour is praised for its personalized approach and the chance to sample some of New Zealand’s best wines. It’s ideal for those eager to try a broad range of flavors in a full-day setting.
Bottom Line: Suitable for wine lovers wanting a comprehensive tasting experience with quality transport.
14. Queenstown Afternoon Wine Tour | Adults Only
This Afternoon Wine Tour is perfect for a relaxing end to your day. It visits three wineries in the scenic Gibbston Valley, with tastings and a guided tour of NZ’s oldest wine cave. The late-afternoon timing allows you to enjoy a few glasses and unwind before dinner. The small group means personal attention, and the guide shares insights into local viticulture.
Guests say it’s a great way to relax after a busy day or outdoor activity. It’s best suited for those wanting a laid-back, adult-focused experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxing, guided, late-afternoon experience.
15. Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown
Finally, the Hop on Hop off Wine Tours offers flexibility like no other. You purchase a half- or full-day ticket, and the buses run every 45 minutes to stops such as Arrowtown, Gibbston wineries, and even adventure attractions like jet boating or bungy jumping. You can craft your own day, stopping at your preferred wineries or dashing off for some local sightseeing.
Reviewers love the freedom to explore at their own pace and the informative commentary. This option suits independent travelers and groups who want a custom experience without strict schedules.
Bottom Line: Best for flexible, self-directed wine days with options for adventure or sightseeing.
How to Choose the Perfect Queenstown Wine Tour
When selecting your ideal wine tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you prefer a luxury, all-inclusive experience, the Award Winning Premium Tour is hard to beat. For those who enjoy a more relaxed, flexible day, the Hop on Hop off Tours or the Flexible Tour are excellent choices. If you’re a foodie and wine connoisseur, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour offers a full day of indulgence.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season (summer months and holidays), and always check if the tours include hotel pickups—most do—and whether they cater to specific interests like craft beer, biking, or family-friendly options.
Queenstown offers a remarkable variety of wine experiences that suit every style, from intimate tastings to adventurous bike rides. Whether you want a luxurious day in boutique cellars or a self-guided exploration, your perfect wine tour awaits. Just pick what suits your style, book ahead, and enjoy the taste of Central Otago — one of New Zealand’s most stunning regions.