Exploring South Island’s wine scene offers more than just tasting great bottles; it’s about experiencing the landscapes, the stories behind the vineyards, and the craftsmanship of New Zealand’s renowned wines. Central Otago, in particular, is famous for its Pinot Noir, and the region’s dramatic mountains and river gorges create a stunning backdrop for your wine journey. Among the many options, we especially appreciate the Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour for its unique setting inside the largest wine cave in New Zealand, and the Kinross Winery Pinot Noir Experience for those eager to sample top-tier Otago reds directly from the pioneers of Pinot Noir. Ready to find the best fit? Read on for our detailed reviews of the top five South Island wine tours to help you plan the perfect sip-filled adventure.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of tours suited to different interests and budgets: from short cave tastings to comprehensive winery experiences, and even pairing tours that combine cheese and wine. We cover everything from insider visits to award-winning wines, with options like Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour and Kinross Winery’s Pinot Noir experience. Whether you want a quick snapshot of Otago’s finest wines or an in-depth tasting with food pairings, there’s something here for every wine lover.
1. Gibbston Valley Wines – Cave Tour
At number one, the Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour takes you inside New Zealand’s largest wine cave, an experience as much about the setting as the wine. For just over $17 USD, you get a 30-minute tour of the cave, where you’ll learn about the region’s first vines planted back in 1983 by wine pioneer Alan Brady. The highlight is tasting three of Gibbston Valley’s signature wines directly in the cool, 14°C cellar—an ideal environment that showcases Pinot Noir’s elegance.
What makes this tour stand out is its unique underground setting and the opportunity to see the region’s first vines, offering a tangible link to Otago’s wine history. The staff is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience intimate despite being a popular attraction. Even in a quick half-hour, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s distinct terroir sandwiched between rugged mountains and the Kawarau River gorge.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a memorable, photo-worthy experience that combines wine education with adventure, this cave tour offers a great value and a true taste of Central Otago’s heritage.
2. Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience
Coming in at number two, the Kinross Winery’s Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting is a 45-minute tour for just over $15 USD that introduces you to some of Otago’s best wines. Kinross’s Wine Advisors, passionate and personable, will guide you through tastings of wines from their own vineyards plus those from notable partners, including Hawkshead and Valli.
This experience is a solid choice for those who want a well-rounded tasting without a lengthy commitment. You’ll learn about the different styles of Otago wines and get insights into what makes the region famous for Pinot Noir, along with other varieties. The small-group format ensures a more personal, engaging experience—ideal if you’re craving a focused, educational taste of Otago’s wine scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a short, engaging introduction to Otago wines, with a friendly atmosphere and a good variety of wines to sample.
3. Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience
Position three is the Valli Wine Tasting Experience, which runs about 45 minutes at a cost of just over $27 USD. This tour is dedicated exclusively to Valli’s award-winning wines, crafted by a team that has earned a reputation for quality and elegance. Led by a talented Wine Advisor, you’ll explore a curated selection of Valli’s best wines, learning about their production process and the unique characteristics that define them.
What makes this experience special is the focus on Valli’s craftsmanship—their wines have received numerous awards, making it a highlight for connoisseurs. The tasting provides a chance to appreciate the subtle nuances of Pinot Noir, along with other varieties, in a relaxed setting. It’s well-suited for those who want to dive deeper into a single winery’s offerings rather than a broad overview.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in high-quality, award-winning wines and want an intimate, expert-led experience, this tour is worth the slightly higher price.
$27.14 per person
4. Guided Tour with Cheese & Wine Pairing
For about an hour and a half, the Guided Cheese & Wine Pairing Tour combines the pleasures of wine with the art of cheese-making at Whitestone Cheese Co. This tour costs around $21 USD and offers a behind-the-scenes look at artisan cheese production, along with matching local wines that enhance each flavor profile.
The tour begins with a detailed look at how Whitestone’s cheeses are crafted, including viewing platforms that give a clear peek into the factory. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a generous tasting platter paired with carefully selected wines, making this ideal for food lovers who want a multi-sensory experience. Reviewers note the fun, informative nature of the tour and the quality of the cheese and wine pairings.
This experience is perfect if you’re interested in local food production and want a culinary highlight during your trip. It’s also a great choice for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, more interactive activity.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded, delicious pairing experience that combines food and wine, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable visit.
5. Kinross Winery: Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Experience
Finally, the Pinot Noir Tasting Experience at Kinross Winery is a 1-hour tour that spotlights Otago’s signature grape. While the reviews are currently unavailable, this experience is clearly tailored for lovers of Pinot Noir, featuring wines from Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli, and Wild Irishman—Otago’s pioneers of Pinot production.
This tour provides an opportunity to compare multiple top-tier Pinot Noirs side-by-side, deepening your understanding of regional nuances and winemaking styles. The $27 USD price makes it accessible, and it suits those eager to focus solely on the region’s flagship variety.
Bottom Line: For serious Pinot Noir enthusiasts, this experience is a must, offering a comprehensive look at Otago’s most celebrated reds in a single sit-down.
$27.14 per person
How to Choose the Right South Island Wine Tour
When deciding between these fantastic options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a short but memorable underground experience, the Gibbston Valley Wines Cave Tour is unbeatable. If you’re more focused on exploring award-winning wines in a relaxed setting, the Valli Tasting suits wine lovers wanting depth. Meanwhile, the Cheese & Wine Pairing offers a delightful culinary adventure for foodies.
For those eager to learn about Otago’s Pinot Noir legends, the Pinot Noir Tasting combines a focused, educational experience with the region’s flagship grape. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Kinross Classic, while those seeking a more comprehensive visit might opt for multiple tastings or combine experiences.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (Southern Hemisphere summer and autumn) when Otago’s wineries are busiest. Many tours include small-group formats, making reservations essential to secure your spot.
In Summary
South Island offers a rich variety of wine tours catering to all tastes—from cave explorations and award-winning tastings to pairing experiences and Pinot Noir showcases. The Gibbston Valley Cave Tour provides a memorable underground experience highlighting Otago’s first vines, while the Kinross Winery Pinot Noir Experience offers an in-depth look at Otago’s signature grape. For a balanced, informative, and flavorful day, these tours deliver authentic and enjoyable insights into New Zealand’s famed wine country. Whatever your preference, early booking and planning will ensure you don’t miss out on these exceptional wine adventures.