Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

If you’re heading to Queenstown and love the idea of sampling some of New Zealand’s finest wines without the hassle of driving, this award-winning wine tour offers a fantastic way to spend a day. For around $140 per person, you’ll visit four carefully selected wineries, enjoy behind-the-scenes cellar tours, and taste a wide variety of local wines—all in a comfortable, small-group setting. Led by knowledgeable guides like Kevin, Shanay, or Ana, the experience combines scenic vineyard visits with expert insights, making it a memorable and educational outing.

We particularly appreciate the luxury transport in a Mercedes van, which means you can relax and take in the stunning landscape around Gibbston Valley—often called the “Valley of the Vines.” Plus, the convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel or chosen location make this tour seamless and stress-free.

A potential consideration is that, like many popular tours, it fills up quickly—booking in advance is recommended. Also, some travelers note that on rare days, timing at each stop can be a bit rushed due to traffic or delays, so staying flexible helps.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, or those wanting a relaxed, guided experience of Queenstown’s vibrant wine scene. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and expert guidance.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Four wineries with tastings, cellar tours, and a delicious lunch included
• Comfort & Convenience: Luxury Mercedes van transport with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and local stories
• Authentic Settings: Beautiful vineyard locations, some boutique and family-owned, offering a personal touch
• Value for Money: Fully guided, all tastings included, with options to purchase bottles directly from wineries
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

Exploring Queenstown’s Wine Scene in Style

Visiting Queenstown isn’t just about adventure sports or stunning landscapes—its nearby Gibbston Valley is a quietly thriving hub for world-class wines, especially Pinot Noir. This tour offers a well-rounded look at this famed region, combining scenic drives, intimate winery visits, and expert tastings.

It’s a 6-hour journey that packs in four distinct stops, each with its own character and specialty. We loved the fact that the tour is kept small and intimate—with a maximum of 14 guests—making it easy to chat with your guide and fellow travelers. Plus, the pickup service simplifies logistics, so you can focus on what matters—tasting and enjoying.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Gibbston Valley Winery

This iconic winery is the tour’s first stop. It’s one of the founding wineries of the region, and here we get a guided tour of the underground cellar—the largest in New Zealand. It’s fascinating to see the vast storage tunnels and learn about the aging process that gives Gibbston wines their distinct character. The admission fee is included, so you can explore at your own pace.

This stop is often praised for its stunning setting and the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at wine production. Reviewers like Lara_J mention that the whole day ran smoothly, and she appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guide Kevin.

Stop 2: Kinross Winery, Cellar Door & Cottages

Next, the tour moves to Kinross, a dynamic winery producing various labels. Here, the cellar door host showcases wines from multiple smaller producers, giving you a wide taste palette. The setting is cozy and welcoming, perfect for savoring a range of wines and enjoying the views of the vineyard.

Expect about an hour and a half of tasting, with many reviewers noting the delicious wines and friendly service. Jessica_J highlights that the lunch at Kinross was a “fantastic” part of the experience, and that the winery itself has a great ambiance.

Stop 3: Mt Rosa Wines

The third stop is at Mt Rosa, a boutique, owner-operated winery perched just below Nevis Bluff. Their newly built cellar door offers a more sophisticated atmosphere, and sitting amidst the vines, you get a true feel for the craftsmanship behind the wines.

This stop allows you to appreciate smaller-scale, high-quality production, a favorite of those who value personalized attention. Reviewers like Siahn_U mention the “great vibe” and the lovely variety of wines.

Stop 4: Waitiri Creek Wines

The tour wraps up at Waitiri Creek, housed in a refurbished woolshed on Gibbston Back Road. It’s a family-owned operation with a reputation for delicious, approachable wines. The setting is picturesque, and many enjoy relaxing outside with a final glass, as Jesse_R describes.

Here, you can often purchase bottles directly, and the scenic views make for a perfect ending to the day.

Transport and Group Size

Traveling in a luxury Mercedes van ensures comfort, with plenty of room to stretch out during the scenic drives. The small group size (max 14 travelers) creates a more personal atmosphere, which many reviews praise—”intimate,” “friendly,” and “fun.”

Pickup options are flexible, and the tour runs most days starting at 10:00 am, making it easy to plan around your schedule.

The Value and Overall Experience

At $139.65 per person, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the all-included tastings, cellar tours, and a generous lunch. The fact that the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a perfect 5-star rating from 574 guests, speaks to its popularity and quality.

Many travelers comment on how knowledgeable and friendly their guides are—Ana, Shanay, and Kevin receiving particular praise for their engaging personalities. The scenic vineyard locations and the variety of wines ensure there’s something for all, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a relaxing day out.

The flexibility in booking and cancellation policies** add peace of mind**, making it easier to book confidently, knowing you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn more about New Zealand wines in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s perfect for small groups who enjoy personalized attention and the chance to meet fellow travelers.

If you’re someone who appreciates beautiful scenery combined with tastings, or prefers guided experiences over DIY vineyard visits, this tour ticks all those boxes. The hotel pickup makes it especially accessible for visitors staying in Queenstown, and the flexibility means it suits both casual wine lovers and more serious connoisseurs alike.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving enough time to visit four wineries, enjoy tastings, and have a sit-down lunch.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Yes, all wine tastings and cellar tours are included in the price of around $140 per person.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes luxury Mercedes van transport with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a specified location.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 14, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample a variety of wines from four wineries, including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and other regional specialties.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and vineyard visits are recommended.

To sum it up, this Queenstown wine tour offers a wonderful blend of scenery, history, and tasting enjoyment, all delivered in a small-group, relaxed setting. It’s especially suited for those who want an authentic experience with expert guides, without the hassle of self-driving or rushed schedules. If your idea of a perfect day involves savoring New Zealand wines in beautiful surroundings, this tour might just be your ideal choice.