Daily ToursGourmet Food and Wine TourBoutique Wine TourClassic Wine TourTwilight Stars And Wine TourQueenstown Highlights Tour
Proudly introducing sustainable transportation with electric vans (EVs) into their fleet. Appellation Wine Tours have been the leading provider of immersive wine experiences in the Central Otago region for over 24 years. This significant investment underscores the company's commitment to long-term sustainability. It sets a new standard for eco-conscious tourism in the area.
The introduction of these state-of-the-art EVs aligns seamlessly with the company's mission. With this intention, Appellation aim to provide unforgettable wine tours while prioritising sustainability. They are reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmentally conscious tourism, thanks to their new fleet of electric vans.
First in the Region to Offer Wine Tours in an EV: Appellation Wine Tours takes pride in being the first in the Central Otago region to pioneer wine tours in an EV. They are leading the way in sustainable travel experiences.
This ground-breaking move with electric vans reinforces the company's dedication. With this in mind and a big focus on showcasing the finest vineyards and scenery while prioritising eco-friendly practices, Appellation are enhancing the overall experience for their valued customers.
Sarah Russell, General Manager of Appellation Wine Tours expressed enthusiasm about this eco-conscious initiative, stating -
"At Appellation Wine Tours, we are always thinking about our environmental impact and going electric made sense. We want to continue to provide exceptional experiences whilst also contributing toward a more sustainable future.”
“The introduction of the Ford Transit EVs represents a significant step towards decarbonisation and a sustainable future for tourism in the Central Otago region."
The new Ford Transit Electric Vans are now in operation. Appellation Wine Tours invites wine enthusiasts and eco-conscious travellers to come. They can embark on unforgettable journeys throughout the breath-taking landscapes of Central Otago.
If you'd like to see more ways in which Queenstown as a whole is aiming towards its goal to ''Electrify Queenstown''...take a look here. With a goal of being carbon zero by 2030, there's a lot of changes pending. This includes the transition to electric vans.
If you're planning what to do for 10 days in New Zealand, leaving your rental wheels behind and allowing the team from Appellation Wine Tours to drive you direct to Central Otago's premium vineyards is a must. A highlight of the half-day "Valley of the Wines" tour is a visit to the impressively carved wine cave at the venerable Gibbston Valley Winery where you can sample and buy some of the stellar region's finest drops, including its pioneering pinot noirs. The visit is one of a selection of itineraries on offer if you're looking for ideas on what to do 10 Days in New Zealand. See appellationwinetours.nz
New Zealand’s luxury lodges, invariably owned by wealthy and visionary American benefactors, enjoy an international reputation for their superb locations, sumptuous comforts and fine food and wine. The embodiment of this characteristically Kiwi-style of accommodation is the contemporary Matakauri Lodge, discreetly perched beside a serene stretch of majestic Lake Wakatipu, minutes outside of QueenstownIt's the perfect place to stay if you're wondering what to do 10 days in New Zealand. The tariffs may be as steep as the adjacent mountainsides but the experience is well worth the splurge. See robertsonlodges.com
Where is New Zealand's best restaurant? Auckland? Wellington? Christchurch? No, it's the longstanding and long well-regarded winery restaurant, Amisfield, set at a crossroads on Queenstown's outskirts. In part thanks to it being named Cuisine magazine's 2022 restaurant of the year, there's often a waitlist as long as the wine list for precious tables, a must-visit if planning what to do 10 days in New Zealand. Book ahead if you want to experience chef Vaughan Mabee's skilled and innovative interpretation of the tastes of Aotearoa. See amisfield.co.nz
Time for a break from the puffer and the beanie brigades? If so, all arrows point to a more subdued Arrowtown, only 20 minutes but a world away from Queenstown. A gold rush-era relic, Arrowtown's delightfully-preserved main street includes some suitably golden Kiwi eateries such as the Northern Italian-themed Aosta and its casual offshoot, Little Aosta. Nearby, The Dishery, a most agreeable bistro-style newcomer, open for breakfast and lunch, is helmed by Amisfield chefs and wait staff. Adding a detour to Arrowtown is a great idea when deciding what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See thedishery.co.nz; littleaosta.co.nz; arrowtown.com
Once a 19th-century New Zealand Shipping Office, the rustic Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro is on the shores of the aforementioned lake and, framed by those pleasantly omnipresent snow-capped peaks, a little away from busy central Queenstown. Breakfast, brunch or lunch al fresco and heartily on the deck in summer or snuggled up inside near a raging fire in winter. You won't go wrong with the typically robust Kiwi coffee here either. See boatshedqueenstown.co.nz
The chic Kamana Lakehouse bills itself as the highest altitude hotel-cum-resort in Queenstown, and while it's not exactly set right atop a mountain, its lofty position affords knockout views of the aptly-named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. The glass-encased, panorama-packing Nest restaurant is perhaps Queenstown's most imposing dining room. There are also some fancy, semi-outdoor and private hot-tubs, replete with views, available for rental houseguests. Adding what to do 10 days in New Zealand often includes staying at remarkable hotels like Kamana. See kamana.co.nz
Hit the wondrously winding road to Glenorchy for a glorious 45-minute alpine drive from Queenstown. Nestled on the northern shores of the lake, Glenorchy itself is more village than town with the point of the trip being the sight of the dramatic surrounding Middle Earth scenery which acted as locations for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia flicks. It's also action stations central for everything from jet boating to cycling and walking to kayaking. See queenstownnz.co.nz
Thermal hot-springs-blessed Kiwis adore a good soak, as they call a therapeutic steamy dip, so it's no wonder that the well-run Japanese-style Onsen, nestled in the mountains at Arthurs Point, is so popular. Reserve your private, cedar-lined bath well before your head across that other well-filled tub known as the Tasman. You can order wine and snacks as you immerse yourself in both the warm waters and the surrounding mountains and valley outlook, adding relaxation to your list of what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See onsen.co.nz
In the middle of a frigid Queenstown winter, or for that matter any season, there are few cosy and more congenial places to eat and drink than Tanoshi, an izakaya (a lively Japanese bar serving small, typically inexpensive, dishes and drinks). Tucked away in the always mooing Cow Lane in the lively Queenstown CBD, perch yourself up at the counter for the best view of the action and some craic with the amiable crew. See tanoshi.co.nz
Rather than flying in directly, tackle the so-called "Powder Highway" to Queenstown from Christchurch. This almost 500-kilometre inland scenic road trip traces its route along the mighty Southern Alps with the drive at its most dramatic in winter. Including a scenic drive as one of the activities is popular when planning what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See christchurchnz.com
Anthony Dennis visited as a guest of Tourism New Zealand, QueenstownNZ and Air New Zealand. See newzealand.com; queenstownnz.co.nz; airnewzealand.com.au
Want to learn how to taste and evaluate a glass of wine like a wine connoisseur? With the right approach, you can taste wine like an expert. If you want to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro then check out these top tips from award-winning Central Otago boutique winemaker, Waitiri Creek Wines.
Navigating the world of wine drinking can be an overwhelming experience for new wine drinkers. “However, all you really need to drink wine correctly is to be curious and enthusiastic to try new things,” says Alistair Ward founder and owner at Waitiri Creek Wines. Each wine has its own personality reflecting the type of grape, vintage (year) local climate and winemakers flair, he says.
The first step in tasting wine is to inspect the wine colour. The colour of wine gives you hints about its style, body and character. The colour can also indicate the wine’s age. Usually, white wine deepens in colour as it gets older while red wine becomes paler.
You can examine the wine by looking straight down into the glass, then holding the glass up to the light, and finally, give it a tilt, so the wine swirls toward the edges. “This will allow you to see the wine’s full color range,” comments Alistair.
If the colour looks quite pale and watery near its edge as you swirl it, this suggests that the wine could be lacking in flavour. In white wine, if the colour looks tawny or brownish (or orange in red wine) this is indicative of an older wine or a wine that has been oxidized and may be past its peak.
Now that you’ve given the wine a good inspection, you should now be ready to take a good sniff. Give the glass a swirl as swirling will aerate the wine and releasing all the aromas. “Take a few quick, short sniffs, then step away and see what smells you can identify,” adds Alistair. Common wine aroma includes descriptors of fruity, woody, pungent, floral, spicy, nutty, and chemical.
The next step is the fun part – tasting! Take a sip and swirl it around in your mouth until it coats every part your tongue. “This will warm up and aerate the wine, which helps in releasing its unique flavors,” advises Alistair. The palate of the wine should reflect the aromas as flavours. Here is what to look out for:
Now that you understand the basic steps of wine tasting, it’s time to experiment on your own. Teaching yourself to taste wine engages the senses of sight, smell, taste, and touch, all with the goal of finding a wine that you can enjoy with your favourite friends and food.
Repost with permission from Waitiri Creek Wines
Combining activities into combo tours, such as wine combo tours, is becoming increasingly popular among busy travelers looking to save both time and money. In a bustling destination like Queenstown, with countless “must-do” activities, maximizing time is key.
Over the years, we’ve noticed clients juggling schedules to fit everything in, which inspired us to simplify the process. As locals with strong partnerships, we’ve teamed up with other businesses to offer cost-effective combos that combine our wine tours with Queenstown’s most popular activities.
Booking is easy via our website, online system, or a simple phone call. This way, experiencing wine combo tours and the best of Queenstown is possible without the hassle!
We are delighted to present combination tours:
Book Now – Millbrook Golf & Boutique
Book Now – Millbrook Golf & Private Boutique
Book Now – Moa / Classic Wine Tour
I must admit that I’ve never been game enough — or silly enough? — to do a bungy jump.
The flight into Queenstown wasn't too bad, despite the proximity of some pretty rugged terrain. Although, I am told that when the clouds and turbulence close in it can get a bit hairy.
The flight in is quite mesmerizing. It is a near-fine Spring day. Peaks extend all the way from the South Island’s west coast to Queenstown, freshly dusted with snow and looking just simply gorgeous.
You suddenly realise that it’s very different country to the rolling hills and flat plains of Central Western NSW. My journey had commenced there the day before. The next day I was driven past the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge where AJ Hackett took bungy jumping to a commercial level in 1989. This gained worldwide notoriety for Queenstown.
I’m picked up from the airport by the Director of Operations at the very classy lakeside Rees Hotel. He gives me a quick tour of the town. Later, I join him for dinner in the hotel’s True South Dining Room.
Next morning I’m met in the Rees foyer by one of Appellation Wine Tours most experienced guides. Gavin is originally based in the UK. These days he is an old Queenstown hand with plenty of local knowledge to impart.
The plan for the morning is to explore several local spots before settling on a lunch destination in the historic heart of Arrowtown. In the afternoon, we’ll indulge in tastings at a selection of Central Otago’s renowned wineries.
Everything unfolds just as planned. However, I must confess, I quickly grow a bit numb to the city’s stunning natural beauty and its immediate surroundings. Friends who have completely fallen in love with the area are absolutely right in their praise.
The drive to our first destination, Moke Lake, is nothing short of breathtaking. Towering, snow-capped peaks frame vibrant green hills reminiscent of Ireland. This is all set against brilliant blue lakes—truly a feast for the eyes.
Moke Lake itself is a serene and exquisite spot. It is an isolated, largely untouched retreat with just a handful of campers savoring the peaceful atmosphere.
Accessed via a manageable dirt road, it’s the kind of hidden gem you’d only find if you knew where to look. I later learn that acclaimed filmmaker Jane Campion runs a women’s camp further along the lake’s shore.
After such an overwhelming display of natural beauty, you might expect everything else to pale in comparison. However, as Normie Rowe once sang, “it ain’t necessarily so.”
I meet the warm and charismatic American-born artist Thomas L. Brown and get a tour of his remarkable studio. Later, I pause to admire Lake Hayes—much larger than Moke Lake—as I make my way toward the charming township of Arrowtown.
Arrowtown is a charming town. It is rich in history thanks to its gold-prospecting roots, though it does come with its share of typical tourist trappings.
For lunch, I opt for Terra Mia—a lively, family-run Italian spot right on the main street. The pizza is solid, paired perfectly with a couple of glasses of local rosé.
Later, I join a group of five for a Central Otago wine tasting. I shift from solo explorer to part of a small crew.
Not so long ago they reckoned that Central Otago was too cold for viticulture. Though it’s probably the world’s most southerly wine region, it experiences quite hot, dry summers. As a result, it has no problem ripening some of the world’s best pinot noir.
One of the participants has been world-renowned film actor Sam Neill, who started his Two Paddocks venture in 1993.
These days, the area sports more than 40 significant vineyards and wineries. I covered three of them that afternoon — Akarua Wines, Gibbston Valley and Kinross.
Kinross … a great tasting of wines by smaller growers.
The latter was certainly the most interesting, acting as cellar door for a number of Central Otago’s smaller producers.
For a former winemaker, it was a bit of a ‘dog-in-a-forest exercise’ of what to try next. However, I think it was Grant Taylor’s pinots from Valli Vineyards that really set the tastebuds thinking and chattering.
He’s won the title of producing the world’s best pinot noir an unprecedented four times in London. He won in respected international competition and it’s quite obviously world-class red.
A sip certainly set the scene for the following night’s degustation dinner at the Rees Hotel. We enjoyed a line-up of Central Otago pinots from Felton Road, one of the region’s top producers of the variety.
John Rozentals was a guest of the Rees Hotel and Queenstown Tourism.
QUEENSTOWN IS BEST known as New Zealand’s adventure travel capital, with its ski fields on the imposing Remarkables and surrounding mountains, jet-boat rides and, of course, bungee jumping. But this South Island town has also become an epicentre for sustainable tourism ventures. These ventures address the growing demand for more environmentally responsible holidays. Embrace the thrilling organic wine trail here by doing the rounds of certified-organic wineries. These wineries make magnificent pinot noirs and white varietals. Take a tour of rugged Queenstown backcountry in a Tesla Model X powered by renewable energy. Then, return to town for a night of locally sourced fine dining. Finally, retire to a five-star hotel that’s enthusiastically embraced sustainable practices.
Encouraging the drive to more responsible tourism is a national government with an appetite to address the challenges of climate change. This government has committed the country to becoming a world leader in climate action. Then there’s the partnership between Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, the Department of Conservation and the Maori tourism body, among others, to develop the Tiaki Promise. This initiative encourages both overseas and Kiwi travellers to experience the country in a considerate way. It aims to protect New Zealand’s environment for future generations and respects local cultures. Visitors are asked to commit to the Tiaki Promise at the beginning of their journey to New Zealand. For full details, go to tiakinewzealand.com, perhaps before embarking on the organic wine trail.
The Central Otago wine region is home to dozens of world-class wineries, including more than its fair share of organic producers. In fact, around 25 per cent of the vineyard land area in the region is certified organic or biodynamic. This is well above the national average. Appellation Wine Tours can create a customized itinerary. This itinerary will allow visits to the cellar doors of some of the leading sustainable wineries along the organic wine trail of Central Otago. This may include Quartz Reef, a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking led by Austrian-born Rudi Bauer. Bauer converted the first vineyard in the region to organic production, starting the process in 1989. This process took three years to complete. You can sample Quartz Reef’s award-winning biodynamic sparkling wines, pinot gris, and pinot noir at its tasting room in the town of Cromwell.
Then there’s Peregrine, on the main road out of Queenstown in the Gibbston Valley. It was certified organic across its range of whites and pinot noir in 2017. Peregrine director Fraser McLachlan says being organic “is a no-brainer for us”. “As a kid I sprayed herbicide [in the vineyard] but I didn’t understand it. Now that we’ve converted to organic, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s just as commercially viable as non-organics once you get through the conversion process. The process is better for the environment and it’s better for our staff, knowing they're part of the organic wine trail. They know that they’re not having to inhale or touch poisonous products. Additionally, they know the soil is being looked after as well.”
For Carrick, a small Bannockburn winery, the need to care for the soil prompted a move to organic and biodynamic practices. All its wines have been certified organic since 2011. “The soils here are really poor: they’re old glacial loess, really sandy, high in minerals but low in organic matter,” says Carrick winemaker Rosie Menzies. “So to encourage organic matter in the soil, organics is really important, as is biodynamics.” Alongside pinot noirs, chardonnays, and Rieslings, Carrick also produces a surprisingly drinkable natural wine, the Billet Doux pinot noir. Sample them at the winery’s restaurant, which serves hearty fare such as slow-cooked lamb for lunch daily. This embodies the essence of the organic wine trail, using produce from its kitchen garden.
By Freelance Travel Writer, Sally Scott. If you're seeking experiences that offer both charm and local flavour, exploring cellar doors can be a delightful addition to your journey.
Alluxia Founder & Freelance Travel Writer Sally Scott was commissioned by International Traveller Magazine. She was asked to write a story on the best cellar doors in Central Otago and Best Cellar Door Experiences in Queenstown. She chose Appellation Wine Tours to show her around the best of the Gibbston region.
Just a 15-minute drive from town, the Gibbston Valley places you at the heart of New Zealand’s youngest yet most exciting wine regions. Former farmland has transformed into a thriving viticultural hub. Whereas now, it's home to more than 75 wineries. Many of these have cellar doors offering tastings, tours & gourmet dining.
For a self-guided tasting journey, follow the Gibbston Wine Trail. Alternatively, let experts from Appellation Wine Tours curate a private experience tailored to your palate. Queenstown’s wineries promise exceptional pinot noir and distinctive tasting settings no matter which option you choose.
Amisfield Winery pairs world-class wines with a celebrated dining experience. Their ‘Trust the Chef’ menu is a highlight, available as a multi-course lunch or a seven-course dinner. The estate is one of the region’s largest single vineyards and offers a refined cellar door experience near Lake Hayes.
Wet Jacket - located in a converted woolshed. They offer fireside tastings and an open plan feel. In light of this, it offers a unique experience that feels more like sharing wine with friends, than a traditional tasting.
Gibbston Valley is home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave—perfect for tours, tastings, or private events. Enjoy a meal or a cheese board with your pinot, and explore the estate’s evolving offerings. These include a luxury lodge and spa.
Other choices include the picturesque Chard Farm, organic-focused Peregrine Estate, and the collective-style Kinross.
Short on time? Head to The Winery in central Queenstown. Here, you can sample 80+ wines via self-serve dispensers. This is perfect for a quick yet comprehensive taste of the region.
By Robin Lensi - wine tasting in Otago
Recently I had an amazing chance to travel to New Zealand, which offers some of the best wine tasting tour experiences. Wow, they really live the sweet life there!
The area around Queenstown, New Zealand is surrounded by soaring snow capped mountains & glacier lakes. However, there is so much more to see and do. It’s time to get out and enjoy the clean air and amazing outdoor activities with awesome wine and food to boot for the best wine tour experience!
Whether you drive yourself or hop on a group wine tour you’ll find many amazing vineyards on the South Island. We toured the wine region of Central Otago and the Gibbston Valley with Appellation Wine Tours for a premium wine tasting experience.
When travelling, it helps to stay flexible in case the weather cancels your plans or someone gets sick. (Been there done that!!) This happened to us twice recently as inclement weather conditions grounded our helicopter trips to Milford Sound. Plan B! Drink wine.
We explored the region around Queenstown and the gorgeous Kawarau Gorge where bungy jumping was born. OMG!
We learned this area faces North, which at first totally confused us Northern hemisphere folks. This enhances the wine by allowing the vines to ripen later with warm days and cool nights, as well as sunshine all year around. This contributes to the best wine tasting experience one can have.
Our first stop was the boutique Kinross winery which has both a tasting room, a restaurant and cute cottages. Our wine advisor was incredibly knowledgeable and guided us through 6 wines from local producers without their own cellar doors. They featured wines from Hawkshead, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman and gave us the stories of each label and winemaker and why their wine was unique.
Wine pioneer, Grant Taylor was the force behind this wine region although wines were first planted here way back in 1864. Today, there are over 100 wine brands in this region. Taylor is one of New Zealand’s most awarded Pinot Noir winemakers. Besides Italy’s Brunello I am a huge fan of Pinot Noir!
Our next stop was Gibbston Valley Winery which again has both a tasting room and a restaurant. People were just hanging out enjoying some spring sunshine. We got a tour through the vines and a wine tasting in the largest wine cave in New Zealand.
Near Lake Hayes was our third stop of the day. Akarua Wines and Kitchen by Artisan also has a tasting room and a restaurant. Let me just say the food is stunning and delicious! It is matched to the wines creating a lunch you’ll never forget for the best wine tour experience.
Akarua encompasses a small historic renovated cottage and lovely gardens that were just starting to bloom as it was early spring.
Not sure if you can have too much wine but all the nibbles kept us from getting tipsy 🙂
Just incredible food and wine to match. I was lucky enough to go here twice. Once for photography and then just to relax and enjoy. I highly recommend stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and it’s only 20 minutes from Queenstown.
Written by A March Among the Vine
We love it when people either blog about us, or blog about the Central Otago Wine region. Its a win win for us, because it helps get this fantastic cool-climate wine region on the international radar. There are enough international award-winning wines coming from Central Otago, with vines only just reaching adolescence. Read here insightful and interesting blog on his recollection of the wines, the cellar doors, and of course, his experience on tour 🙂
If you would like to have a similar experience, Book Now our Boutique Wine Tour
