If you are staying in central Queenstown, we will collect you directly from your hotel or at our central pick up point (the bus stop outside Cafe Marmolada, 43 Camp Street). If you are staying outside of central Queenstown or in an AirBnB, we will advise you of the closest pick up location to you.

Please select your hotel from the dropdown menu when booking. If your accommodation is not listed or you are unsure, simply note where you are staying in the booking notes and we will confirm your pickup location and time with you.

Are wine tastings included in the tour price?

Yes. All Appellation Wine Tours include wine tastings at each winery visited, unless otherwise stated.

Is lunch included?

The Gourmet Food and Wine Tour and the Boutique Wine Tour included lunch. 

The Boutique Wine Tour includes a platter lunch at Carrick Winery, while the Gourmet Food & Wine Tour includes a five-course barrel-cooked lunch at The Stoaker Room. Full inclusions are listed on each tour page.

How many people are on each tour?

Our small-group wine tours are limited to a maximum of 12 adults, ensuring a relaxed, personalised, and interactive experience. Private tours can accommodate larger groups, with transport options available for almost any group size. Just send us your details through the enquiry form.

Do you have a minimum number of people needed for your tours?

Most tours require a minimum of two guests to operate. Solo travellers are welcome and can usually join an existing departure. Our Twilight Star and Wine Tour requires a minimum of 4 people to operate.

Are children welcome on our tour?

Children aged 6-17 are welcome on our daily wine tours. Children of any age can join our Queenstown Highlights Tour, while children aged 5 or under are welcome on private tours.

Can you buy wine and do vineyards offer shipping?

Yes. Guests are welcome to purchase wine directly from the wineries visited. All wineries offer shipping, though availability depends on the destination country. Each vineyard will run through these options at the end of your tasting. If there is a particular wine you are interested in trying or purchasing, please let us know when booking.

Which wine regions do Appellation Wine Tours Visit?

Appellation Wine Tours operates in Central Otago, New Zealand's southernmost wine region and one of the world's leading Pinot Noir-producing regions. Depending on the tour selected, visits may include the following sub-regions:

Gibbston Valley (Valley of the Vines): home to pioneering vineyards and dramatic scenery.

Bannockburn: renowned for its concentrated yet elegant Pinot Noir.

Cromwell/Lowburn: known for beautifully balanced aromatic wines and outstanding Chardonnay.

The Boutique Wine Tour and Gourmet Food and Wine Tour visit both Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn/Cromwell, while the Classic Wine Tour focuses exclusively on the Gibbston Valley. 

What is Central Otago famous for?

Central Otago is internationally recognised for producing premium Pinot Noir. The region is also known for exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and other cool-climate wines.

Which wineries do you visit?

Wineries vary from day to day based on availability, seasonality, and guest experience. We carefully select a mix of iconic wineries and boutique vineyards across Central Otago. 

Examples of wineries regularly visited include:

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Terra Sancta, Te Kano, Carrick (tasting only), Akarua, Dicey, Mt Difficulty, Misha's Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, The Stoaker Room (lunch venue).

Boutique Wine Tour
Peregrine, Amisfield, Chard Farm, Kinross, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Monte Christo, Dicey, Terra Sancta, Te Kano, Carrick (lunch venue), Akarua, Mt Difficulty, Misha's Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, The Church.

Classic Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Kinross, Amisfield, Peregrine, Monte Christo, Nockie's Palette.

Guests are welcome to request preferred wineries when booking, although specific venues cannot be gauranteed.

How much do your wine tours cost?

Appellation Wine Tours offers experiences ranging from approximately $239 per person for the Classic Wine Tour through to premium private and helicopter wine experiences. Current pricing is displayed on each tour page. 

How long are the wine tours?

Tour durations vary by experience:

Classic Wine Tour: approximately 4 hours, from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.

Boutique Wine Tour: approximately 6 hours, from 10am to 4pm, or 11am to 5pm.

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour: approximately 6.5 hours, from 9:30am to 4pm.

Private and custom wine tours can be tailored to suit your preferred schedule.

What should I wear on a wine tour?

Smart casual clothing is recommended. Central Otago weather can change quickly, so we suggest dressing in layers and wearing comfortable footwear. During summer, sun protection is recommended, while winter guests should bring a warm jacket. 

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. We can cater for most dietary requirements with advance notice, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and many allergy-related requests. Please advise any dietary requirements when booking so arrangements can be made with the wineries and restaurants visited. 

When do your wine tours operate?

Appellation Wine Tours operates year-round, including weekends and most public holidays.

Daily departures are available for our most popular small-group tours, while private tours can often be customeised to suit your preferred dates and timings. 

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly during summer, long weekends, school holidays, and major Queenstown events. Small-group wine tours are limited to 12 guests and often sell out in advance.

What is the Classic Wine Tour?

The Classic Wine Tour is a 4-hour afternoon wine tour through Gibbston Valley.

The tour includes visits to three wineries, wine tastings, a shared cheeseboard, and complimentary Queenstown pick-up and drop-off.

What is the Boutique Wine Tour?

The Boutique Wine Tour is a full-day Central Otago wine tour visiting four wineries across Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn/Cromwell.

The tour includes wine tastings, a platter lunch and Carrick Winery, a vist to Old Cromwell town (time permitting), and complimentary Queenstown pick-up and drop-off.

What is the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour?

The Gourmet Food and Wine Tour is a premium full-day Central Otago food and wine experience.

The tour includes visits to four wineries, a guided wine cave tour, wine tastings, a shared cheeseboard, a 5-dish barrel cooked lunch at the Stoaker Room, a visit to historic Arrowtown, and complimentary Queenstown pick-up and drop-off.