Custom and Bespoke Wine Tours

Create your own dream tour! From adventure to luxury and everything in between.

Custom and Bespoke Wine Tours

At Appellation Wine Tours, we specialise in creating customised and bespoke wine tours in Queenstown and Central Otago that are tailored to help every group make the most of their visit. Our private wine tours are ideal for special occasions such as birthdays, family reunions, hen’s parties, post-wedding celebrations, corporate groups, or any personalised travel experience where flexibility and exclusivity are important.

Whether you arrive with a clear idea of your itinerary or are looking for inspiration, our team can design a completely tailored experience based on your interests, timing, and budget. We offer a range of set itinerary ideas through our Queenstown private wine tours, as well as fully flexible options for those wanting something truly unique or extraordinary in the Central Otago region.

Our custom wine tours in Queenstown can accommodate any group size, from couples through to large groups of 60+ guests, and can be arranged for any duration. Options range from simple return transfers to a single vineyard through to full-day bespoke itineraries featuring multiple cellar doors, scenic stops, and additional activities. Experiences can also be extended to include adventure activities such as jet boating, gold panning, or scenic helicopter flights, creating a complete Queenstown experience beyond wine tasting alone.

We also have access to exclusive local partner rates, allowing us to incorporate additional activities and experiences at competitive pricing while ensuring excellent value.

Our fleet includes everything from luxury sedans to large coaches, allowing us to cater to both intimate private groups and large-scale events. Depending on group size, we can design itineraries where guests travel together across vineyards or split into smaller groups before meeting for shared lunches or combined experiences. Every itinerary is fully customised to ensure a seamless and memorable private wine touring experience in Queenstown and Central Otago.

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Sample Custom Wine Tours

We can customise a tour to suit your needs, time available, and budget. Here are a few examples of what we can put together for you:

Afternoon Outing – Visiting a local vineyard for a wine tasting and a local brewery for a craft beer and wood-fired pizzas, then finish with a visit to historic Arrowtown.
Adventure and Wine – An adventurous bungy jump or jet boat ride down the Kawarau river followed by 2 -3 vineyards for wine tasting and lunch.
Total Luxury – Consider a spectacular helicopter flight through the Remarkable Mountains with an alpine landing, then visit our selection of vineyards with an a la carte lunch at Mt Difficulty (or similar).
Hens party / Bachelorette party – A wine tasting trail with the bride-to-be in mind. Enjoy a variety of tastings together including a tour through Gibbston Valley wine cave, and antipasto platters with sparkling wine to celebrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do tours depart from and how does pick-up work?

All tours include complimentary hotel pickups from central Queenstown hotels. If you are staying outside central Queenstown or in alternative accommodation, we can usually arrange a pickup for 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.

How many people are on each tour?

We keep our daily tours to a maximum of 12 adults to ensure a personalised and interactive experience. If you have a larger group or would like a private tour, we can accommodate almost any size. Just send us your details through the enquiry form.

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

While our tours require a minimum of 2 people to run, single travellers are generally welcome, as there are usually other guests booked on the tour.

Are children welcome on our tours?

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

Can you buy wine and do vineyards offer shipping?

Yes – all vineyards 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.

What is included in our tours?

Our tours are all inclusive, with food, transport and wine tastings at each winery included in the price. You are more then welcome to purchase any favourite wines during the tour to take home or have shipped to your address.

Which wine regions and vineyards do Appellation Wine Tours visit?

We believe that to truly experience Central Otago wine, you need to go beyond the Gibbston Valley.
Appellation Wine Tours specialises in exploring Central Otago’s most celebrated wine sub-regions, including:

• 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.

To gain a genuine “Central Otago” experience, we believe it’s essential to venture into the Bannockburn and Cromwell regions and tastes their award-winning varietals.

Our Gourmet Food and Wine Tour and Boutique Wine Tour both visit the Gibbston wine sub-region (approximately 25 minutes from Queenstown) and the Bannockburn/Cromwell

Wine sub-regions (a further 25 minutes through the stunning Kawarau Gorge).

Our Classic Wine Tour focuses solely on the Gibbston Valley, visiting a carefully curated mix of larger, well-known wineries and smaller, family-run boutique vineyards.

Each sub-region has its own microclimate and story. We hand-select vineyards known for quality, warm hospitality, and distinctive winemaking philosophies. Expect a mix of iconic estates and hidden gems that give you a true taste of Central Otago.

What vineyards do you visit?

We like to vary our vineyard visits from day to day, however some vineyards are exclusive to specific tours. Below is a selection of vineyards that may be visited on each tour, but please feel free to mention any preferences in the notes section when booking.

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

Boutique Wine Tour
Peregrine, Amisfield, Chard Farm, Kinross, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Matt 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, Amisfield, Peregrine, The Church.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in our tours?

Our tours are all inclusive, with food, transport and wine tastings at each winery included in the price. You are more then welcome to purchase any favourite wines during the tour to take home or have shipped to your address.

Which wine regions and vineyards do Appellation Wine Tours visit

We believe that to truly experience Central Otago wine, you need to go beyond the Gibbston Valley.
Appellation Wine Tours specialises in exploring Central Otago’s most celebrated wine sub-regions, including:

• 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.
To gain a genuine “Central Otago” experience, we believe it’s essential to venture into the Bannockburn and Cromwell regions and tastes their award-winning varietals.

Our Gourmet Food and Wine Tour and Boutique Wine Tour both visit the Gibbston wine sub-region (approximately 25 minutes from Queenstown) and the Bannockburn/Cromwell wine sub-regions (a further 25 minutes through the stunning Kawarau Gorge).

Our Classic Wine Tour focuses solely on the Gibbston Valley, visiting a carefully curated mix of larger, well-known wineries and smaller, family-run boutique vineyards.

Each sub-region has its own microclimate and story. We hand-select vineyards known for quality, warm hospitality, and distinctive winemaking philosophies. Expect a mix of iconic estates and hidden gems that give you a true taste of Central Otago.

What vineyards do you visit?

We like to vary our vineyard visits from day to day, however some vineyards are exclusive to specific tours. Below is a selection of vineyards that may be visited on each tour, but please feel free to mention any preferences in the notes section when booking.

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

Boutique Wine Tour
Peregrine, Amisfield, Chard Farm, Kinross, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Matt 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, Amisfield, Peregrine, The Church.

Where do tours depart from and how does pick-up work?

All tours include complimentary hotel pickups from central Queenstown hotels. If you are staying outside central Queenstown or in alternative accommodation, we can usually arrange a pickup for 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.

How many people are on each tour?

We keep our daily tours to a maximum of 12 adults to ensure a personalised and interactive experience. If you have a larger group or would like a private tour, we can accommodate almost any size. Just send us your details through the enquiry form.

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

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

Can you buy wine and do vineyards offer shipping?

Yes – all vineyards 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.

Multi Award Winning Wine Tours

Don't just take our word for it! Our reviews speak for themselves...

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1513 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Karen W 
 9 November 2026
 
 
 Verified Great!
Great trip although the bus a little cramped for a 6ft 3inch person.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Addie W 
 6 November 2026
 
 
 Verified A winery wonderland
We had a wonderful day with Paul, our guide. He took us to four fabulous wineries. One of the wineries gave us a very tasty lunch that consisted of bread, various spreads and meats. Paul is a long-time resident of the area, shared the history, culture and interesting contemporary facts. His driving along the curvy, hill roads was very impressive. Paul was so knowledgable and enthusiastic. Request him for your tour
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maria O 
 6 November 2026
 
 
 Verified Fun time visiting the wineries.
Fun experience. Our tour guide was funny and entertaining.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   BRIAN B 
 5 November 2026
 
 
 Verified Day out eating and drinking
We enjoyed the small group concept. Paul was a great guide. He was knowledgeable about the area, history, vineyards, and the wine we were tasting. He made sure that our dietary requirements were met during lunch. Lunch was outstanding and the cellar door hosts at each winery were warm, attentive, and never made us feel rushed. All in all it was a nice day out. If you have a car you can do it cheaper but it was nice not having to drive, especially if the driver is sampling the wines. They give you nice pours.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Amy C 
 4 November 2026
 
 
 Verified Vineyard tour
Had a wonderful day in a beautiful area visiting vineyards Our guide , Paul was great; very informative and a pleasure to chat with.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marvin H 
 2 November 2026
 
 
 Verified A great day tasting wine
Our guide Lindsay was terrific. Friendly , knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend the day with.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Paige Q 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Central Otago wine tasting
This was a fantastic wine tour our guide Craig was excellent. So personable and knowledgeable about the wineries and Queenstown in general. Would definitely recommend to book this your with Craig!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cruiser54107297656 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Best small group Wine and Food Tour in Queenstown!
Paul was a fantastic guide, he has so much knowledge and love for the area. He gave us insight into the Gold History and Wine History of the area and a sneaky little Lord of the Rings highlight stop. Food at The Stoker room was delicious. Venison with the Pinot was a standout to all. The Gin we got to try at Carrick was fabulous and the view was gorgeous, they have a beautiful tasting room. My standout wine of the day was the Riesling at Gibson valley in the cave. Great day worth every cent and the wine and great company was fantastic 👌😍🍷
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Corinne M 
 25 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Great day out
A fabulous day out at 4 wineries including a magnificent lunch. Martin was our wonderful, very experienced guide who shared lots of his local knowledge with us. Highly recommend this trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bill W 
 24 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Great Pinot Noir tour!
It was a perfect tour given our time constraints while in Queenstown. Each vineyard did an amazing job with explaining the area, grapes, and wine!

Custom and Bespoke Wine Tours

Custom and Bespoke Wine Tours

Sample Custom Wine Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Multi Award Winning Wine Tours

Much more than a taste experience

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