Private Gourmet Wine Tour

From $589 pp

6.5 hours

9.30am – 4.00pm

Premium Locations

An indulgent and diverse full-day wine touring adventure.

Experience an indulgent full-day private wine tour showcasing the very best of Central Otago. In addition to spectacular scenery, you'll enjoy exceptional cuisine and premium wine tastings at some of the region's most celebrated vineyards.

Your specialist Wine guide will take you into the heart of Central Otago, where you'll taste wines at four premium locations. The wine region is divided into six sub-regions, each with its own soils, climate and character. With tastings across three sub regions (Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn),this tour is a ''must do'' if you are true wine lover. Don't leave without experiencing the finer contrast of Central Otago grapes.

Along the way, you will stop to enjoy a unique, gourmet lunch. This consists of five dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and matched with Wild Earth wines – what a memory to make!

A highlight of the day is a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave. An exclusive tasting awaits in the private Library Room, surrounded by some of the region's finest vintages.

You will also have time to stroll through the charming streets of Old Cromwell or visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Throughout the day, your passionate guide will share fascinating stories about the region's people, pioneering history, and world-class wine industry.

Inclusions

Return hotel transfers in a luxury vehicle
Taste wines at 4 premium locations
Exquisite 5-dish gourmet wine-barrel cooked lunch with matching wines
Visit Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell
Guided tour through Gibbston Valley Winery's underground wine cave
Historic Arrowtown visit (optional)
Stroll through Old Cromwell Town (optional)
Full commentary on the sights, wine and history of the region

Multi Award Winning Wine Tours

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

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1460 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Compass780849 
 15 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Sightseeing This was a enjoyable and relaxing trip to see and experience the area around Queenstown.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Natasha P 
 6 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Amazing, spectacular, breath taking! Taimi our tour guide was very informative, the tour wasn’t crowded just 6 people which I found great, extremely worth doing it, got lots of great photos to show when we go back to Australia.😊
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Oscar W 
 1 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Absolutely worth it. Taimi was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable of the wineries and history of the surrounding area. Great restaurant recommendations too. Very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Joe M 
 23 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Definitely a 5 star rating highly recommend Love the experience, Martin was our tour guide he was so knowledgeable on what he was explaining both on and off the bus. I can honestly say our experience was the best experience on our trip to NZ, Queenstown. Thank you again a great experience to do for my Birthday!!!🫡
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Vicki C 
 20 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Best Boutique Tour We had the best day out with our tour guide John. He made everyone feel so welcome and his knowledge of the wineries and Queenstown was amazing. Our bus had 3 couples including us and we had so much fun, lots of laughs together. Highly recommend this tour, best day out and best value. Every winery was fantastic.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jim Solomon 
 12 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Flexible and Terrific We had a wonderful trip to the Central Otaga region, and our driver Craig was terrific. Informative and funny. The wines were great, and we really like the way Appellation Wine Tours worked with us to pick the right wineries and wines for us based on our preferences. The charcuterie board for lunch was outstanding. Highly recommend them. Thanks for a great birthday outing!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Donna C 
 7 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Long weekend getaway Due to cancelled plans we booked this tour on a whim and it didn't disappoint. It was the most relaxing, informative and ultimate scenic tour. The bus and tour operator were first class. Highly recommend to anyone
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   FarAway28513396673 
 6 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Easygoing morning strolls We enjoyed getting the chance to go on a tour of Queenstown’s closest sights, and Craig was a wonderful conversationalist and affable guide for it all. Thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ashley F 
 5 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Worth it! We really enjoyed our food and wine tour. The pick up and drop off are super convenient. We had a great group of 7 other tourists on our tour and the lunch was so delicious. Our guide, Graeme, shared great information and history about all of the wineries and the region.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jessica S 
 21 June 2026
 
 
 Verified One of the best wine tour experiences I have had This was an amazing tour with different wines and vineyard stories and an amazing food experience at The Stoker Room in the middle and a cheese platter to end. Every vineyard we visited created a personable experience which no doubt can be attributed to the relationship held with Appellation Wine Tours and our excellent guide Marty. It was truly one of the best wine tours I have experienced and I will be recommending this experience to my friends and family.

More about our Private Wine Tours...

Discover the ultimate private wine tours in Queenstown and Central Otago. Designed for wine lovers who value flexibility, exclusivity, and expert local knowledge, our tours can be tailored to suit your interests, preferred wineries, and pace. Whether you're looking for a half-day escape or a full-day adventure, we'll create an experience that is uniquely yours.

Travel through some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions, including Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell and Wanaka. Throughout the journey, your expert wine guide will share insights into the local wine industry, history and culture. Furthermore, thanks to our strong relationships with boutique wineries, you'll also enjoy access to premium cellar doors, unique tasting experiences, and hidden gems often missed on standard tours.

Create Your Perfect Wine Experience

Choose from one of our carefully crafted itineraries or let us design a completely bespoke day. From Pinot Noir tastings and gourmet food pairings to vineyard lunches and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, every tour is tailored to your preferences. Alternatively, you can build your own itinerary. Simply tell us where you’d like to go, and we’ll handle all reservations and logistics so you can relax and enjoy the day.

Private wine tours are ideal for groups of 2-6 guests, offering a more relaxed and personal way to explore Central Otago's world-class wine region. Larger groups can enjoy a fully customised experience through our Custom & Bespoke Tour option, while our Daily Wine Tours can also be booked privately.

In addition, we can combine winery visits with gourmet dining, sightseeing, and local activities to create a truly unforgettable day. From Queenstown to Wanaka, we'll help you discover the very best of Central Otago. Enquire today to start planning your perfect wine experience.

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.