Private Whisky and Wine Tour

From $475 pp

5 hours

10.00am – 3.00pm

Premium Locations

Learn the secrets behind the distilling process of artisanal spirits.

Why stop at wine when there are whiskies and spirits waiting to be discovered?

Uncover the secrets of artisanal distilling as you journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Central Otago region, travelling over New Zealand’s highest main road, the mighty Crown Range, on a spectacular drive to Cardrona.

Step inside the family-owned Cardrona Distillery, the world’s southernmost whisky-making facility, to discover the craft of spirit-making from grain to glass. Learn how to recognise the subtle layers, colour and texture of a fine whisky, and enjoy tastings of their award-winning gin and vodka.

Along the way, pause for panoramic photo opportunities, including the iconic Cardrona Hotel, before descending into the world-class Pinot Noir wine region of Gibbston. Finish with a beautifully curated platter lunch, while your knowledgeable Appellation guide shares fascinating insights into the local region and its rich history.

appellation-wine-tasting-tours-photo-drinking-wine-pinot-noir-close-up

Inclusions

Return hotel transfers in a luxury vehicle
75-minute distillery tour at Cardrona Distillery including tutored tasting of Cardrona’s spirits
Drive up and over the mountainous Crown Range and into the Gibbston wine region
Photo opportunity at the iconic Cardrona Hotel
Wine tasting at a premium vineyard
Shared platter lunch with beverage of choice
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.
  
 
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   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.😊
  
 
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   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.
  
 
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   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!
  
 
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   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...

Perhaps you are the more discerning wine lover, or simply prefer the flexibility of a private tour. Together, we can customise your Central Otago wine experience. Join one of our senior wine guides and discover some of New Zealand's most memorable vineyards at your own pace.

Our local knowledge and close winery relationships create unforgettable half-day and full-day wine tours. Let us custom design your wine touring experience, or alternatively, let us know where you would like to visit and we will arrange this all for you.

All of our private wine tours are designed for 2-9 guests. If your group is more than this, you might like to check out our Custom Wine & Bespoke Tours for custom tours. Otherwise, the Daily Wine Tours we offer can be run privately for groups.

Lastly, we know our region well, and include visits to any sub-region such as Wanaka. We can also easily combine activities, lunch and vineyard visits on private tours. Please make an enquiry with your dream tour and let us do the rest!

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.