Private Whisky and Wine Tour

From NZ$475 per adult

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
Groups of 4-11 adults: $475 per person
Groups of 2-3 adults: $545 per person
Solo guest: Please contact us directly

Multi Award Winning Wine Tours

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

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1491 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Steve W 
 10 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Excellent Wine Tour!
Excellent experience with Appellation Wine Tours! The schedule and vineyards visited were wonderful, our guide was on-time and very helpful, all the logistics were great. We're very pleased and thankful, and so glad we did this!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Michael O 
 9 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Tour of local wine producers in central Otago
No-rush wine tour in central Otago.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heather S 
 8 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Traveling Sherros
Had a great day with our friendly guide John. He provided interesting facts with a lovely sense of pride as a local. The wines were better than expected and higher quality than the ones we can buy at home in Australia. We highly recommend this tour with this company the experience is very enjoyable and very informative. Thanks John.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Samuel Y. 
 6 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Good Vibes All Around
John was a class act of a guide — knowledgeable, hilarious and the works. We were also fortunate to have an energetic and fun tour group which made the experience all the more enjoyable. The wines were wonderful so we couldn’t help but purchase a bottle from each winery. They also went the extra mile to return us a pair of sunnies that we left behind straight to our hotel. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Georg K 
 3 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Perfect excursion
Perfectly organized and good information from the driver and winery staff. We love Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir and therefore this area.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   belinda385 
 3 October 2026
 
 
 Verified Belinda Jones
This was a fantastic day! The wineries we went to were beautiful, the food and wine were amazing and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. We absolutely loved it.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   s8e046a7e183f4cba786 
 30 September 2026
 
 
 Verified EXCELLENT TOUR
Martin our guide was information and personable. The wineries were fantastic as was the wine. Lunch was amazing. I would highly recommend this tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Krystal P 
 28 September 2026
 
 
 Verified Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
We had the most wonderful day exploring the wineries with Martin and couldn’t recommend him highly enough! Martin’s knowledge of the area, together with his genuine love of the region, the wineries and what he does, was absolutely infectious. He brought the day to life with his stories, recommendations and local knowledge, and made us feel like we were discovering the very best of the region. His skills behind the camera also came in very handy throughout the day, he captured some beautiful moments for us, which was such an unexpected and thoughtful bonus! The absolute highlights of the day were Coal Pit Winery and our beautiful lunch at Mt Difficulty. Both were incredible, and Martin somehow managed to make every stop along the way feel just as special. He was professional, warm, knowledgeable and fun to spend the day with. We never felt rushed and could simply relax, enjoy the scenery, taste some beautiful wines and soak up the experience. Thank you, Martin, for making our day so memorable. We loved every minute and would absolutely recommend touring with Martin to anyone wanting to experience the region at its very best! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Krystal & Michael
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lisa F 
 25 September 2026
 
 
 Verified Great experience great tour guide
I thought our tour guide TAIMI was terrific and would thoroughly recommend this tour
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Adam F 
 24 September 2026
 
 
 Verified Great experience
Paul was an awesome driver and the wineries were great. Would definitely go again.

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.