Private Whisky and Wine Tour

$440 pp

5 hours

10.00am – 3.00pm

Premium Locations

Learn the secrets behind the distilling process of artisanal spirits.

When there are whisky and spirits to be discovered, why stop at wine! Learn the secrets behind the distilling process of artisanal spirits.

Take in the rugged landscape of the Wakatipu Basin whilst enjoying a scenic drive over the rugged alpine Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest main road) to Cardrona.

Learn the spirit-making process, from grain to glass, with a tour of the world’s southernmost whisky-making facility; the family-owned Cardrona Distillery. Understand how to distinguish the subtle layers, colours and textures of a prised whisky and sample their award-winning gin and vodka.

Enjoy multiple panoramic photo opportunities, including the iconic Cardrona Hotel and Crowne Range, before descending into the world class Pinot Noir wine region of Gibbston for a gorgeous platter lunch.

Your passionate Appellation guide will impart all there is to know about the local region and its history.

Special Offer!

Save $20 with promo code "APPELLATION" when booking direct.

Book a tour online

Click here for T & C's

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

Book this tour

Multi Award Winning Wine Tours

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

“Such a brilliant day out. Perfect for couples or groups of friends. We were 7 girls and completely looked after by our guide.

All wineries are beautiful and all different. There is so much information about the surrounding areas, how each property started an abundance of knowledge on wine. Highly recommend.

Pick-ups from Queenstown hotels and back. We felt very lucky to be able to experience such a wonderful tour with an excellent tour company!”

sunnytimes0, Sept 2021 (Trip Advisor).
“After tossing up whether to do the hop on hop off bus I am so pleased we chose Appellation Tours instead. Door to door service and Gary our guide was knowledgeable, fun and professional.

We were guaranteed seating at all wineries and there was no queuing or waiting around for tastings and cellar tours. Something you need to think about when it’s cold outside! Just so seamless and easy.

Beautiful wines and a great afternoon with lots of information and laughs.”

Quest64601253864, Aug, 2021 (Trip Advisor).
“Such luxury to be collected from our hotel by Gary in a comfortable modern vehicle to be driven from vineyard to vineyard through the magnificent countryside of Central Otago – and Gary knew the history of wine growing in this area, and the details of each vineyard and its wines, our perfect host, companion and guide for the day.

Gary’s personable style, with friendly introductions to each cellar door manager and brilliant driving, helped make our day perfect”.

Observer4242, Nov 2021 (Trip Advisor).
“Third time around for us on this wine tour, once again did not disappoint. Excellent tour great wine and food very informative and funny tour guide was great.”

richf10975, Nov 2021 (Trip Advisor).
“Paul was incredibly knowledgeable and easy to talk to with all sorts of great information about wine making, the vineyards and about the history of Queenstown itself.

We’re glad that we chose to do the tour as you can leave the decision making to the experts!

We got to visit 4 fantastic vineyards and had a great lunch, it was incredibly good value. Next time we come to Queenstown we plan to do a private tour.

Thank you so much Paul!!! 10 stars!”

teresas376, Oct 2021 (Trip Advisor).

More about our Private Wine Tours...

If you are the more discerning wine lover, or would simply prefer the flexibility of a private tour, then together we can customise your Central Otago wine experience. Join one of our senior wine guides on a wine tasting journey to some of New Zealand’s most memorable vineyards, at your own pace.

Our local knowledge and familiarity with the vineyards of Central Otago is at your disposal for an intimate half or full day’s wine experience in a thriving wine region. 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.

Our private wine tours below 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 or, otherwise all of our Daily Wine Tours can be run privately for groups.

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