By Freelance Travel Writer, Sally Scott. If you're seeking experiences that offer both charm and local flavour, exploring cellar doors can be a delightful addition to your journey.
Alluxia Founder & Freelance Travel Writer Sally Scott was commissioned by International Traveller Magazine. She was asked to write a story on the best cellar doors in Central Otago and Best Cellar Door Experiences in Queenstown. She chose Appellation Wine Tours to show her around the best of the Gibbston region.
Just a 15-minute drive from town, the Gibbston Valley places you at the heart of New Zealand’s youngest yet most exciting wine regions. Former farmland has transformed into a thriving viticultural hub. Whereas now, it's home to more than 75 wineries. Many of these have cellar doors offering tastings, tours & gourmet dining.
For a self-guided tasting journey, follow the Gibbston Wine Trail. Alternatively, let experts from Appellation Wine Tours curate a private experience tailored to your palate. Queenstown’s wineries promise exceptional pinot noir and distinctive tasting settings no matter which option you choose.
What wineries did I visit?
Amisfield Winery pairs world-class wines with a celebrated dining experience. Their ‘Trust the Chef’ menu is a highlight, available as a multi-course lunch or a seven-course dinner. The estate is one of the region’s largest single vineyards and offers a refined cellar door experience near Lake Hayes.
Wet Jacket - located in a converted woolshed. They offer fireside tastings and an open plan feel. In light of this, it offers a unique experience that feels more like sharing wine with friends, than a traditional tasting.
Gibbston Valley is home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave—perfect for tours, tastings, or private events. Enjoy a meal or a cheese board with your pinot, and explore the estate’s evolving offerings. These include a luxury lodge and spa.
Other choices include the picturesque Chard Farm, organic-focused Peregrine Estate, and the collective-style Kinross.
Short on time? Head to The Winery in central Queenstown. Here, you can sample 80+ wines via self-serve dispensers. This is perfect for a quick yet comprehensive taste of the region.
