Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

If you’re heading to Queenstown and love the idea of sampling some of New Zealand’s finest wines without the hassle of driving, this premium wine tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s highly rated — with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from over 600 reviews — and recommended by 99% of travelers. The tour combines the beauty of the Gibbston Valley with immersive winery experiences, all while traveling in the comfort of a luxury Mercedes van.

We particularly like how this tour offers a behind-the-scenes cellar tour and plenty of tastings at some of the region’s best wineries. Plus, the included pickup and drop-off from selected Queenstown hotels make it super convenient. On the flip side, it’s a solid six-hour commitment, so if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace, that’s worth considering. This tour is well-suited for wine lovers, friends, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy Queenstown’s wine scene without the stress of organizing transport.

Key Points

• Expert-guided cellar tours deepen your understanding of wine production in the region.
• Luxury transportation makes the day comfortable and safe, with hotel pickups included.
• Diverse wineries showcase a variety of styles, from boutique to established producers.
• Ample tastings with knowledgeable guides ensure a fun, educational experience.
• Beautiful scenery and outdoor options add to the relaxed, scenic vibe.
• Great value for money considering the number of wineries visited and included features.

An In-Depth Look at the Queenstown Wine Tour

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded glimpse of Queenstown’s wine scene, especially Gibbston Valley, which is famous for being one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. It’s a full-day experience that balances guided insight with the joy of tasting and discovering for yourself what makes these wines special.

How the Tour Begins

The day kicks off with a convenient pickup option from your hotel, which helps you avoid the stress of finding your way to the wineries. Traveling in a luxury Mercedes van ensures comfort from the start. With a group capped at 14 people, the vibe tends to be intimate enough for good conversation but lively enough to make new friends.

Gibbston Valley Winery: The Iconic Start

The first stop is at Gibbston Valley Winery, known as one of the region’s founding wineries. Here, you get a guided tour through its underground cellars, which is a unique feature that many reviews appreciate, describing it as “gorgeous” and “a must-do.” The tasting at Gibbston Valley offers insight into the large-scale production process and the chance to sample some top-notch wines. One reviewer mentioned, “The wineries we visited were great,” highlighting that Gibbston Valley sets a high bar for the rest of the day.

Kinross Winery: Exploring Multiple Labels

Next is Kinross Winery, where the focus shifts to sampling a variety of wines from different labels, including smaller producers. This stop typically lasts about an hour and a half, giving enough time to try several styles. Reviewers rave about the friendly and knowledgeable hosts, with one noting, “The cellar door host will also showcase wines from smaller producers,” making it a great spot for those interested in more than just the mainstream offerings.

Mt Rosa Wines: Boutique and Beautiful

The third winery, Mt Rosa, is a boutique, owner-operated vineyard. Its stunning location just below the Nevis Bluff provides a picture-perfect backdrop, and the recently built cellar door adds a touch of sophistication. Visitors often comment on the lovely setting and the quality of the wines. One reviewer called it a “sophisticated experience” that adds a nice variety to the tour.

Ayrburn: The Relaxed Finish

The last stop is at Ayrburn, where you can enjoy a self-guided flight either inside the charming Manure Room or outdoors, weather permitting. The historic grounds surrounding Ayrburn offer a peaceful end to the day. Guests have mentioned that the garden setting and the relaxed atmosphere make for a lovely wrap-up. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s tastings and enjoy some outdoor scenery.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The itinerary is well-paced, with each winery offering a different vibe and wine style. Expect around an hour at Gibbston Valley, more at Kinross, an hour at Mt Rosa, and about an hour at Ayrburn. The tastings are generous, with most reviews mentioning 3-4 tastings per stop, including both whites and reds. The lunch at Kinross is also highlighted as a highlight by some guests, offering a tasty break in the middle of the day.

One thing that several reviewers appreciated was the knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights about the region’s wine history and production. Allegra, Do, Lee, Beth, and others are praised for their friendly, professional demeanor and their ability to make the day both fun and informative.

The Transport and Group Size

Traveling in a luxury Mercedes van adds a touch of class and comfort, especially after a few tastings. The small group size (max 14 travelers) keeps the experience intimate, allowing for personal interactions and a relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews mention how the guides keep the day timely and well-organized, so you won’t feel rushed but also won’t be waiting around unnecessarily.

Price and Value

At around $164.45 per person, this tour offers good value considering the four wineries, the guided cellar tour, lunch, and luxury transportation. Guests have expressed that it’s “worth every penny,” especially given the quality of wines and the expertise of guides. For those who appreciate a full, immersive experience that balances education and leisure, this price tag aligns well with what’s delivered.

What Are the Downsides?

While the tour earns top marks overall, it’s worth noting that a six-hour duration might be long for some travelers, especially if they prefer shorter, more relaxed outings. Also, the more structured nature means you might not get as much time at each winery as you’d like if you’re a wine enthusiast craving a more in-depth tasting. One reviewer suggested seeing more of the vineyards, which could be a consideration if you’re specifically interested in vineyard walks or outdoor exploration.

Another point is that, since this is a guided tour, the experience is somewhat set, and if you’re someone who prefers to explore wineries at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed. However, the overall flow and organization seem to keep things enjoyable and manageable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine lovers looking for a comprehensive tasting day without the stress of driving. It’s ideal for those wanting to learn more about New Zealand wines, enjoy beautiful scenery, and socialize in a small group setting. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo — and enjoy good company and good wine — this tour will probably tick all your boxes.

It also works well for visitors who value guidance and education but still want to experience the region’s best wineries in a single day. If you’re after a relaxed, enjoyable way to indulge in Queenstown’s wine offerings, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 6 hours long, including visiting four wineries, tastings, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from a selection of Queenstown hotels, making it very convenient.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes visits to four wineries, guided cellar tours, tastings at each stop, a tasty lunch at Kinross Winery, and transportation in a luxury Mercedes van.

What should I bring?
It’s best to carry your passport or NZ driver’s license to prove you’re of legal drinking age. Bringing water and a small bag for any bottles you buy is also helpful.

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a guided, pre-arranged tour, customization options aren’t mentioned. However, the itinerary seems well-structured to offer a variety of experiences.

Are the wineries family-friendly?
This tour is designed for those 18 and over, so it’s not suitable for children or minors.

What’s the group size?
Most groups are small, with a maximum of 14 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate.

How do I cancel if I change my mind?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Final Thoughts

This premium wine tour in Queenstown delivers a balanced mix of beautiful scenery, educational insights, and delicious wines. With expert guides, comfortable transport, and a thoughtful itinerary, it’s a reliable choice for anyone wanting to explore New Zealand’s renowned wine regions in style and comfort.

If you’re happy to spend a full day immersed in wine, enjoy meeting new people, and appreciate knowledgeable guides who can deepen your understanding of the region’s viniculture, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially great for those who want a seamless, hassle-free experience that combines scenic beauty with wine tasting.

While it’s not a deep dive into every vineyard or vineyard walk, it offers a solid, well-rounded day that will leave most guests satisfied and with good memories — and maybe a few bottles to take home. For couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to enjoy Queenstown’s wine scene without the planning stress, this tour hits all the right notes.