Central Otago Wine Experience, Queenstown

Small group or private touring in one of New Zealand's most exciting new wine regions

If you thought Queenstown was all about action –and that New Zealand’s fine vineyards were all centred around Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough – then think again. Central Otago is one of New Zealand's most exciting new wine regions. This small area in the South Island, a little over an hour from Queenstown, is not only the southernmost winegrowing region in the world –but it is also New Zealand's highest winegrowing region – with most vineyards situated between 200 and 400 metres above sea level, amidst spectacular alpine scenery.

A small group or private wine tour with local specialist ‘Appellation Central Wine Tours’ will take you through picturesque valleys and dramatic gorges to discover some of Central Otago's leading producers of cool-climate wines.

The ‘Boutique Wine Tour’ (12 noon - 5pm) ventures through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to visit four of the region’s finest boutique wineries located in the Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley areas (about a 40 minute drive from Queenstown). You will enjoy a relaxing lunch at Carrick Winery in Bannockburn overlooking the rugged Carrick mountain range. The longer ‘Gourmet Wine Tour’ (9.30am - 4.30pm) includes tastings at four or five of the regions premium vineyards, a guided tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and a unique virtual wine flight – with plenty of time to savour the wonderful scenery. A delicious gourmet platter-style lunch and mid-morning cheese tasting at Olssens (the pioneer vineyard of Bannockburn and the Cromwell Basin) is included.