12 Best Wineries in Queenstown

1. Amisfield Winery

A fantastic winery to pop into for lunch or dinner is the Amisfield Winery & Bistro. Amisfield specialises in Pinot Noir, as well as white wine varietals grown in their single estate certified organic vineyard at Mt Pisa.

The cellar door, housed in a landmark building at Lake Hayes, is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm where you can explore their extensive library of wines through various tasting experiences. From “Standard Tastings” featuring five wines to premium sessions comparing older vintages with younger counterparts, there’s something for every wine enthusiast.

For those wanting something truly special, book a “Bespoke Tasting” to sample rare wines from their collection in a private setting. The bistro is also open for lunch and dinner, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal paired with exceptional wines.

Location: 10 Lake Hayes Road, Lake Hayes

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2. Kinross Winery

For wine lovers and enthusiasts alike, Kinross offers in-depth wine experiences showcasing exceptional Central Otago wines in their guided tastings.

The “Classic Experience” is a 40-minute tasting featuring Kinross wines and partner labels, with behind-the-scenes stories from pioneering winemakers.

For Pinot Noir devotees, the “Pinot Noir Experience” explores why Central Otago Pinot Noir has earned its global reputation through a handpicked selection from boutique legends and iconic producers.

Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the “Premium Central Otago Experience”, where expert wine advisors guide you through premium varietals, small-batch vintages and exclusive wine club selections in an immersive 45-minute tasting.

Location: 2300 Gibbston Highway, Gibbston

© Destination Queenstown

3. The Winery

One of the best wine tasting experiences in the Queenstown region, The Winery offers a unique self-serve wine system that puts you in control of your tasting journey.

When you arrive, you’ll receive a wine tasting card and glass in exchange for your driver’s licence or bank card. The innovative self-serve system lets you sample wines at your own pace.

Simply insert your card to activate the machine, choose your pour size (taste, half glass or full glass), and press the button. The display tracks your spending, and you settle up when you’re finished.

It’s an easy, relaxed way to discover Central Otago’s finest wines without feeling rushed, making it perfect for both wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.

Location: Queenstown – 29 Ballarat Street, Queenstown, open daily 2:30 pm till late evening. Arrowtown – 27 Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown, open daily 10:30 am till early evening.

© Destination Queenstown

4. Wet Jacket Winery

Located in the Queenstown Marina, Wet Jacket Winery offers an intimate cellar door experience that pairs exceptional wines with fascinating stories.

The winery showcases an impressive selection including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Their hosted tastings take you on a journey through history and wine, featuring five carefully selected wines whilst supporting conservation projects in conjunction with RealNZ.

The cellar door is open from 11 am to 5 pm, and we recommend booking ahead to secure your spot. If you purchase any wine, you’ll receive a free exit ticket for parking, which is a nice touch after a tasting session.

Location: Shed 3 Queenstown Marina, 3 Sugar Lane, Frankton

© Wet Jacket Winery

5. Brennan Wines

Sit down with a cheese platter from local artisans accompanied with a glass of wine at Brennan Wines.

The family-owned winery and vineyard is definitely one to add to your Queenstown winery-crawl itinerary, known for its award-winning Pinot Noirs alongside pioneering varieties like Muscat, Tempranillo and Zinfandel.

Choose from “Host-Guided Tastings” featuring five flagship wines and one-off releases, or opt for a “Self-Guided Experience” where you can sample three wines of your choice, including a vertical tasting of their renowned Pinot Noirs.

The cellar door is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with spectacular mountain views that make it the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine.

Location: 86 Gibbston Back Road, Gibbston

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6. Chard Farm

An excellent winery to visit simply for tastings is Chard Farm. Sample their impressive selection of seven Pinot Noirs, alongside cool-climate whites that New Zealand is renowned for, including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

The cellar door is open seven days a week, so pop in for a tasting session. Bookings are essential, making it a great choice for a planned wine tour through the region.

Location: Chard Road, State Highway 6, Gibbston

© Destination Queenstown

7. Gibbston Valley Winery

One of the big wine names in Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Wines boasts a number of experiences including winery tours. Inside their iconic wine cave, New Zealand’s largest, enjoy informative wine tastings led by passionate wine enthusiasts who delve deep into their unique expressions.

Their hosted “Cave Library” tasting offers older vintages in a rustic alcove, while the “Cheese & Wine” tasting pairs delectable artisan cheese with their wines in a charming French country-styled room.

You can also explore the Home Block, the first vines planted in Central Otago, on a “Complete Winery” or “Classic Cave” tour.

Hire an e-bike from their Bike Centre to cruise along the scenic Kawarau River trail to nearby wineries.

You can also visit their tasting room in Arrowtown (28 Buckingham Street). Both tasting rooms are open daily.

Location: State Highway 6, Gibbston

© Destination Queenstown

8. Mt Rosa Wines

The winery and vineyard might have used to be a high country sheep station, but Mt Rosa still holds its Kiwi countryside charm.

Situated slightly off the beaten path in an elevated position surrounded by mountains and rows of vines, the cellar door is the perfect spot to spend an hour or an afternoon.

Mt Rosa produces a wide range of wines from its 35-hectare (86-acre) vineyard, with guided tastings featuring over five different varietals all grown onsite. Choose from their single site varietals or explore their library offerings and limited back vintages.

The tasting fee is waived with the purchase of two or more bottles. Their food menu offers bar snacks, small plates and platters designed for sharing alongside the wines, and you can even add a cheese pairing to your tasting experience.

Location: 91 Gibbston Back Road, Gibbston

© Destination Queenstown

9. Peregrine Wines

Visit this contemporary cellar door shaped like a peregrine in flight, at the award-winning Peregrine Wines. Taste Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Methode Traditionelle and savour the sights of their barrel room.

The winery offers a range of memorable experiences, from intimate Cellar Door tastings for up to four guests, to the “Barrel Hall Tasting” for groups of five to 14 people.

For a more comprehensive experience, book the “Beyond the Barrels” tour, where you’ll discover what lies behind the scenes of this stunning winery. The cellar door is open Monday to Saturday.

Location: 2127 Gibbston Highway, Gibbston

© Destination Queenstown

10. Stoneridge Estate

This boutique winery located amidst acres of gardens and vines provides amazing views of Lake Hayes.

After trying their outstanding Pinot Gris, Rosé and Pinot Noir, take the time to wander around the beautiful gardens and chapel, once the residence of celebrated New Zealand painter Da’Vella Gore, whose artistic touch can be seen throughout the estate.

The Cellar Door is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm for wine tastings, platters and nibbles.

Stoneridge Estate has partnered with Nockie’s Palette Wines to offer a unique wine tasting and art experience, where you can enjoy a tutored tasting paired with a selection of small bites on the sun-kissed terrace.

Location: 756 Lake Hayes – Arrow Junction Highway, RD 1

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11. Mount Edward Winery

This privately-owned family winery welcomes visitors by appointment to their intimate Gibbston cellar door. Mount Edward focuses on organically produced small-batch wines from their estate-owned, regeneratively farmed vineyards.

It’s an interesting one for wine connoisseurs, as they combine tradition with innovation across everything from classic varieties to avant-garde New Zealand wines.

You’ll find premium single-vineyard releases, library vintages, orange wines, sparkling pet nats and Central Otago Pinot Noir alongside unique offerings like Gamay.

The cellar door experience includes regionally inspired tapas specifically matched to your wine tasting, with wines also exported to the UK and Australia.

Location: 34 Coal Pit Road, Gibbston

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12. Valli Vineyards

Valli Vineyards is the exclusive label of renowned winemaker Grant Taylor, showcasing premium wines with limited production runs. While the vineyard operates by appointment only, you can taste these exceptional wines next door at Kinross, a stunning vineyard hotel and cellar door.

Just 30 minutes from Queenstown, Kinross offers the complete Gibbston vineyard experience, with an on-site bistro, cellar door, vineyard hotel and outdoor hot tub.

Plus, for more wineries to visit nearby, see our 10 Wonderful Wineries in Cromwell.

Location: 2300 Gibbston Highway, Gibbston

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