Wineries and Vineyards in and Around Wanaka
Located on the shores of the picture-perfect Lake Wanaka, the town of Wanaka has attracted winemakers to its cool climate region over the years. Part of the Central Otago wine region, Wanaka and the nearby settlements of Tarras and Queensberry provide a cooler and slightly wetter climate than its neighbouring Cromwell and Queenstown sub-wine regions. The lake is a natural mitigation for frosts, helping produce delicate and vivid wines. See where you can sample the local wines with this list of wineries in Wanaka. Plus, don’t miss10 Wonderful Wineries in Cromwell & Bannockburn and 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 10 Wanaka Must-Dos.
1. The Lazy Dog Vineyard & Restaurant
Before we get to specific vineyards, let’s start with this tasting room for five Central Otago vineyards all in one place. The Lazy Dog Vineyard and Restaurant allows visitors to taste wines from the Lazy Dog Vineyard, Locharburn Estate, Two Degrees Vineyard, Valli Vineyard and more. Sit among their picturesque gardens with a tasting tray and enjoy the views.
Location: 2 Gladsmuir Road, Queensberry (29km/18 miles from Wanaka)
© Goodfreephotos2. Rippon
One of the most famous wineries in Wanaka, Rippon offers divine views of Lake Wanaka to go along with their divine wine tastings. The vineyard has some of the oldest vines in the Central Otago winemaking region and boasts biodynamic farming with no irrigation. The winery is open daily except for in June when only open by appointment.
Location: 246 Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka
© Pxhere3. Maori Point Vineyard
Make an afternoon out of it by visiting Maori Point Vineyard. This family-owned six-hectare vineyard and winery produce handcrafted wines including Pinot Noir, Riesling and “Gold Digger” sparkling wine. After your wine tasting, you can walk off the wine along the riverbank walks or pair it with a picnic along the river. The winery is open daily in Summer and Thursday to Sunday in winter.
Location: 413 Maori Point Road, Tarras (31km/19 miles from Wanaka)
© Pixabay4. Maude Wines
The Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are a must-try at this winery just outside of Albert Town. Maude Wines produces small batch single vineyard wines from a family vineyard in the Maungawera Valley. Taste this unique wine for yourself by booking an appointment for a wine tasting.
Location: Maungavalley Road, Albert Town (14km/9 miles from Wanaka).
© Public Domain Pictures5. Aitken’s Folly
We hardly think that the wine at Aitken’s Folly is a “folly” but try it for yourself at their tasting room just outside of Wanaka. The boutique family vineyard produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Book your tasting in their tasting room by appointment.
Location: Riverbank Road, Wanaka
© Pxhere
