The Connoisseur's Guide to Queenstown & Central Otago's Finest Wineries

New Zealand's adventure capital hides a sophisticated secret - some of the Southern Hemisphere's most exciting cool-climate wines. From Queenstown's lakeside vineyards to Central Otago's golden slopes, we reveal the ultimate wine itinerary for discerning travelers.

1. The Crown Jewels of Central Otago

Felton Road (Bannockburn)

  • Signature Pour: Block 3 Pinot Noir
  • Experience: Exclusive single-vineyard tastings in the underground barrel hall
  • PrestigeFly Perk: Ask about their rare Cornish Point bottlings

Rippon (Wanaka)

  • Signature Pour: Mature Riesling
  • Experience: Biodynamic vineyard tour with Lake Wanaka vistas
  • Must Know: The Hall family has farmed here since 1912

Two Paddocks (Gibbston)

  • Signature Pour: First Paddock Pinot Noir
  • Experience: Actor Sam Neill's boutique winery
  • Insider Tip: The cellar door's vintage movie posters are priceless

2. Queenstown's Lakeside Gems

Amisfield (Lake Hayes)

  • Signature Pour: Rocky Gully Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • Experience: Legendary "Trust the Chef" lunch pairing
  • Booking Essential: Reserve the private tasting room

Gibbston Valley (Gibbston)

  • Signature Pour: Le Maitre Blanc
  • Experience: NZ's largest wine cave with cheese pairings
  • Bonus: Helicopter transfers available from Queenstown

Chard Farm (Kawarau Gorge)

  • Signature Pour: The Viper Pinot Noir
  • Experience: White-knuckle access road worth the drive
  • History: Original plantings date to 1987

3. The Ultimate Wine Itinerary

Day 1: The Grand Tour
09:00 - Helicopter flight to Rippon
11:30 - Private tasting at Felton Road
14:00 - Long lunch at Amisfield
17:00 - Sunset drinks at Peregrine

Day 2: The Adventurous Route
10:00 - Bike tour of Gibbston Valley wineries
13:00 - Wine cave experience at Gibbston Valley
16:00 - Relax at Akarua's arbour

Day 3: Off-the-Beaten Path
11:00 - Mt Difficulty tasting flight
14:00 - Artisan producers in Bannockburn
17:00 - Finale at Wet Jacket's underground cellar

4. VIP Experiences Worth Booking

The Black Barn Retreat (Bannockburn)

  • Private blending sessions with the winemaker
  • Luxury overnight stays in vineyard villas

Akarua's The Valli Lounge (Gibbston)

  • Reserve wine library access
  • Chef-prepared canapés with rare vintages

Mt Difficulty's Long Gully Experience

  • Helicopter access to remote vineyards
  • Five-course degustation with vertical tastings

5. Bringing the Experience Home

Shipping Tips

  • Use New Zealand Wine Collective for international deliveries
  • Central Otago Wine offers mixed case selections
  • Check customs allowances (typically 6 bottles to USA)

Must-Visit Queenstown Wine Bars

Central Otago Vintage Chart

  • 2021: Exceptional structure (buy now)
  • 2018: Approachable and elegant
  • 2015: Peak drinking for premium Pinots

Hi Guest, have you discovered any hidden gems in Central Otago wine country? Share your favorite vintages and views with fellow oenophiles on PrestigeFly.

"Central Otago doesn't make easy wines - it makes memorable ones." - Steve Smith MW, Co-founder of Craggy Range