Queenstown Food and Wine

A trip to Queenstown is not complete without taking the opportunity to sample the world-renowned wines produced in the area. The climate in and around Queenstown lends itself to winemaking, and the Gibbston area in particular has produced some outstanding wines over many years. Particularly famous for their Pinot Noir, Gibbston and surrounding wineries also produce Rose, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris varieties, offering a rich diversity for the connoisseur.

Queenstown has a number of wine and food tours that allow you to experience the intensity and vibrancy of the regions wines.

Appellation Central Wine Tours have small tours departing Queenstown on a daily basis.

• The boutique tour takes you to four boutique wineries situated in the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn 
• The Gourmet tour includes the tour of a wine cave, wine tasting sessions at five wineries and a delicious platter style lunch
• The nature walk and wine tour is a full day package combining a guided nature walk along a lake shore with the boutique tour.

The intimacy of a small group tour is a great way to sample and enjoy local wineries.

A feature tour is the Private Twilight Food and Wine Experience, which affords small groups the intimacy and exclusivity of a private tour of three of Queenstown’s premier wineries. Starting at 3.00 pm, the five-hour tour provides you with a guide and vehicle to give you a personal tour of the region and its wineries. The tour culminates with dinner at the fabulous Amisfield Bistro, where you can enjoy their ‘Trust the Chef Menu’ – a selection of sumptuous dishes designed to be shared. This is a wine and

This is a wine and dine experience not to be missed.

An alternative that offers the chance to visit the beautiful but isolated Skippers Canyon is the Canyon and Wine tour, offered by Queenstown Heritage Tours. Skippers Canyon is a scenic gorge some twenty-two kilometres in length. Aside from its rugged beauty, the canyon has historical significance being the site of one of the largest gold rushes in the region. This tour combines beautiful rugged scenery with an ala carte lunch and tastings at three boutique wineries. Parties of six are taken by four-wheel drive minibus to various sightseeing spots, as well as the wineries. An a la carte vineyard lunch accompanied by delicious wines is a highlight. You will have a choice of Salmon, Rack of Lamb, Venison or a Vegetable Dish (amongst other dishes).

If you are looking to sample some of the local produce in a unique setting, the Walter Peak Evening and Dining cruise is an experience that will delight. Commencing with a cruise on the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw, you will enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu before disembarking at Walter Peak. Once there, you will be provided with a mouth-watering gourmet barbecue featuring a generous selection of fresh local produce and aromatic meats. When your main course is finished, you’ll be presented with a selection of heavenly desserts and fragrant New Zealand cheeses.