My latest trip to Queenstown largely consisted of day trips to Wineries. I had such a hard time narrowing down which ones I had time to visit – and even with my list of wineries to hit during my 5 day stay in the Otago region I still managed to sneak in a few unplanned ones.
Here are the top 10 Wineries I visited:
- Maori Point
I would compare Maori Point Vineyard to being welcomed into a family home – because that is what it is! From the moment we stepped in a warm homely feel swept over me, and if I am completely honest given a little convincing I probably could have spent the rest of the afternoon snuggled on their a coach with a bottle of their standout Rosé. It was quite unlike every winery we visited during our time in Otago due to the fact that you get a one on one intimate experience with the winemakers themselves! I could ramble about my great experience for days which is why this vineyard made it to number one on my list. Tip: Stock up on a few of their Gold Digger Frizzante – Pinot Gris. I only bought two during my visit and ended up buying 6 more online a week later. Doh! - Mt Difficulty
Tucked away in the hilltops, Mt Difficulty promises and delivers. With multiple top quality Pinot Noir’s I had to refrain from buying a case of wine so early in my trip (traveller regret: I should have just bought it). The wine is amazing and the view is a bonus. Sit outside if you can, it is best to go on a calm sunny day as the outdoor area closes if the weather is too windy. We had a couple of the platters and a glass of wine which was the perfect start to our holiday. Tip: Tastings are only a gold coin donation ($1/$2)
- Wild Earth This was such a fun tasting. The vibe was energetic and it was a great place to go on a rainy day. Just a hop and a skip walk over the Kawerau Gorge (I hope you aren’t afraid of heights). This winery offers up four high quality wines and a variety of platters to suit your hunger levels. Tip: This is great if you want to do a wine tasting at your own pace as you take the wine to your own table.
- Gibbston Valley Winery and Cheesery
This place was so good, I actually visited it twice! There is only one thing I love as much as wine, and that is cheese. So I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to do a a tasting of both in one place. We grabbed the wine tasting and then shuffled over to the Cheesery to enjoy our Cheese tasting. I loved this because they gave us tasting notes and we were able to enjoy the cheese and wine at leisure. This was one of the more expensive tastings but you are paying for quality. Tip: Arrive just before the hour so you can take part in the Wine Cave Tour – I missed it both times by about 5mins but it looks amazing.
- The Chard
A winery with a cat? They are doing something right. A very generous tasting of nearly all of their wine selection, for only a donation or free with purchase. Great value and you can hang out with their cat who suspiciously may have been drunk on wine fumes.
- Brennan Wines
This was the last winery I visited during my trip. It is a small, family owned winery but that doesn’t hold them back with an extensive lineup of wines. They make a few wines that I hadn’t heard of before which was refreshing after trying nearly every Pinot in the valley. Great value at $7 per person for a tasting or free with purchase. - Amisfield
This is the winery I wish I had stayed longer at, and stayed for lunch as I have heard it is worth it. After a long day our visit to Amisfield was a fleeting one, I remember their Pinot Noir being quite a standout. Perhaps I need to go back to get a well rounded opinion -as if I needed an excuse! - The Winery
Although this place lacks in atmosphere it offers a place for people short on time or who possibly don’t have great transport options to have a taste of multiple Otago and NZ Wines in one place. It has a great novelty factor as you pour and pay as you go. Although beware this is a costly way to do tastings.
Some final advice. New Zealand has just brought in a new drink driving law which only allows 200mcg for drivers over 20, and people aged 20 and under there is a zero limit. So make careful decisions and have a nominated sober driver or look into a bus tour.
Her Search for Eutopia 