Gibbston Valley Pioneer Experience
In exclusive partnership with Gibbston Valley Vineyard, the region’s pioneering vineyard, guests enjoy a regional exploration of Gibbston, showcasing award-winning wines and the heritage of Central Otago winemaking.
What to Expect
Exclusive Gibbston valley Experience
Duration - 7 hours
Discover the wines of Gibbston Valley Vineyard through an immersive four-hour wine journey designed for guests seeking regional depth, exclusive access, and refined hospitality close to Queenstown. The experience begins with an exclusive vineyard tour at the region’s pioneering vineyard, hosted by winemaker Christopher Keys, where guests explore the vines, learn about the landscape, and visit the remarkable wine cave.
The journey then continues across three of Gibbston Valley’s vineyards, offering a deeper exploration of the sub-region through guided walks among the vines and the opportunity to touch, feel, and taste the very essence of this celebrated wine landscape. Along the way, guests enjoy award-winning wines, rich regional storytelling, and the option to enhance the experience with premium or exclusive dining.
what to expect
EXCLUSIVE TO LATITUDE 45
Available to Latitude 45 guests only
Our Pioneer Experience is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the fine wines and history of one of our pioneering vineyards.
UP TO 15 GUESTS
Contact us for larger groups
Duration
12:30pm- 7:30pm
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Exclusive access to an iconic Gibbston vineyard with full vineyard tour and wine cave exploration
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Premium back vintage wine tasting hosted by renowned winemaker Christopher Keys
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Explore the vines with the winemaker, gaining first-hand insight from vine to glass
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Gourmet vineyard lunch paired with a curated selection of estate wines
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Regional exploration into Bendigo, showcasing contrasting terroir and historic gold mining landscapes
SAMPLE iTinerary
Queenstown
Begin your journey with pickup in your premium luxury vehicle from Queenstown, travelling through spectacular alpine scenery to Gibbston, the closest and most historic wine subregion in Central Otago.
Gibbston Region
Known as the "Valley of the Vines," Gibbston is Central Otago's most iconic wine region. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, visit a boutique vineyard and enjoy premium tastings while discovering the history, people and cool-climate wines that have made this region world-renowned.
Gibbston Valley Winery
Arrive at the iconic Gibbston Valley Winery where you'll be welcomed by renowned winemaker Chris Keys. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival as Chris introduces the afternoon ahead before taking you behind the scenes for an exclusive exploration of one of Central Otago's pioneering wineries.
Vineyard Tour
Continue through the vineyards, winemaking facilities and wine cave, learning first hand how some of the region’s finest wines are produced. Gain a deeper understanding of Gibbston Valley’s history, vineyard practices and winemaking philosophy from grape to glass.
Vineyard Exploration
Explore the vineyards alongside the winemaker, including some of the first commercial vines planted in Central Otago. Discover how site, climate and vine age influence the wines while gaining first hand insight into the region's pioneering viticulture, sustainable practices and winemaking philosophy.
Wine Maker Tasting
Enjoy a once in a lifetime hosted tasting alongside the people who crafted the wines with world renowned winemaker Christopher Keys. Compare current releases with rare back vintage wines as the winemaker shares the stories, techniques and passion behind every bottle in an unforgettable and highly personal tasting experience.
Bendigo Vineyard Exploration
Journey into one of Central Otago's warmer subregions, renowned for producing some of the world's most age worthy wines. Home to three of the estate's distinguished single vineyard sites, explore the vineyards with the winemaker and discover how altitude, aspect, soils and climate shape the unique character of each wine while gaining a deeper understanding of the region's diverse terroir.
Private Dinner
Conclude your afternoon with an exclusive five course degustation dinner hosted in a private dining room reserved exclusively for Latitude 45 guests. Each course is expertly paired with exceptional wines from the estate, creating an intimate and unforgettable dining experience unavailable to the public.
Why Gibbston Valley wines
Pioneering Gibbston Legacy
Gibbston Valley Winery is Central Otago's founding winery, planting the region's first commercial vines in 1983 and pioneering a wine industry that is now recognised among the world's finest cool climate wine regions. Family owned for much of its history, the estate has played a defining role in establishing Central Otago's international reputation for exceptional Pinot Noir.
Today, Gibbston Valley continues to produce award winning wines enjoyed around the world, combining decades of winemaking expertise with the unique climate and terroir of the Gibbston Valley. From its historic vineyards to its renowned underground wine cave, the estate remains an icon of New Zealand wine, celebrated for crafting elegant, world class wines that express the true character of Central Otago.
FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY CHOOSE THE gibbston valley pioneer experience
The Gibbston Valley Pioneer Experience offers a rare opportunity to discover the birthplace of Central Otago's modern wine industry. Created exclusively for Latitude 45 guests, you'll explore one of the region's pioneering wineries with behind the scenes access to the vineyards, winemaking facilities, and historic wine cave while meeting the people who continue to shape its legacy. Combined with premium tastings, remarkable scenery, and exclusive experiences unavailable to the public, it is the ultimate way to experience the heritage and future of Gibbston Valley.
Which regions are covered
The Gibbston Valley Pioneer Experience showcases the diversity of Central Otago through the story of one of the region's pioneering wineries. Beginning in Gibbston, the home of Gibbston Valley Winery, you'll explore the vineyards where the journey began before travelling to the estate's single vineyard blocks in the warmer Bendigo subregion. Experiencing both regions firsthand provides a unique understanding of how climate, elevation, and terroir influence each wine, offering a deeper appreciation of the remarkable diversity and winemaking philosophy behind Gibbston Valley's acclaimed collection.
What will I learn during the day?
You'll discover the history of Gibbston Valley Winery, explore the unique characteristics of the Gibbston and Bendigo subregions, gain insight into vineyard management and winemaking, and learn how climate, soils, and elevation shape every bottle produced by the estate.
Ready to Begin
