connoisseur experience
Fill your life with memorable moments.
Experience an exceptional 2 day itinerary created for true wine connoisseurs, exploring some of Central Otago’s most remarkable vineyards and cellars. Personally hosted by renowned winemakers, enjoy full vineyard and winery experiences with private tastings of premium current releases alongside rare and carefully selected back vintages, with a particular focus on older wines. Discover how exceptional Central Otago wines evolve with age while gaining rare insight into each vineyard, vintage and the winemaking philosophy behind the wines.
what to expect
Private Experience
Created for those who appreciate exceptional wine, rare vintages and the stories behind them. Journey beyond the current release and discover Central Otago through its finest wines, past and present.
UP TO 15 GUESTS
Contact us for larger groups
Duration
9:45am- 5:30pm
2 Days
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Private tastings personally hosted by renowned winemakers
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Exceptional current release wines alongside carefully selected back vintages
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Strong focus on older vintages and the evolution of wine with age
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Full vineyard and winery tours with the people behind the wines
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Rare insight into vintage variation, terroir and winemaking philosophy
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Exclusive access to remarkable Central Otago vineyards and private cellars
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Intimate one on one conversations with winemakers
SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1
Queenstown
Journey starts with a tour of Queenstown, enriched by stories of its historic past en route to your first boutique vineyard.
Wanaka Region
Travel across the breathtaking Crown Range and onward to Wānaka, taking in spectacular alpine scenery before arriving at one of the region’s most spectacular boutique vineyards for a privately hosted wine experience and back vintage tasting with a winemaker.
Wanaka / Lake Hāwea
After your tasting, explore the spectacular Wānaka region and journey onward to Lake Hāwea, taking in dramatic alpine landscapes, pristine lakes and some of the Southern Lakes’ most breathtaking scenery.
Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Stoaker Room, where dishes are uniquely prepared in converted French oak wine barrels, showcasing seasonal local produce and the distinctive flavours of Central Otago.
Pisa Region
Travel to the region of Pisa for a privately hosted tasting at one of Central Otago’s most iconic wine producers. Enjoy a curated tasting of premium current releases alongside selected back vintages, discovering the evolution and character of the region’s exceptional wines.
Arrowtown
Conclude your journey with a visit to historic Arrowtown and take in the charm and history dating back to the gold rush and visit one of New Zealand's most iconic boutique wine stores.
SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 2
Gibbston Region
Travel to the renowned Gibbston subregion for a privately hosted experience with one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winemakers at a pioneering Central Otago vineyard. Explore the vineyard on a private tour before enjoying an exclusive tasting of premium current releases and selected back vintages, with personal insights into the vineyards, vintages and winemaking.
Lowburn
Enjoy an exclusive, closed door vineyard experience available only to Latitude 45 guests. Join one of the region’s iconic winemakers for a full vineyard tour and back vintage tasting at a vineyard not open to the public or other wine tour providers , gaining rare insight and exclusivity into the stories and craftsmanship behind each label.
Lunch
Enjoy a five course à la carte vineyard lunch showcasing seasonal local produce, accompanied by a glass of wine and complimented by spectacular vineyard and mountain views in one of Central Otago’s most scenic settings.
Bendigo
Travel to the historic Central Otago township of Bendigo and arrive at a private vineyard for your second closed door wine experience. Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting hosted by the vineyard owner winemaker, sampling multi award winning Central Otago Pinot Noir and other premium varietals for a unique current release and back vintage vertical tasting experience.
Regional Exploration
Enjoy a historical exploration of the region, visiting significant sites dating back to Central Otago’s gold rush era and discovering the stories, pioneers and events that shaped the region.
whats included
Premium Luxury Vehicles
Travel in comfort and style with Queenstown's most luxurious fleet, including Range Rover Vogue, Mercedes V-Class and Mercedes Sprinter Executive vehicles. View our premium fleet in the Our Fleet section of our website and discover the Latitude 45 difference.
Artisan Cheeseboards
Enjoy a beautifully presented artisan cheeseboard featuring a selection of locally sourced cheeses, seasonal accompaniments and regional produce. Carefully curated to compliment Central Otago wines, it provides the perfect opportunity to relax and savour the flavours of the region.
Vineyard and Regional Restaurant Lunch
Enjoy exceptional regional cuisine showcasing the flavours of Central Otago, with seasonal local produce, thoughtfully crafted dishes and premium New Zealand wines creating a memorable dining experience.
Wine Industry Experienced & Qualified Guide
Our guides are passionate ambassadors for Central Otago, combining extensive local knowledge with industry qualifications and wine expertise. Dedicated to delivering exceptional service, they are there to ensure your day is seamless and engaging.
What's Not Included
Please note that any wine purchases made during the day, along with any associated shipping or freight costs, are arranged directly between the guest and the vineyard. These costs are not included in the tour price. Gratuities for guides are also not included and remain entirely at the guest's discretion.
faq's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most in depth private wine experience in Central Otago?
The Latitude 45 Connoisseur Experience is our most in depth private wine experience in Central Otago, created for discerning wine lovers seeking access beyond the traditional cellar door. Explore multiple Central Otago wine subregions, enjoy privately hosted vineyard experiences, meet leading winemakers and taste premium current releases alongside selected back vintage wines.
What makes the Connoisseur Experience different from a standard Central Otago wine tour?
Unlike a traditional Queenstown wine tour, the Connoisseur Experience is designed as an immersive journey into Central Otago wine. The experience travels across the region’s celebrated wine subregions, combining iconic producers and boutique vineyards with private hosting, vineyard tours, renowned winemakers, current and back vintage wines, exceptional regional cuisine and spectacular Southern Lakes scenery.
Can I book a private wine experience with winemakers in Queenstown and Central Otago?
The Connoisseur Experience offers exclusive wine experiences available only through Latitude 45 and not bookable by the general public. Guests enjoy privileged access to exceptional Central Otago vineyards, privately hosted tastings with renowned winemakers, vineyard tours, and premium current release and back vintage wines.
Exclusive access to closed door vineyards
Exclusive access isn't just a promise—it's what defines every Latitude 45 experience. Meet the winemakers, explore working vineyards and enjoy private experiences unavailable through any other operator.
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