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 Experience
Duration - 4 hours- optional extras
Experience Available from May 2026.
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.
Why us
Key highlights
Our Pioneer Experience is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the fine wines and history of one of our pioneering vineyards.
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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
Join us for a day of elegance, education, and extraordinary multi award-winning wine.
SAMPLE iTinerary
Luxurious Transfers: Begin your day with a pickup in a premium vehicle, setting the stage for an experience of unparalleled comfort and style.
Queenstown and Gibbston: The adventure continues to Gibbston, where you'll enjoy visiting one of the region’s pioneering vineyards for an exclusive full vineyard tour, including wine cave exploration and a premium back vintage wine tasting hosted by renowned winemaker Christopher Keys..
Gibbston Exploration: exploring three of Gibbston’s iconic vineyards alongside the winemaker, walking through the vines and gaining first-hand insight into the region’s unique terroir and cool-climate viticulture. Taste the wines grown directly from these vineyards, as you learn the stories, techniques, and decisions that shape each bottle from vine to glass.
Vineyard lunch: Following the vineyard experience, enjoy a gourmet lunch set within the vineyard, perfectly paired with a curated selection of estate wines. Relax and take in the surrounding alpine landscape as each course is thoughtfully matched to showcase the vineyard’s portfolio, offering a seamless continuation of your wine journey in a refined and memorable setting.
Optional Bendigo Vineyard Exploration: Continue the journey with a deeper exploration of the estate’s regional vineyards, travelling to the subregion of Bendigo. Here, warmer temperatures and elevated vineyard sites create a striking contrast in style and landscape. Set among rugged hills rich with historic gold mining heritage, this final chapter adds depth, character, and a sense of place—completing the full Pioneer Experience.
Return to Queenstown: Queenstown: Reflect on a day well spent as you are comfortably transported back to Queenstown, with memories and flavours to last a lifetime.
OPTIONAL EXPLORATION
Bendigo Vineyards Exploration
The journey continues into Bendigo, where guests explore Gibbston Valley’s Bendigo vineyards for a deeper sub-regional tasting experience. Walk among the vines, learn how the landscape shapes the wines, and enjoy an in-depth tasting showcasing Bendigo’s powerful, award-winning expressions.
China terrace vineyard
red shed vineyard
