Our TASTE OF CENTRAL WINE TOUR in queenstown
Fill your life with memorable moments.
Experience the beauty of Central Otago with our Taste of Central Otago Wine Tour. Embark on your journey to explore multiple unique subregions of the area. We visit boutique vineyards favoured by locals and sample a range of exceptional cool climate varietals. Discover the unique characteristics of each region and take in the breathtaking views spanning from Queenstown.
What to expect
100% Private tour
Up to 15 Guests- Contact us for larger groups.
Duration- 9:45am-5:30pm
Our Taste of Central Tour is focused on wine tasting and gourmet food, where we enjoy the splendour of the region by travelling to multiple subregions.
-
Enjoy a full day-tour designed to taste and experience the nuances of three award-winning regions of Central Otago.
-
Explore the rich history of Central Otago with a knowledgeable local guide.
-
Visit three boutique vineyards and taste a selection of the latest vintage wines.
-
Walk amongst the vines and discover scenic and historical locations throughout the region.
-
Indulge in a unique gourmet lunch experience featuring local produce and X Pinot Noir barrel inspired cuisine, paired with premium wines.
Join us for a day which will be filled with lasting memories of the region.
Sample Itinerary
Queenstown
Journey starts with a tour of Queenstown, enriched by stories of its historic past en route to your first boutique vineyard, then continues into the award-winning Gibbston region, known as the Valley of the Vines.
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.
Bannockburn
Travel to Bannockburn in luxury, journeying through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge while taking in breathtaking scenery and engaging historic commentary. In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, savor a guided tasting at a spectacular boutique vineyard, complete with stunning views and a curated artisan cheese board.
Historical Locations
Journey through Central Otago's rich history as you visit charming heritage locations, discover stories of early pioneers and gold miners, and experience some of the region's most scenic and culturally significant sites.
Gourmet Lunch
Enjoy a memorable lunch in a rustic setting overlooking Lake Dunstan, featuring dishes cooked over Pinot Noir barrels and infused with Manuka wood chips, showcasing seasonal local produce and the distinctive flavours of Central Otago
Bendigo/Northburn/Lowburn
Journey to one of the warmer subregions of Central Otago to visit a boutique vineyard in either Cromwell, Lowburn or Bendigo Along the way, explore historic sites and hear captivating stories of the region’s rich gold rush heritage and take in the spectacular mountain scenery.
Arrowtown
Conclude your journey with a visit to historic Arrowtown and take in the charm and history dating back to the gold rush on route back to Queenstown.
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.
Artesian Cheeseboard
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.
Gourmet Lunch & Wine Pairing
Enjoy a gourmet lunch showcasing the flavours of Central Otago. Depending on availability, dine on a three-course vineyard lunch or visit an iconic regional restaurant where food is traditionally cooked In X Pinot Noir wine barrels and for a truly memorable experience.
Wine industry experienced & Qualified Guides
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, engaging and filled with memorable moments.
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
WHY CHOOSE our taste of central tour?
Our Taste of Central tour highlights the distinct nuances of Central Otago’s diverse microclimates. Traveling farther than any other regional wine tour, it offers an immersive journey that visits only working vineyards—never standard tasting rooms—for a true vineyard-to-glass experience. Latitude 45 specialises exclusively in premium wine tours and experiences. Guests travel in our fleet of luxury vehicles for the utmost comfort and style. All of our guides hold at least WSET Level 2 certification or bring extensive hands-on experience from the local wine industry. Their deep knowledge and passion for Central Otago wines ensure every guest gains an authentic and memorable understanding of the region.
Which regions are covered
On this experience we explore the greater Central Otago region, venturing further to small, boutique vineyards in lesser-known areas. Our main areas covered are Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell and Bendigo however we also travel to Alexandra and Lowburn.
IS LUNCH & Tasting INCLUDED?
Yes- Its all inclusive. For tastings we sample the latest vintages of the region and for lunch we visit an iconic regional restaurant where the cuisine is uniquely smoked and grilled inside X Pinot Noir barrels. You will also receive a gourmet cheeseboard generally at the second vineyard to match the wines or at the first vineyard depending on your itinerary. We accommodate and cater to all dietary requirements and food allergies upon request so just let us know upon booking.
Is this a private experience?
Yes 100% all Latitude 45 experiences and tours are fully private. This means your day is designed exclusively for you, with no mixed groups or fixed schedules or daily departure tours. From the pace of the day to the vineyards we visit, every element is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a seamless and highly personalised journey. You will enjoy private tastings, exclusive access to boutique vineyards, and the flexibility to explore Central Otago at your own pace. Your dedicated guide will host you throughout the day, creating a more intimate, relaxed and immersive experience.
Why a tour vs an experience?
Our tours are crafted to provide a relaxed, memorable day out, focusing on showcasing the beauty of the region and offering tastings of the latest vintage wines. Our Wine Experiences are designed for the wine enthusiast where we deep dive into the art of winemaking with intimate interactions with vineyard owners and winemakers. With our Wine Experiences we also visit vineyards which are of exclusive use to Latitude 45 and have what's called a ''closed door'' experience where you are the only guests in the vineyard for a more private and bespoke experience for an in-depth exploration of winemaking. By contrast, our experiences are designed for guests seeking a deeper connection to Central Otago’s wine culture. These immersive journeys delve into winemaking techniques and include premium tastings such as back-vintage and library releases, along with exclusive, hands-on activities within the vineyards themselves.
