FAQ

Which wineries do you visit on the tour?

We do not have a set routine and every day is an adventure. These will vary each day based on your individual group’s dynamics. We generally work with small boutique wineries and we have a repertoire of wineries that we frequent, including Mora, Kinross, Wet Jacket, Chard Farm, Gibbston Valley Winery, Amisfield, Mt Rosa, Rockburn, Brennan, Ayrburn and Nockies Palette cellar door at Stoneridge Estate. You can rest assured that they are all special and of high quality in their own way. We tend to focus on the smaller boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. The overall focus is on high-quality wines and friendly, informative staff.

What is included in the lunch?

A delicious seasonal lunch is served at one of our stops, typically featuring a shared gourmet meal with mains, sides, and starters. Menus vary by winery and season.

Please note that drinks and any additional food items are not included but can be ordered and paid for directly at the restaurant on the day.

All the restaurants can accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegetarian options. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking so we can notify the restaurant in advance.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

There's no minimum age to take this tour. We are a family-friendly company, but we do recommend that you book a private tour for your family.

Although children and teenagers are welcome to the tours, they can only attend if accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, the minimum legal age for the purchase of alcohol in New Zealand is 18 years. New Zealand has no minimum legal drinking age.

In other words, although those under 18 cannot legally purchase alcohol themselves, they are legally permitted to consume alcohol with the consent of their parent or guardian.

Please note that should any children be given wine tastings on the parent’s consent they will be charged full price.

What kind of clothing is appropriate for this tour?

A casual dress is best, with comfortable shoes.

Where do you pick up from?

Return transfers to and from your Queenstown central accommodation are complimentary for The Wine Trail Tour and we can also pick you up from Arrowtown for The Private Wine Trail Tour.

For the options of tours above, we are happy to drop you off in a different location than your pick-up if you like, within reason.

The pick-up and drop-off point for The Early Bird Wine Tour and The Afternoon Wine Tour is at The Station Building, in Queenstown Central, at the corner of Shotover & Camp Streets.

We will visit 4 wineries on The Wine Trail Tour and The Private Wine Trail Tour and, if requested, we can visit more than 4 wineries on The Private Wine Trail Tours (additional fees may incur).

We visit 3 wineries in The Afternoon Wine Tour.

How do you choose which wineries to go to each day?

There are several considerations we take into account when planning the itinerary for the day.  If you state any preferences on a style we will factor that in.  If you have any specific requests on places to go we will try to accommodate those when possible.  If you just leave it up to us, we will put together a well-rounded day with a focus on variety, scenery, quality wines, and interesting, educational experiences.  Your best bet is to just sit back, relax, and let the day unfold and we will share our deep knowledge of the Gibbston Valley with you.

What is the duration of the tour?

It varies, but most of the wineries are open from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and that is the time frame within which we structure our tours.  We have flexible departure times that vary between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. If you need to be back by a certain hour, please let the driver know and we will ensure it.

We will get in touch with you the day before your tour to let you know the exact time of your pickup.

What level of wine knowledge are tours aimed at?

Our tours are informative, informal and fun. They are for everyone who enjoys wine and wants to learn more or experience great wines. Our guests have included winegrowers from other countries, wine collectors, WSET students and, most frequently, people who simply have an interest in and enjoy wine and want a personal, informative and informal experience.

I have special dietary requirements, is this a problem?

All the restaurants we visit can accommodate special dietary requirements relating to allergies but we ideally need to inform them in advance. All the restaurants we visit can offer a vegetarian meal. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we can select the best restaurant option for your tour.

It's important to note that for the Afternoon Wine Tour, the cheese platter is not a vegan option, as it includes dairy products made from cow's milk. If you follow a vegan diet and are unable to consume dairy products, this tour may not be a good fit for you.

Yes. All wineries visited allow children. 
We recommend booking a private tour for your family.

Yes, of course. Our wines are divine and you will want to take them home with you! They are also great gift options!
Shipping can be arranged from many of the wineries to most countries in the world including the USA, Australia and all of Europe.

Can you recommend some restaurants in Queenstown?

Yes, we know all the great places, just let us know the dates!

You might want to take a look at this website: https://www.firsttable.co.nz/queenstown-lakes/

Can I select the wineries we go to? Can you help us create the perfect tour?

Yes. That is one advantage of The Private Wine Trail Tour.
Here are some things to consider: What kind of wine do you like? Any particular venue you would like to see? Small family-owned? Tour of the facility? Food and wine pairing? The distances between wineries? All of these factors influence your itinerary. Feel free to get in touch with us, we are happy to help you create the ideal itinerary for your group. We can help you figure out the distances, the timing, the lunch venues and all the little details you might not be aware of.

What is provided in the vehicle?

Chilled bottled water for everyone. If you would like other items in the vehicle, we would be happy to provide them for special occasions or celebrations given advance notice.

Can certain vineyards be requested to visit?

Yes, though we cannot guarantee, we always do all possible to adhere to our client’s special requests.

Do you have a minimum number of people needed for your tours?

We require a minimum of 3 people, however, most often, we already have people booked on anyway – so generally no problem to book for a single person.

If you have booked for a single person, and no others book for that day, we will get in touch with you and full refunds will be made or alternative dates offered.

What group sizes do you take on your wine tours?

We keep our maximum group size to 10 people, ensuring a personalised and interactive tour. 
We generally visit small boutique wineries that are limited in space and we find that this works well as a number for an intimate experience and provides good interaction with the growers and between the group. 
We like to keep things small, manageable, and intimate so you get the full enjoyment of a personalised tour.

What is your cancellation policy?

FOR THE WINE TRAIL TOUR, THE EARLY BIRD WINE TOUR AND THE AFTERNOON TOUR: cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund

FOR PRIVATE TOURS: cancel up to 5 days in advance for a full refund