Must visit wineries in Queenstown - A checklist for the connoisseur

If you are looking for more than a wine, but an experience of what local wine production is like, making a trip to Gibbston Valley should be on the cards. It is most known for its wine tasting experiences. Their underground cellar tours simply boost this popularity. Established in the 1980s by Alan Brady, the winery is considered a pioneer in Central Otago. After their first vintage was launched in 1987, Gibbston Valley has become one of the most popular wineries in the entire country.

This would be the winery that closest to the heart of Queenstown, making it the ideal day trip location whether you are staying at Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments or Couchsurfing. It was established in 1988 and specializes in aromatic white wines such as Pinot Noir. They have an impressive showcase at Amisfield Bistro and Cellar and are among the leading suppliers to most Queenstown restaurants. Amisfield has an idyllic location, surrounded by mountains and hills, next to Lake Hayes. If you choose to make a day trip to Amisfield, make sure to slot in a meal there. It is considered to be one of the more scenic dining locations in the region. The best part is that Amisfield is open during the winter months, too. You will walk into a massive stone building with a roaring fireplace, that is right out of a fairy tale.

Peregrine is known for its wine, but also for the beautiful architecture of the winery. In fact, the architecture of Peregrine winery has won many awards and accolades. It has a winged roof and a crafted cellar door, with the rugged terrains adding a touch of wonder to this place. Located in South Island, Peregrine produced its first vintage in 1998. It is known for its Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. If you want something beyond a simple winery, Peregrine would be the ideal place for you to visit.

Located en route to Mount Aspiring, Rippon is blessed with amazing views. It has the mountain range looming in the distance right across Lake Wanaka, which borders the land. It is as well-known for the stunning views as it is for their Pinot Noir wine. Rippon has a dedicated tasting room open from December through April, where you can taste both wine as well as cheese. The architecture of the place is amazing, especially the hall where the cellar is located made no less fascinating by its simplicity.

Carrick is not your average winery. It specializes in everything organic and extends beyond wine production. The eggs in their restaurant come from free-range chicken, and the menu is a work of art displaying the local produce. Grapes are picked and pruned meticulously by hand. They are located in Bannockburn and have everything between Pinot Noir to Chardonnay.