Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch

Explore the exquisite wine region of Central Otago on the Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour. This immersive experience whisks visitors through four premium vineyards, offering a chance to savor exceptional wines like Pinot Noir and Riesling. But the tour’s crowning jewel is the gourmet platter-style lunch at Carrick Winery, where guests can indulge in a selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fruits. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights into the local winemaking heritage, this tour promises to captivate the senses and leave you craving more. What secrets might these boutique wineries hold?

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Queenstown.

Key Points

• A boutique winery half-day tour featuring premium Central Otago wines, with visits to 4 vineyards and a platter-style lunch at Carrick Winery.
• Tasting of exceptional Central Otago wines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Gourmet platter-style lunch at Carrick Winery to enhance the wine tasting experience, showcasing local produce.
• Insight into the early pioneering history and wine appreciation, with an English-speaking guide providing informative commentary.
• Scenic views from Carrick Winery overlooking Bannockburn Inlet and opportunities for optional activities like jet boat rides or golf.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This boutique winery half-day tour offers visitors a chance to taste premium Central Otago wines at 4 boutique vineyards, along with a platter-style lunch featuring local produce at Carrick Winery.

The tour lasts 5.5 to 6.5 hours and is limited to a small group of no more than 12 participants.

Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides informative commentary on wines, local history, and sights.

Pickup from hotel reception is included, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can also opt for upgrades like a jet boat ride or 9 holes of golf.

With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 26 reviews, this tour is a great way to discover Central Otago’s renowned winemaking region.

Experience Highlights

Participants on this boutique winery tour can expect to taste premium Central Otago wines at 4 carefully selected vineyards.

Plus, they’ll enjoy a platter-style lunch featuring locally sourced produce at the picturesque Carrick Winery, which overlooks the Bannockburn Inlet of Lake Dunstan.

Throughout the tour, an informative guide will provide commentary on the wines, local history, and sights.

The experience highlights include:

1. Tasting exceptional Central Otago wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Savoring a gourmet platter-style lunch that enhances the wine tasting experience.

3. Learning about the early pioneering history and developing a deeper appreciation for wine.

Tour Itinerary

The tour departs at 11:00 AM, taking participants through the scenic Kawarau Gorge to visit four premium vineyards in the Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley regions.

At each vineyard, the knowledgeable guide provides informative commentary on the wines, local history, and sights.

The highlight of the day is a platter-style lunch at Carrick Winery, overlooking the stunning Bannockburn Inlet of Lake Dunstan.

Here, guests can savor the exceptional Central Otago wines, particularly the renowned Pinot Noir, as well as other varietals like Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, all while enjoying a gourmet selection of local produce.

The tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s winemaking heritage and master wine appreciation.

Wine and Cuisine

Known for its exceptional wines, particularly its renowned Pinot Noir, Central Otago also produces outstanding Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, further enhancing the wine tasting experience on this boutique winery tour.

To maximize the enjoyment of the wines, the tour includes a gourmet platter-style lunch featuring local produce, carefully selected to complement the different varietals.

The lunch experience allows guests to:

1. Savor the nuanced flavors of the wines alongside expertly paired local delicacies.

2. Appreciate the region’s unique terroir and its influence on the wine and cuisine.

3. Engage in thoughtful discussions about the wines with the knowledgeable guide.

This holistic approach to wine and food pairing elevates the overall tour experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 26 reviews, the Boutique Winery Tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who provide informative commentary on the wines, local history, and sights throughout the excursion.

The transportation services, too, receive high marks, with reviewers noting the comfort and efficiency of the tour logistics.

The organization of the tour also earns top scores, with guests appreciating the smooth execution of the itinerary.

However, some customers expressed disappointment over the limited selection of red wines offered during the tastings, indicating a desire for a more diverse range of varietals to sample.

Boutique Wineries

Visitors embark on a journey through the renowned boutique wineries of Central Otago, where they savor the exceptional wines that have made the region a premier destination for oenophiles.

These boutique wineries offer a unique and intimate tasting experience, allowing guests to connect directly with the winemakers and learn about the nuances of each varietal.

The tour highlights three key aspects of the boutique winery experience:

1. Personalized attention from knowledgeable staff who share their passion for the craft.

2. Exclusive access to small-batch, limited-production wines that capture the essence of the local terroir.

3. A tranquil setting that encourages exploration and appreciation of the region’s natural beauty.

Platter-Style Lunch

The tour’s platter-style lunch at Carrick Winery showcases the region’s exceptional local produce, elevating the wine tasting experience.

Diners are treated to a selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruits, and fresh breads, all thoughtfully curated to complement the Central Otago wines.

The menu highlights the area’s agricultural bounty, from crisp salads to rich terrine.

Guests can savor each bite while taking in the stunning views of the Bannockburn Inlet and the rugged mountains beyond.

This shared dining experience encourages conversation and camaraderie, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local food and wine culture.

The platter-style format ensures a leisurely, enjoyable lunch that perfectly pairs with the preceding wine tastings.

Optional Upgrades

Guests can opt to enhance their boutique winery experience with additional activities like a thrilling jet boat ride or a round of golf at a nearby course. These optional upgrades allow visitors to further enjoy the region’s natural beauty and attractions.

The jet boat ride promises an adrenaline-fueled journey through the Kawarau Gorge, offering unparalleled views of the dramatic landscape.

For golf enthusiasts, the tour can be paired with a 9-hole game at a local course, providing a chance to tee off amidst the picturesque vineyards and mountains.

These upgrades cater to a range of interests, ensuring a truly memorable and customized tour experience.

Recap

The Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour offers an immersive wine tasting experience in Central Otago’s picturesque vineyards.

Guests can savor exceptional wines, indulge in a gourmet platter-style lunch, and learn about the local winemaking heritage from a knowledgeable guide.

With its blend of fine wine, delicious cuisine, and stunning scenery, this tour promises to delight wine enthusiasts seeking a premium and personalized wine country adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: