Nestled in the picturesque Gibbston Valley, the Queenstown Wine Tour offers an adults-only experience that’s sure to delight wine enthusiasts. Guests will enjoy a luxury minivan ride, premium wine tastings, and an exploration of the country’s oldest wine cave – all while accompanied by the charming ‘wine dog’, Ruby. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the unique winemaking processes, ensuring a personalized and memorable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to indulge in the scenic beauty of New Zealand’s wine country, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- This Queenstown wine tour offers a scenic excursion through Gibbston Valley wineries with premium wine tastings for adults.
- The tour includes a visit to the country’s oldest wine cave and is accompanied by Ruby, the ‘wine dog’ for added enjoyment.
- The small group size (maximum 10 guests) allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable local guides.
- The tour package includes wine tastings, but lunch at the winery restaurant is not included and must be paid separately.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the limitations of the luxury air-conditioned minivan used for guest transport.
Tour Overview and Details
The Queenstown Wine Tour with Wine Dog offers a scenic excursion through the Gibbston Valley, showcasing the region’s celebrated wineries and an unusual wine-tasting companion.
This adults-only tour transports guests in a luxury minivan to multiple acclaimed wineries, where they’ll enjoy tastings of premium pinot noirs and whites.
The experience also features a tour of the country’s oldest wine cave and a visit to a winery restaurant for lunch (at an additional cost).
Throughout the day, guests are accompanied by Ruby the ‘wine dog,’ adding a delightful element to the already exceptional tour.
With a maximum of 10 guests, the tour provides a personalized and intimate exploration of Queenstown’s world-class viticulture.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Travelers can expect a selection of inclusions on this wine tour, such as the wine tastings, a local guide with live commentary, and air-conditioned vehicle transport.
However, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of lunch at the winery restaurant, which guests must pay for separately.
The tour is also not wheelchair accessible, but the operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Plus, the minimum drinking age for this adults-only tour is 18 years.
Sample Menu
Guests on the Queenstown Wine Tour can expect to enjoy a selection of shared plates and an individual vegetarian dish at the winery restaurant.
The menu features:
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Cedar wood Mt Cook Alpine salmon served as a shared plate
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Slow cooked pork shoulder pie, also a shared plate
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Cinnamon cumin maple pumpkin, an individual vegetarian dish
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A variety of handpicked local wines to sample and pair with the meal
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Seasonal produce sourced from the region’s finest purveyors
Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer plant-based options, the menu offers something to tantalize every palate and complement the exceptional wines poured throughout the day.
Guest Experiences and Reviews
According to the reviews, guests have consistently praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, Emma and Ruby, for enhancing their experiences on the Queenstown Wine Tour.
Guests highlighted the scenic locations, generous wine pours, and varied venues as key highlights. The small group dynamics and personalized attention were also noted as positive aspects of the tour.
One guest described it as a ‘fantastic tour of wineries,’ while another raved about the ‘great wine, great dog, great tour!’
Operational Considerations
The Queenstown Wine Tour requires a minimum of 3 guests to operate, with pickups available from select hotels or a central meeting point. While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some guests have suggested allowing more time for exploration at the wineries. This concern has been addressed by the tour operator, who emphasizes their commitment to guest satisfaction.
The tour’s operational considerations include:
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Flexible pickup locations for guest convenience
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Commitment to small group sizes (maximum of 10 guests)
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Adaptability to address guest feedback and improve experiences
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Adherence to local laws and regulations, such as minimum drinking age
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Ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable tour for all participants.
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Winery Highlights
Featuring a tour of the country’s oldest wine cave, the Queenstown Wine Tour takes guests on a journey through the celebrated vineyards of Gibbston Valley, showcasing the region’s renowned pinot noirs and white varietals.
Guests will visit several acclaimed wineries, enjoying generous wine tastings and learning about the unique terroir and winemaking processes that give these wines their distinct character.
The tour also includes a stop at a winery restaurant, where guests can indulge in a delicious lunch at their own expense.
Accompanied by the charismatic Wine Dog, Ruby, the tour provides a personalized and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts exploring the picturesque landscapes of Queenstown.
Tour Guides and Dog
Accompanying guests on the Queenstown Wine Tour is the charismatic Wine Dog, Ruby, who helps guide visitors through the region’s celebrated vineyards alongside the knowledgeable human tour guides.
These experienced local experts provide live commentary, sharing their passion for the area’s renowned pinot noirs and whites, as well as the history and unique features of each winery.
The tour’s small group dynamic allows for personalized attention and a flexible itinerary, ensuring guests have ample time to explore at their own pace.
Ruby, the friendly and well-trained Wine Dog, adds an extra layer of delight, charming visitors and even assisting with the wine tasting experience.
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Ruby, the well-trained Wine Dog, accompanies the tour
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Small group size allows for personalized attention
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Knowledgeable local guides provide live commentary
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Flexible itinerary ensures ample time at each winery
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Ruby’s friendly presence delights and captivates guests
Transportation and Accessibility
Guests are transported in a luxury air-conditioned minivan, which ensures a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the tour. The small-group tour is limited to a maximum of 10 guests, providing a more personalized and intimate experience. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, as the minivan does not have accommodations for mobility devices.
Transportation | Accessibility |
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Luxury minivan | Not wheelchair accessible |
Air-conditioned | No accommodations for mobility devices |
Small group (max 10 guests) | – |
While the lack of accessibility may be a limitation, the tour operator remains committed to guest satisfaction and flexibility, addressing any concerns to ensure everyone has an enjoyable wine tasting experience in Queenstown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the tour. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual clothing and footwear suitable for walking around the wineries. The focus is on enjoying the wine tasting experience in a relaxed setting.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Beverages?
Guests are generally welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have specific policies regarding outside food and drink.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?
The tour operator may occasionally offer discounts or promotions, such as bundled packages or early booking discounts. However, there are no standing discounts mentioned on the tour’s website or marketing materials. It’s best to check with the operator directly for any current offers.
How Long Is the Travel Time Between Wineries?
The travel time between wineries typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, allowing guests to comfortably transition between each scenic location. This tour’s small-group format ensures a personalized pace throughout the wine-tasting experience.
Can We Purchase Wine to Take Home?
Yes, guests are able to purchase wine to take home from the wineries visited during the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to enjoy the wine tastings and make purchases as desired to bring back souvenirs from the experience.
Recap
The Queenstown Wine Tour offers a delightful adults-only experience through the picturesque Gibbston Valley.
Guests can enjoy premium wine tastings, explore the country’s oldest wine cave, and savor the scenic beauty accompanied by the charming ‘wine dog’, Ruby.
With knowledgeable guides and luxury minivan transport, this personalized adventure in New Zealand’s wine country promises a memorable and unique experience.
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