New Zealand is famous for many things—breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures, and numerous filming locations from Lord of the Rings. However, my personal favorite aspect of our closest neighbors is definitely their wine. New Zealand wines are simply outstanding. So, on your next trip across the pond, I highly suggest visiting a few wineries and vineyards on the South Island, particularly in the Central Otago region near Queenstown.
Recently, I had the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s beautiful South Island as a guest of Tourism New Zealand to discover Queenstown and its surroundings. As a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast, I was delighted to find a couple of wineries included in the itinerary.
Besides the ones we visited, I've compiled a list of several more that friends and family have highly praised, just in case you're eager to sample the finest Central Otago wines available.
Best Central Otago Wineries And Vineyards On New Zealand’s South Island
Amisfield
Amisfield was recommended to me by my partner’s father, who possesses extensive wine knowledge and has visited the Queenstown area numerous times. In short: this man knows his stuff.
Situated in Lake Hayes, Queenstown, Amisfield is an organic vineyard celebrated for its Pinot Noir (a recurring theme in this list, as it’s the signature grape of the Central Otago region) and also excels in white wines. Although I didn’t visit the vineyard, I did purchase a bottle of their 2021 Sauvignon Blanc at the airport on my way back home. I can attest that it was incredibly good.
The vineyard features a cellar door for tastings, costing $25 NZD ($23 AUD) per person.
Additionally, Amisfield boasts an award-winning restaurant that my partner’s father raved about. So if you’re inclined to take advice from a stranger, treat yourself to a lavish lunch there.
Judge Rock
During my visit to Queenstown, New Zealand, I stayed in the nearby town of Clyde. My friend Mel and I embarked on the Otago Central Rail Trail bike ride and made a stop on the way back at Judge Rock, an adorable family-run boutique vineyard in Alexandra.
It's essentially a backyard operation, but imagine a yard filled with grapevines. The owners Paul and Angela warmly welcomed us with a wine tasting featuring some of the most delightful red wines I’ve ever tried — and I typically prefer white wines!
I left having ordered several bottles of their award-winning Pinot Noir (a Central Otago classic) and another varietal called St Laurent, a medium-bodied red I simply couldn’t get enough of. Judge Rock is one of the few wineries that cultivates this grape, making it a must-visit to try it.
Mt Rosa
Perhaps I am a bit partial here since I named my child Rosa, but Mt Rosa Wines deserves a spot on this list because people rave about it. Located in Gibbston, this vineyard was once a sheep farm (classic NZ) before its owners transitioned into winemaking.
The vineyard offers a wide variety — Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gamay Noir, and of course, Pinot Noir. There’s a charming woolshed-inspired area for its $20 NZD ($18.50 AUD) wine tastings, and they have a winery dog named Baz. BAZ! What more could you ask for?
Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay is renowned as one of New Zealand’s most luxurious and delicious wine brands. Not to be overly dramatic, but I’d do just about anything for an ice-cold glass of their world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard has two locations, one in Marlborough (the heart of white wines, on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island) and one in the Central Otago region.
Named The Cloudy Bay Shed, the Central Otago cellar door is a must-visit. Situated near the town of Cromwell, it highlights the vineyard’s exquisite Pinot Noir (but you can sample all its wines there).
Tastings range from $20 – $30 NZD (approximately $18.50 – $27.50 AUD). The location is incredibly picturesque and the food is absolutely delicious, just quietly.
Mt Difficulty
Despite its somewhat daunting name, there’s nothing difficult about this vineyard. In fact, it’s a no-brainer: a cellar door perched on a mountain offering stunning views of New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. It’s a must-visit!
Located in Bannockburn, this exceptionally scenic winery overlooks the Cromwell Basin extending to Lake Dunstan. At the cellar door, you can savor the vineyard’s renowned Pinot Noir as well as delightful Rosés and Chardonnays. Tastings are $15 NZD ($13.80 AUD), and if you’d like to stay longer, there’s a charming restaurant on-site too. Cheers to that.
Domaine-Thomson
Another winery I had the pleasure of visiting during my trip was Domaine-Thomson at Mount Pisa. This family-owned organic Pinot Noir vineyard is unique for its “two hemispheres” approach, with a vineyard in New Zealand and another in Burgundy, France.
At Domaine-Thomson’s cellar door, you have two tasting options — both priced at $20 NZD ($18.50 AUD) — and for an extra $40 NZD ($38 AUD), you can indulge in a luxurious platter of exquisite French cheeses to enjoy while you sip.
It’s a stunning spot where you truly feel like you’ve been transported to France. Oui oui.
Of course, there are plenty more wineries to explore in New Zealand’s Central Otago region beyond those mentioned in my list. So head over there, have a look around, and discover all the incredible vineyards for yourself. I’m envious!
