Gibbston is the birthplace of Central Otago wine along with being the closest sub-region to Queenstown. Known for Pinot Noir, it is one of the busiest areas of Central. Have a look around its cellar doors:
Rockburn Wines: Located at the Gibbston Tavern, tastings are $10 for 7+ wines. Free with 2 bottles; I bought the 2017 Fume Blanc and 2020 Stolen Kiss Rose.
Peregrine: Complimentary tasting of 3 wines of your choosing. Donations accepted to local charity if no bottle bought. I grabbed a 2018 Saddleback Pinot Noir to drink now.
Chard Farm: Take the windy road along the Kawarau River & Gorge to a beautiful Spanish style tasting room. Complimentary tasting of 6 wines (3 white, 3 red). Donations accepted to local charity if no bottle bought. I opted for a wine not in the tasting, the 2019 Gewürztraminer & loved it.
Kinross: Tasting room for 5 wineries: Kinross, Coal Pit, Valli, Wild Irishman and Hawkshead. Several tasting options, most common is 30 minutes for 5 wines. $15 NZD but free if bottle purchased. Before 2020 vintages arrived I invested in Coal Pit’s 2019 Sauv and Valli’s 2018 Bendigo Pinot Noir.
Bald Hills Wine & Cargo Brewery: $15 for 4 wines and or beer combo. Refundable with wine or beer pack purchase. Great outdoor space and amazing renovation of historic church. We opted for Bald Hills 3 Acres Pinot Noir 2017.
Wet Jacket: In a warm cottage we tasted all of Wet Jacket’s range. There was a puppy to play with and we learned about their summer Sunday Sessions. Unfortunately I do not know a price for the tasting as we visited in a tour. That being said we loved all their wines we got a bottle of each!
Gibbston Valley: The name sake and first winery in the region, Gibbston Valley offers 5 different tastings from $5-15 dollars for 3-4 wines. Book lunch at the restaurant, cheesery, or get dinner at the new Lodge & Spa. From 10am-4pm daily there are tours given on the hour in the vines and the countries largest wine cave. 2 dogs may be roaming off leash during your tour.
Mt Rosa: $15 dollars for all their wines (6+ depending on the day), refundable with purchase of wine. I chose to take home the Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris 2019.
Brennan: $15/person for 5 wines, or $10 for 3 of your choosing. Waived if bottles purchased exceeds $50. Only producers of Muscat in Central Otago. We got a three pack of two B2 2016 Pinot Noirs and one Trio. Dogs may be roaming around 🙂
Akarua: Making friends with the American Cellar Door host saw her giving us more tastings than normal. You choose 4 and are refunded the cost with a purchase. Loving almost all of their wines it was hard to choose, but we got a bottle of the 25 Steps Pinot Noir 2018 and 2020 Pinot Gris.
Amisfield: $15 for 5 of your choice, free with any purchase. Interactive tasting notes with iPads including detailed information regarding weather, vine age and harvest dates. We went home with the 2020 Pinot Noir Rose and 2020 Lowburn Terrace Riesling.
Open for Appointment Only: Cox’s Vineyard and Mount Edward
There are several ways to see Gibbston’s cellar doors. You can drive yourself, or rent a bike and use the well maintained, mostly flat, trails. There are also several tour companies that can pick you up and include food & tastings at 3-5 places. Or book a hop on-hop off bus so you get to pick and choose.
TIP: Learn about Gibbston’s, and New Zealand’s, wine dogs before you visit.
What’s your favorite cellar door in Gibbston?