Three hours, twelve sips, and big alpine views. I like that this tour mixes beer, gin, and Central Otago wine in one easy, guided afternoon, with stops that actually look out over the scenery. You’ll start near the Shotover River, then head to Arrowtown for small-batch gin, and finish at Amisfield Winery.

I especially love the small group size, capped at 10 people, which keeps the vibe relaxed and conversation flowing. I also like the way you travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with live commentary, so the ride feels like part of the experience, not just transport.

One drawback to plan around: this is mostly tasting time, not a full meal, and the final stop can feel a little quick if you want extra linger time. Eat before you go, so you stay comfortable while tasting.

Key highlights to look for

• Over 12 tastings across beer, gin, and wine, with alcohol included
• Shotover River setting at Canyon Brewing, where the views match the drinks
• Rifters Gin at Dudley’s Cottage in historic Arrowtown, focused on small-batch production
• Amisfield Cellar Door with a cellar door experience tied to Central Otago wines
• Adult-only, 18 and over format, capped at a maximum of 10 travelers
• Hosts with personality, often led by guides like Emma or Lee, plus the chance to meet Bella

Why this Queenstown tasting combo makes sense

Queenstown has no shortage of wine tours, but this one is different because it spreads the fun across gin, craft beer, and wine. That matters if you’re traveling with someone who has strong opinions. You can like beer and still leave with a bottle of something you tasted in the glass.

The other reason I like this format is pacing. You’re not racing through five wineries. You’re doing three focused stops, each with a hosted tasting, and you still have enough afternoon left to enjoy Queenstown afterward.

Start time and meeting point, so you do not rush

You meet at Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown, at 3:00 pm. The tour is about 3 hours 30 minutes, and you end back near the same meeting point.

That 3 pm start is a practical sweet spot. It gives you time earlier in the day to hike, ride the gondola, or just wander without feeling like you booked your whole afternoon into a schedule. And because you’re tasting alcohol, starting later often feels easier on your body than an early morning tour.

Riding in comfort: luxury Sprinter plus live commentary

You travel in an air-conditioned luxury Mercedes Sprinter, which is a big deal in Queenstown when the weather changes fast. Even if you are not a “bus tour” person, the live commentary turns the ride into useful context.

I find that helps you enjoy the tastings more. When you understand what you’re tasting and how the place fits the drink style, the experience feels personal instead of just sipping and moving along.

Stop 1: Canyon Brewing by the Shotover River

Your afternoon kicks off at Canyon Brewing near the Shotover River, with views out toward Skippers Canyon. This is the kind of setting where you can actually pause between sips and look up.

At this stop, you’ll enjoy a tasting flight. You can choose a flight of local craft beers or opt for a wine tasting instead. That flexibility is smart because not everyone wants to start with beer.

What makes Canyon Brewing work on a tasting tour: it blends scenery with a casual, approachable feel. If you want the tour to feel like an afternoon plan you’d enjoy even if the tastings were lighter, this stop delivers that atmosphere.

Tip: if beer is your choice, take your time with the first few pours. Beer tastings can sneak up on you because you might want to keep comparing, especially when the views are too good to rush.

Stop 2: Rifters Gin in Arrowtown’s Dudley’s Cottage

Next you head to Rifters Gin in historic Arrowtown, in Dudley’s Cottage. The tasting room has that old-meets-new charm that makes gin feel more than just something you order at a bar.

Here, the focus is on a hosted gin tasting, tied to Rifters’ small-batch approach and their grain-to-glass process. That kind of explanation helps if you like understanding how flavor gets built, not just what tastes good.

From what I’ve heard in the guide-led style of this tour, the best part is often the human side. Staff at the gin stop can bring the details to life, and you get a chance to ask questions without it feeling like a classroom.

Practical note: if you’re doing gin and beer back-to-back, keep an eye on your pace. You do not have to finish every glass quickly to “get your money’s worth.” Your enjoyment comes from comparing, not grinding through.

Stop 3: Amisfield Cellar Door and Central Otago wine

You finish at Amisfield Winery, known for its award-winning cellar door experience and elegant Central Otago wines. The setting matters here because Amisfield leans into the dramatic sense of place, with a stone building and big views of the surrounding area.

This final stop is your wine moment. You’ll have a guided tasting at the cellar door, and it’s a good chance to go back to what you liked earlier in the day, then look for similar flavor ideas in wine form.

One thing to watch: one guest noted that the last venue can feel a bit rushed. That can happen on tasting tours where timing is tight. So if you want extra time with your favorite pour, consider taking notes early in the tasting, then ask your guide what to revisit at the end.

What makes the guides matter (Emma and Lee included)

A big reason this tour lands so highly is the guide energy. I’ve seen plenty of tasting tours where the host rattles off facts and keeps moving. Here, it tends to feel conversational, with guides like Emma and Lee sharing local context alongside the drinks.

That matters because Queenstown is more than wineries. You’re in a place shaped by alpine weather, farming, and a strong local craft scene. When your guide connects the dots, you walk away with recommendations you can actually use, not just a list of names.

And yes, there’s a fun extra possibility. The tour can include Bella, the wine tour dog, which adds a warm, memorable moment without turning the day into a gimmick.

Price value: what NZD 166.93 covers and why it can be worth it

The price is $166.93 per person, and for a three-stop tour that includes tastings, guided hosting, and transportation, it can be good value if you plan to drink anyway.

Here’s how I think about it:

• Alcohol is included (wine, beer, and gin tastings), so you avoid the painful “add up the bill later” surprise.
• You’re not just getting tastes. You’re getting hosted tastings at specific venues in different towns and settings, plus commentary during the ride.
• You also get a small-group cap, which usually means less waiting and more attention per person than bigger bus tours.

If you’re the type who loves trying multiple styles, this is often cheaper than buying tastings at each place separately, especially when you factor in the guide and transport.

The main value question is whether you’re okay with the tradeoff: this is a tasting tour, not a long sit-down lunch and tour the whole estate. If you want hours at one cellar door, you might prefer a different format. But if you want variety and a polished afternoon, the price fits the goal.

Who this tour is best for, and who might not enjoy it

This tour is a great fit if you:

• are traveling as a couple or friend group and want adults-only time with other adults
• want a single plan that covers gin, craft beer, and wine
• like small-group tours with actual conversation and local storytelling
• want a relaxed afternoon at well-regarded venues without doing logistics yourself

It may not be ideal if you:

• strongly prefer either beer or wine only, because the tasting mix is built into the schedule
• hate the idea of having to move between venues every so often
• need a full meal included to feel comfortable during alcohol tastings

If you fall into the last category, plan to eat beforehand and then handle snacks later on your own, since the tour is tasting-focused.

Practical tips for your best afternoon

Here are the things I’d do to make this tour smoother.

1) Eat first.

A guest recommendation was clear: make sure you eat something before you go. That’s especially true if you’re going to sample both gin and wine.

2) Pace yourself.

You’re getting over 12 tastings across beer, gin, and wine. You do not need to drink every last sip to enjoy the comparisons. Take your time, drink water, and slow down if you start to feel heavy.

3) Ask early what you should revisit.

Because the tour moves through three venues in roughly 3.5 hours, the final stop is often where people realize what their favorite style was earlier. If you learn what you like early, you can make better choices during the last tasting.

4) Wear comfortable shoes and keep layers handy.

Tasting rooms and Queenstown sidewalks both reward shoes you can walk in. Also, Queenstown weather can shift, so bring a layer for the ride and any short outdoor moments.

5) Bring a curious mindset.

This tour works best when you treat it like learning about craft. The gin stop, especially, is about how flavors are built, not just tasting what is in the glass.

Should you book Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour?

If you want an adults-only afternoon that mixes views, craft drinks, and a guided small-group format, I think this is a smart booking. The inclusion of alcohol tastings, plus the guided stops in Shotover River area, Arrowtown, and Amisfield, makes it feel like more than a simple tasting list.

Book it if you’re traveling with mixed drink preferences or you just want variety without planning transport and venues yourself. Skip it or choose another style if you need long, slow winery time or a meal built into the itinerary.

If you do book, show up hungry, pace your tastings, and lean into the guide conversation. That’s where the afternoon turns from sipping into something you’ll actually remember.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour?

The tour runs for approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start, and where do you meet?

You start at 3:00 pm and meet at Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

How many people are on the tour?

It is a small-group tour with a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is this tour for adults only?

Yes, it is exclusively for adults 18 and over, with a minimum drinking age of 18.

What tastings are included?

You get wine, beer, and gin tastings, with alcohol beverages included in the tour.

How much alcohol is included?

The tour includes tastings of wine, beer, and gin, with over 12 tastings across the three categories.

What kind of transportation is used?

You travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter that is air-conditioned, and there is live commentary on board.

Is the booking flexible if plans change?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid will not be refunded.