Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour | Adults Only

Sips, views, and three stops in 3.5 hours. This adults-only Queenstown tasting tour mixes craft beer, gin, and elegant wine, with big scenery breaks and a local host talking you through it. You ride in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with air-conditioning, and you keep moving just enough to feel like a proper afternoon adventure.

I especially like the small-group format with a maximum of 10 adults. It means you can ask questions and actually get answers as you taste. I also love the stop trio: Canyon Brewing near the Shotover River, Rifters Gin in historic Arrowtown at Dudley’s Cottage, and the Amisfield Cellar Door to finish.

One thing to consider: each stop is about 45 minutes, so if you like to linger slowly over every pour, you might feel a bit rushed at the end. Also, you will be tasting alcohol all afternoon, so I recommend eating beforehand, not after.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• A max of 10 adults means the guide can spend time with you, not just the loudest voice in the group.
• 12+ tastings across gin, wine, and craft beer covers different tastes, including if your group splits on preferences.
• Canyon Brewing first keeps the energy outdoors, with Shotover River and Skippers Canyon views as part of the experience.
• Rifters Gin in Dudley’s Cottage gives you a real sense of place in historic Arrowtown while you learn the small-batch approach.
• Amisfield Winery to close is a polished finale at an award-winning cellar door with dramatic Central Otago scenery.

Starting point: Marmolada Cafe and a comfy ride with live talk

Your afternoon begins at Marmolada Cafe on Camp Street in Queenstown, with a 3:00 pm start. You get a mobile ticket, and the activity returns you to the same meeting point at the end, which makes the rest of your evening easier to plan. Since it’s near public transport and you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle, it’s a simple way to get out of town stops without stressing about driving.

The best part of a guided ride is that you can just show up. You do not have to map routes between three different producers, and you can focus on tasting instead of parking. There’s live commentary on board, which helps you connect what you’re drinking with what’s happening in the region, not just treat it like a snack run.

Pricing matters here, because your transport and tastings are part of what you pay. At $166.93 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for a structured, adult-focused route where alcohol tasting is included, plus a local guide and vehicle service. If you were trying to DIY this, you’d likely spend time arranging stops and still pay tasting fees on top.

Canyon Brewing near the Shotover River: beer flight with serious scenery

Canyon Brewing is your first stop, and it sets the tone fast. The vibe is craft-focused, and the views are the kind you remember when you’ve finished your last sip. You’re tasting near the Shotover River and looking toward the wider Skippers Canyon area, so even before the first pour, you’re getting that Queenstown “how is this real?” feeling.

At Canyon Brewing, you can usually choose the direction you want. You’ll enjoy a tasting flight, either a selection of local craft beers, or you can opt for a wine tasting if that’s more your style. Either way, the point is variety, and you get a guided feel for what the brewery is known for, not just a random assortment of drinks.

This is a great start for two reasons. First, it helps you get comfortable with the tasting pace right away, so you’re not playing catch-up later. Second, being outside early in the tour gives you a mental reset between Queenstown town life and the more cellar-door style of the later stops.

If you’re the kind of person who gets tipsy quickly, pace yourself from the start. A tasting flight can add up, and the rest of the tour still includes gin and wine tastings.

Rifters Gin in Arrowtown’s Dudley’s Cottage: grain-to-glass, small-batch style

Next you head to Rifters Gin in historic Arrowtown, housed in Dudley’s Cottage. This is where the tour shifts from outdoor brewery energy to something more intimate and story-led. The tasting room setting feels like it belongs in a heritage part of town, and it helps you slow down just a touch even though you’re still keeping to that tight 45-minute block.

Here, you get a hosted gin tasting and learn about Rifters’ small-batch process, including their grain-to-glass approach and the way they build flavor with botanicals and pure artesian water. Even if you already like gin, this is the type of stop where you can pick up practical knowledge that changes what you taste next.

The reason I like this stop in particular is how it balances education and drinkable enjoyment. You’re not sitting in a lecture. You’re tasting, comparing, and asking questions, and the setting makes it feel like you’re in on a process, not just paying for a pour.

One small practical note: if you’re strongly team-gin, this stop is the one to lean into. But if your group is split, this is still a good middle ground because gin tasting is structured and guided, so everyone can follow along without needing the same drink preferences.

Amisfield Cellar Door in Central Otago: the elegant finish

The final stop is Amisfield Winery, known for its stunning cellar door and its Central Otago wines. This is where the tour turns a bit more elegant. You’re in a dramatic stone building with serious views outside, and the whole place feels designed for a relaxed end to an afternoon.

Because it’s the last tasting, your priorities should be clear by now: you’ll either be comparing which style you enjoyed most, or you’ll be deciding what you want to take home if you have the budget. You’ll also get that classic “cellar door” experience, which is different from a brewery or a gin tasting room.

One drawback to keep in mind, based on real feedback from past guests: the timing at the final stop can feel a little rushed if you want extra time to taste and linger. It’s still a great ending, but if you’re the slow-and-savor type, plan to go into the winery portion with a lighter, steadier pace.

If you want to make this smoother, eat before you go and take small breaks between tastings when you can. You’ll enjoy the setting more, and you’ll feel better when you head back toward Queenstown.

12+ tastings, real pacing, and how to enjoy the route

This is a flavor sampler tour. You’re doing multiple tastings across wine, gin, and craft beer, which means your brain is busy tracking differences the whole time. That’s fun if you like variety, and it’s also helpful if your group has different drink styles. Even if you’re the person who hates one category, you’ll likely find something to like in the other two.

The route also makes sense for energy levels. Starting at Canyon Brewing keeps things outdoors and casual, moving to Rifters Gin adds a more focused, craft and process angle, then Amisfield finishes with a polished cellar door setting. You’re not repeating the same style of stop back-to-back, so it feels like a tour with a rhythm, not a checklist.

But there’s a catch with any multi-tasting day: you should plan around alcohol. Keep water in mind, pace your pours, and do not assume you can power through if you have a light tolerance. The tour includes alcohol tastings, but it does not say food is included, and at least one guest specifically suggested adding something like a cheese platter or tapas. So I’d treat this as an afternoon tasting, not a meal.

The good news is the timing. Starting at 3:00 pm gives you time in the morning and early afternoon for meals and activities. You can also keep your evening open for dinner back in town, rather than squeezing everything into one long day.

Adults-only Queenstown fun: who it suits and who should skip

This tour is exclusively for adults (18 and over), and it’s built for adults who want a relaxed tasting afternoon, not a party bus and not a wine school marathon. If you’re traveling as a couple, this can be a great way to slow down and still see more than just Queenstown town.

It’s also ideal for mixed groups where not everyone shares the same favorite drink. One big strength is that you’re not forcing everyone into the same category, you’re rotating through three different producer styles. That gives each person a fair shot at feeling like the tour catered to them.

If you’re traveling with someone who hates alcohol tastings or expects a lot of non-drinking sightseeing, this may not be the best match. The core experience is tasting, and the stops are structured around it. You’ll still get views and stories, but the day’s center of gravity is drinks.

Finally, if you like friendly guides and a talky, local feel, this tour has that. Past guests highlighted specific guides by name, including Emma and Lee, and they praised the expertise and easy conversation. You’ll also have a chance to meet Bella, the wine tour dog, which is exactly the kind of small extra that makes a guided day feel warmer.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $166.93

At $166.93 per person for a 3.5-hour small-group tasting, the best value angle is what’s included. You get the guide, the air-conditioned vehicle, live commentary, and the alcoholic beverages tasting across wine, gin, and beer. That combination matters more than the headline price because you’re not juggling transport and separate paid tastings across multiple locations yourself.

You’re also getting a cap on group size, with a maximum of 10 travelers. For a tasting route, that can be worth real money. It reduces waiting, improves the chance you hear what’s going on at each stop, and makes the day feel less like mass tourism.

Where you can still make smart choices is timing and food. Since the tour is all about tastings, eat beforehand so you enjoy the experience without feeling rushed by hunger. If you want to slow down at the last stop, you can do it by tasting earlier with a lighter hand, so your final pours feel like a treat, not a chore.

Should you book the Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour?

If you want a structured adults-only afternoon that mixes craft brewing, gin craft, and wine cellar door atmosphere, this is a very good fit. I’d book it if you like variety, want someone to handle the logistics, and enjoy tasting in a small group where you can actually talk with the guide.

I would hold off if you dislike alcohol tastings or you prefer to spend long, unhurried time in a single venue. The stops are timed, so it’s not a slow wander day. It’s a guided, taste-focused route, and the best results come when you eat first, sip thoughtfully, and save energy for the elegant finish at Amisfield.

FAQ

What time does the Queenstown Gin, Wine & Beer Tour start?

The tour starts at 3:00 pm and runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour adults-only?

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

How many people are on the tour?

It’s a small-group tour with a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, and it also notes a maximum of 11 guests.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes wine, beer, and gin tasting, a local guide, live commentary on board, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

How does cancellation work?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

What’s the minimum number of bookings needed for the tour to run?

The tour requires a minimum number of travelers, listed as 4 guests booked to operate the tour. If it does not meet the minimum, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.