About this tour
When Alex from our team booked this Queenstown tasting tour, we knew we'd struck gold — three distinct stops (Amisfield winery, Rifters gin distillery, Canyon Brewing), one afternoon, zero planning stress. It's a curated sprint through Central Otago's booze scene, max 10 people per run, hosted by a local who actually knows their stuff. The scenic drive alone — Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, Arrowtown — justifies the outing. Adults only, 3.5 hours, and it fills fast because word travels in Queenstown.
Highlights
- Rifters gin tasting — world's best gin, small-batch spirits, proper credentials
- Amisfield's premium Central Otago wines in a celebrated setting
- Canyon Brewing perch above Shotover River — views hit different mid-tasting
- 14+ tastings across three spirit categories in one afternoon
- Local host handles all the talking and logistics — you just show up
- Tiny groups (max 10) mean genuine chat, not cattle herding
- Luxury Mercedes Sprinter beats taxis or designated driver stress
What to expect
The day opens at Amisfield, where you'll taste through their showcase wines in a proper winery setting — no rushed intro, just good juice explained well. Then it's a scenic drive to Arrowtown (lake and mountain views are genuine), where Rifters gets you hands-on with award-winning gin. This is the standout stop for spirit nerds; the distillery talk sticks with you. Final leg is Canyon Brewing, slung above the Shotover River, where you'll either do craft beer flights or pivot back to wine depending on your mood and what's on offer.
Pacing is relaxed. Your host guides you through tasting notes, pours sensibly, and doesn't rush you between venues. The whole thing sits at around 3.5 hours, so it's an afternoon gig — not a marathon. The landscapes between stops are genuinely worth the eye time; this isn't a dull drive through traffic.
What travellers say
- Three distinct venues, one seamless itinerary — no admin headache
- Knowledgeable local guide creates genuine connection and real context
- Tiny groups prevent the herd-animal vibe of big-tour tastings
- 14+ tastings across wine, gin, beer covers all bases
- Shotover River views at final stop elevate the whole experience
- Luxury transport removes logistics and designated driver worry
- No food included — budget or eat beforehand to avoid hangry
- Books out fast, so flexible dates or early booking essential
- Afternoon start ties you to specific Queenstown arrival timing
- Weather exposure between venues affects views and outdoor comfort
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour genuinely works for couples, mates, and mixed groups who want to taste properly without organising a DD or playing Uber roulette. Small-group cap (10 max) keeps it intimate and ensures guides actually remember who you are. The three venues hit different notes — wine, gin, beer — so even if you're not a devotee of one category, there's breadth. Local hosting means you get real stories, not corporate spiel.
Food isn't included (snacks available for purchase at the final stop), so arrive with breakfast in your belly or budget for lunch separately. Early afternoon start likely means you need to get to Queenstown by morning. It books out regularly, so flexibility on dates helps. The drive between stops is scenic but takes time, so this isn't for people who want to neck drinks fast — it's a proper, paced experience. Spotty weather (Central Otago can be hot or windy) won't ruin the day but will affect views and comfort outdoors.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.