Arrive in Queenstown on suggested Qantas or Air New Zealand flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance, a private transfer to the hotel, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

Tour arrangements commence at 17:00 with a welcome briefing by your tour leader, Peter Bourne, followed by a guided wine tasting at the hotel with legendary New Zealand winemaker Grant Taylor of Valli Estate.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with Peter and your fellow travellers at one of Queenstown’s famed dining establishments.

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This morning, travel to the historic goldmining town of Cromwell for a tasting at Quartz Reef Winery. Named for the large quartz deposit that lies beneath the winery and infuses its vines with rich minerals, Quartz Reef was built on the site of Bendigo Station. Here two-time New Zealand Winemaker of the Year Rudi Bauer has quickly established the winery’s reputation for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines and cool-climate varietals inspired by his Austrian upbringing.

Continue to the shores of Lake Wanaka for a tasting and lunch at Maude Wines. This small, family-owned winery located with the stunning backdrop of Laka Wanaka produces handcrafted wines from a single vineyard. Taste the Dineen family’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir that showcase the features of their unique southern hemisphere terroir.

After lunch, venture to the outskirts of Wanaka to Akitu, a 30-acre vineyard at 380 metres above sea level on a stunning north facing slope that hides a special geology. Enjoy a tasting of their exceptional Pinot Noir before returning to Queenstown in the late afternoon.

The evening is at leisure to relax or enjoy some of Queenstown’s culinary offerings.

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Enjoy views of Lake Hayes this morning en route to the charming settlement of Arrowtown on the banks of the Arrow River. Home to a well-preserved nineteenth-century main street and beautifully restored shopfronts and cottages, Arrowtown was first established during the height of the Otago gold rush in 1868. Enjoy time at leisure to wander Arrowtown’s lively Sunday farmers markets before a private tasting in a local winery.

In the afternoon, continue to the spectacularly-located Chard Farm Vineyard for a tasting of its food-driven wines. One of the pioneering wineries in the region, Chard Farm’s Tuscan-inspired cellar door and 50-acre vineyard is situated on an historic vegetable farm and orchard in the Cromwell basin.

Return to Queenstown in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

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Today, explore the offerings of Bannockburn and Cromwell, the warmest and driest of Central Otago’s sub-regions and whose climate nourishes both wine grapes and stone fruit.

Begin with a tasting at Two Paddocks Red Bank Farm and Vineyard, an organic winery owned by actor Sam Neill. Here, Two Paddocks’ pinot noir and riesling vines share the grounds with vegetable patches, lavender fields, farm animals and orchards, taking advantage of the warmer climate and lush soil.

Continue to Mount Difficulty Winery for a tasting of fourth-generation vigneron Matt Dicey’s award-winning wines. Enjoy a light lunch on the terrace of the winery’s restaurant  as you appreciate spectacular panoramic views of Bannockburn and the surrounding valleys.

After lunch, transfer to Felton Road, arguably the most prestigious winery in the Central Otago region. Experience a tasting of their renowned cool-climate chardonnays and pinot noirs, each grown in a single block allowing for fascinating contrasts of terroir.

This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at Queenstown’s famous Botswana Butchery, with a wonderful view over Lake Wakatipu. Head chef Warwick Taylor’s menu has a strong focus on wild and organic foods, enhanced by an extensive wine list highlighting local producers.

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Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Make your way to Queenstown Airport for suggested Qantas or Air New Zealand flights to Australia. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a private airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

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