A perfect sipping loop at 3 pm. This adults-only small-group tour lines up 12+ tastings of gin, wine, and craft beer over about 3.5 hours, with big views built into the schedule. You’ll start by the Shotover River, then head to Arrowtown for gin, and finish at Amisfield Winery.

I like that the experience is driven by real people and real local stories, not just pouring drinks. With guides such as Lee and Emma (and sometimes Bella the wine tour dog), the vibe stays relaxed and chatty. One thing to plan for: the final winery stop can feel rushed, so eat beforehand and keep an eye on time.

Key highlights you’ll feel fast

• 12+ tastings across three categories: gin, wine, and craft beer so everyone in your group gets something they want
• Max group size of 10: more conversation, less standing around in a bus crowd
• Shotover River views at Canyon Brewing: you’re tasting while you’re taking in Skippers Canyon scenery
• Rifters Gin at Dudley’s Cottage: a hosted gin tasting focused on their grain-to-glass approach
• Amisfield Cellar Door finish: Central Otago wines in a stone cellar door setting with dramatic outlooks
• Luxury Mercedes Sprinter + live commentary: air-conditioned comfort with a guide talking you through what you’re seeing

A late-afternoon tasting route through Queenstown and Arrowtown

This tour is built for an easy Queenstown afternoon when you want more than a standard tasting room visit. Starting at 3:00 pm, you get a compact loop that covers craft beer, small-batch gin, and Central Otago wine in just 3 hours 30 minutes. It’s the kind of plan that works whether your day started with a hike or you’re still deciding what to do next.

What makes it feel especially good is that the tastings aren’t the whole event. Each stop is timed for a different flavor focus, and the scenery is part of the point. Canyon Brewing places you near the Shotover River, and the Arrowtown stop brings a quieter, older-town feel at Rifters Gin in Dudley’s Cottage. You end at Amisfield for a more polished cellar door experience.

And yes, it’s adults-only (18+), so the tone tends to be more relaxed and social rather than family-focused. It also runs in a small group—up to 10 people—so it’s not just a hurry-up line through three venues.

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

At $166.93 per person, this isn’t a bargain-bin tasting. But it also isn’t just paying for drinks. You’re buying a whole package:

• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle (a luxury Mercedes Sprinter)
• A local guide with live commentary during the ride
• Included tastings of wine, beer, and gin at each stop
• A structured timeline so you don’t have to coordinate driving and reservations on your own

If you’ve tried booking multiple tastings around Queenstown and Arrowtown, you know how fast costs can add up once you factor in rides between venues and admission for separate tastings. Here, the schedule already does the hard part: it stacks the stops in a way that fits an afternoon and keeps you moving without stress.

One practical note: this tour includes alcohol tasting, but it does not include food. A review-style tip that matters in real life is simple—eat something before you go. If you start the day light, the tastings can still feel like a lot by the time you reach the final pour.

Riding in comfort: the Mercedes Sprinter experience

The tour runs with a guide on board and commentary as you travel between stops. That matters more than you might think, because it turns the driving time into useful context. You get quick explanations of what you’re seeing and why these places are popular, which helps Queenstown feel less like a blur of viewpoints and more like a place with a rhythm.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a genuine comfort win in warmer months. The tour also uses a mobile ticket, so you’re not scrambling for printed paperwork on the day.

Meeting point is Marmolada Cafe at 43 Camp Street, Queenstown (with the tour ending back there). Starting at 3:00 pm means you can usually plan earlier activities—then shift into tasting mode without feeling like you’ve lost an entire day.

Stop 1: Canyon Brewing and the Shotover River views

Your first stop sets the tone. Canyon Brewing is where craft beer becomes part of the scenery, not just the tasting flight. You’ll be sipping while looking out over the Shotover River area and Skippers Canyon surroundings, which is exactly what you want early on. It’s easier to settle in when the first moments are visually impressive.

You can expect a tasting paddle of local beers, or—if your preferences lean more wine—there’s also the option of a wine tasting here. The flexibility is useful if your group doesn’t all agree on what to start with.

Timing is about 45 minutes at this stop, which works well because it gives you enough time to taste without feeling stuck. My advice: take a minute at the start to decide what you’ll order later in the day if you find a favorite. The tour moves, and choices you make early can save you second-guessing once you’re onto the next venue.

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

Next comes the gin stop, and it’s the most “hands-on” learning-style stop in the day. Rifters Gin is in historic Arrowtown, hosted in Dudley’s Cottage, which gives the tasting room a cozy, old-building charm. The setting makes the tasting feel personal, not like a crowded production line.

The tasting is hosted, with a focus on Rifters’ small-batch, grain-to-glass process. That phrase matters because it gives you something concrete to listen for as you taste. You’re not just labeling bottles; you’re learning how the gin is made and what that might mean for flavor.

A standout detail from the experience: people often mention a particular staff member at Rifters—Phillip—as especially good at explaining things. If you connect with him during your tasting, ask a question. Gin and botanicals can sound technical, but a good host makes it easy to translate into what you’re actually tasting.

Expect about 45 minutes here as well. This is usually where the group energy peaks because gin can create immediate opinions: crisp vs. floral, citrus vs. spice, and what you’d actually want to drink back home.

Stop 3: Amisfield Winery cellar door and Central Otago pours

Amisfield is the finish line, and it tends to shift the feel from casual to polished. The cellar door is known for its impressive, dramatic stone building and the broad views around it. It’s also an award-winning stop, and you’ll feel that in the way the tasting experience is handled—more structured, more “you’re in the right place” than “grab a drink and go.”

You’ll have about 45 minutes at the winery. You’re tasting a set of wines (one earlier feedback pointed to around five wines typically within that time window). If you’re the type who loves to linger over every sip and ask lots of questions, keep your pace in mind. There’s a practical reason the tour feels smooth overall: each venue gets a set slice of time.

This is also where I think the adult-only format helps. The conversations tend to focus more on preferences and pairing ideas, and less on managing a mixed group schedule.

One helpful mindset: treat Amisfield as a closing course, not the start of a long dinner. You can absolutely enjoy it fully, but if you try to turn it into an extended stay, you may end the tour feeling like you’re racing the clock.

Why the mix of gin, beer, and wine works so well

A lot of wine tours are either wine-only or wine-forward. This one is designed for people who like variety. If you’re more of a beer person, Canyon Brewing gives you something real to taste. If you prefer gin, Rifters is the deeper flavor stop. If you want wine, Amisfield becomes the last tasting moment—and the Central Otago focus lands nicely after the earlier stops.

That blend is also good for groups with mixed tastes. The schedule doesn’t force everyone into the same lane all afternoon. You can keep moving even if your top pick shifts from one category to the next.

I also like that you’re not stuck in a “one-size-fits-all” tasting flight. At the first stop, you can choose beer flight or wine option. That means you’re setting your own flavor direction early instead of starting with something you’re unsure about.

The small-group factor: how it changes the whole vibe

With a maximum of 10 people, the experience stays social. That’s not just about comfort—it affects how the guide can work with you. When the group isn’t too big, you’re more likely to get personal answers rather than generic explanations.

This is where the guide names you hear (Lee, Emma) matter. People consistently highlight that they’re great for conversation and local context, which is exactly what makes the ride between venues feel worth it. You learn what you’re seeing and you get suggestions for how to structure the rest of your time in Queenstown after the tour ends.

And if Bella the wine tour dog joins your day, that’s pure bonus energy. It adds an extra, charming moment that doesn’t feel forced—just a friendly presence that makes photos and laughs come naturally.

Practical tips to make the afternoon smoother

A few small choices can make a big difference with this kind of tasting route:

• Eat before you go. Alcohol tastings add up faster than you think, especially if you’re trying multiple categories.
• Wear something comfortable for getting in and out. You’ll move between venues, and time is tracked.
• Take notes on what you like (even just in your phone). If you find a standout at Rifters or Amisfield, you can recreate that order later on your trip.
• Keep your expectations aligned with the schedule. Each stop is about 45 minutes, so you’re tasting and learning, not doing a long hangout.
• If you’re the picky one in the group, speak up early. Preference options at Canyon Brewing can help you start in the lane you enjoy most.

Who should book this Queenstown gin, wine and beer tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• A fun adult 18+ afternoon with a guided plan
• A mix of alcohol styles instead of wine-only
• A small-group setting where you can actually talk
• Scenic stops around Queenstown and Arrowtown without driving yourself

It’s also a solid pick if you’re celebrating something. The format feels special without being stiff, and the tasting lineup covers enough variety to keep the mood light.

If you’re a total non-drinker, skip it. The core value here is the included tastings across categories. And if you hate time limits at tastings, you might find the final stop at Amisfield a little rushed—plan for that and enjoy it with a steady pace.

Should you book this tour?

I think you should book this if you like the idea of a guided tasting route that balances scenery + real explanations + multiple drink styles. The guide-led atmosphere is a strong part of the experience, and the small group size keeps it friendly instead of chaotic.

I’d hesitate only if you need very long winery time or you arrive hungry and expect food to be provided. If you show up fed, keep a comfortable pace, and go in open to gin, beer, and wine, this is the kind of afternoon that turns Queenstown from sightseeing into something you remember for the flavors.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

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

Where do I meet the group, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour adults-only?

Yes. It’s exclusively for adults (18 and over), with a maximum of 10 travelers per tour.

What tastings are included?

The tour includes wine, beer, and gin tastings, with alcoholic beverages included at the stops.

Do you provide transportation?

Yes. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and the tour includes live commentary on board.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.