Gibbston Valley: Home to World Famous Pinot Noir and Stunning Scenery
Located just 20 minutes away from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley is known as the "Valley of the Vines", a scenic wine-growing area in New Zealand.
The valley features New Zealand's largest wine cave and the region's oldest vineyards, along with rugged mountains and the rocky Kawarau River gorge, making it a picturesque travel destination.
Wine Tasting and Tours
Gibbston Valley Winery is a popular attraction in the area, offering a bistro-style restaurant, tasting room, bike center, and the country's largest wine cave. The winery has multiple places to eat, including the cellar door and deli for platters, the main restaurant for fancier fare, and a pizzeria (summer only). Visitors can take a winery day tour to explore the vineyards and taste the local wines. Gibbston Valley is famous for its pinot noir, which is considered some of the best in the world.
Accommodation and Experiential Packages
For those looking to stay in the area, Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa offers luxury accommodation, 5-star personal service, an on-site restaurant, and a spa. The lodge features 24 private villas with views over the organic vineyards and the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of experiential packages, including hiking or cycling along the trails on the 1000-acre Gibbston Valley Station, wine tastings and educational winery tours, spa treatments, and indulgent wine and food packages.
Dining Options
Aside from the winery's restaurant, the Gibbston Tavern is another option for dining, offering wood-fired pizza and pub grub like fish and chips, nachos, and burgers.
Queenstown Cycle Trail
The Queenstown Cycle Trail network is another way to reach many of the region's iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery.
When to Go
The Pie, Pint, and Pinot festival is held annually in the area, where visitors can bring a picnic blanket and relax with a local pinot noir. Gibbston Valley's climate is ideal for wine-growing activities, with warm summers and mild winters.
How to Get There
Gibbston Valley is only 20 minutes' drive from Queenstown. Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi or join a tour group that travels to the region.