The Winery - Arrowtown

Skip the rigid, overpriced vineyard tours. Hop the $8 bus from Queenstown straight to Ramshaw Lane instead. The Winery is a self-guided playground for the discerning palate. Over 80 local wines and top-shelf whiskeys—heavy on those iconic, earthy Central Otago Pinot Noirs and Gibbston Valley standouts—dispensed via a dangerously fun smart-card system. Swipe. Sip. Analyze the terroir. Repeat. Regional oenophiles consistently point out-of-towners toward this spot for a simple reason: you get the staggering variety of a full-day tasting trek at a fraction of the cost. Sink into a plush leather armchair by the crackling fireplace with a robust red, or grab a seat outside to soak in the sweeping alpine views. The ultimate move? Matching those boutique pours with one of their massive, generously loaded charcuterie boards. Backed by exceptionally honest, knowledgeable staff, it’s pure Southern Lakes perfection.