Toast to Summer: Indulging in Wine and Cuisine at Gibbston Valley Winery in Queenstown

By Katie

Summer in Queenstown is an idyllic time to visit the Gibbston Valley winery, with warm weather, blue skies, and plenty of sunshine. A lunch and wine tasting at Gibbston Valley is a must-do activity for any wine lover or foodie visiting Queenstown. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes this experience so special and provide some tips for making the most of your visit.

Let’s talk wine.

Gibbston Valley is one of the oldest wineries in Central Otago, producing premium wines since 1987. The winery is best known for its Pinot Noir, but also produces other varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The grapes are grown in the unique climate and soil conditions of Central Otago, which creates wines with intense flavors and aromas.

When you arrive at Gibbston Valley, you'll be greeted by the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. The winery is located just a 25-minute drive from Queenstown and offers a range of wine tasting experiences, including private tastings, group tastings, and wine and food pairings.

The lunch and wine tasting experience is a popular choice for visitors, as it provides a chance to sample the wines alongside delicious food. The lunch menu changes seasonally, but always features fresh, locally sourced ingredients that complement the wines. The focus is on simple, flavorful dishes that showcase the best of New Zealand cuisine.

Gibbston Valley lunch

During the lunch and wine tasting, you'll be guided through a selection of Gibbston Valley wines by a knowledgeable wine expert. They will explain the unique characteristics of each wine and offer tips on how to taste and appreciate them fully. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about New Zealand wines and gain a deeper understanding of what makes them special.

One of the highlights of the lunch and wine tasting experience is the cheese platter, which features a selection of local and international cheeses that have been carefully chosen to pair with the wines. The platter includes a range of textures and flavors, from creamy brie to tangy blue cheese, and is served with artisan crackers and bread. The combination of wine and cheese is a classic pairing that never fails to impress, and at Gibbston Valley, you can taste some of the best examples of both.

In the summer months, the winery's courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the views. The courtyard is surrounded by vineyards and gardens, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

The History of Gibbston Valley Vinery.

Gibbston Valley Winery is known for its unique wine cave, which was blasted out of solid schist rock on the side of a hill in the late 1990s. The cave provides a natural environment for storing and aging wine, with a constant temperature and humidity level that is ideal for the maturation of premium wines.

The wine cave at Gibbston Valley is one of the largest in New Zealand, with a capacity of over 500 barrels. It is used for storing and aging the winery's premium wines, including its flagship Pinot Noir. The cave is also a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to take a guided tour and learn about the winemaking process and the history of the cave.

The idea for the wine cave was inspired by the centuries-old wine cellars of Europe, which are often located underground for the same reasons - to provide a natural environment for storing and aging wine. By blasting the cave out of the hillside, Gibbston Valley was able to create a unique and functional space that has become a hallmark of the winery's identity.

Gibbston Valley Winery Tour

To make the most of your visit to Gibbston Valley, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.(https://www.gibbstonvalley.com/) The lunch and wine tasting experience is popular and can book up quickly, especially during the peak summer season. You can book online or contact the winery directly to make a reservation.

A lunch and wine tasting at Gibbston Valley winery is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Queenstown, with its stunning scenery, delicious food, and exceptional wines, it's an experience that will leave a lasting impressions.

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