THE COMPANY

Welcome to Central Otago Wine Tours, your boutique gateway to the stunning Central Otago, wine region. As a small owner-operated business, we have been providing exceptional boutique wine tours since our 2017.

What sets us apart from the rest is our team of passionate wine nerds with extensive knowledge and experience in the wine industry. Unlike the more generic tour operators, our tours are conducted by true wine enthusiasts who have dedicated their lives to the art of winemaking. Their expertise and love for wine shine through in every aspect of our tours, making your experience truly unforgettable.

Convenience and accessibility are some of our top priorities. We offer pickup services from four key locations: Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra. This ensures that you can easily join us from wherever you may be in Central Otago. Once onboard, we take you on a mesmerizing full-day wine journey through the heart of Central Otago.

Our small group wine tours showcase the very best of the small Central Otago wine region. From boutique vineyards to hidden gems, we curate an itinerary that highlights the unique flavors and stories behind each winery, avoiding the tourist traps and wine factories.

During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in multiple wine tastings, guided by knowledgeable professionals who will take you through the intricacies of each varietal. Immerse yourself in wine culture as we explore the journey from vine to bottle, unravelling the secrets and techniques that make Central Otago wines so exceptional.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, our tours cater to all levels of wine appreciation. We welcome you to join us on an extraordinary adventure through Central Otago's wine paradise and discover the rich flavors, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality that define this renowned wine region.

Book your wine tour with Central Otago Wine Tours today and say cheers to unforgettable memories and exceptional wines!

NATALIE LIONS

CO-OWNER / FULL-TIME WINE GUIDE / WINE NERD

Natalie has a passion for wine that is unsurpassed. When she is not guiding wine tours she can usually be found enjoying wine events or brushing up on her general knowledge.
Natalie has worked within the New Zealand wine industry for over 15 years and has experienced most areas from wine production to hospitality.

EXPERIENCE:

Natalie has worked as a Sommelier for some of NZs best restaurants such as Molten and Bracu in Auckland, Vidal and New Zealands number 1 restaurant Pacifica in Napier.
Natalie worked for NZ’s largest family owned winery, Villa Maria as a wine steward where she trained NZ companies such as Air New Zealand in wine.
She has her WSET level 3, level 2 certification through the court of master sommelier and a New Zealand diploma of wine.

COLE LIONS

CO-OWNER / MARKETING MANAGER / TROUBLE MAKER

Cole is usually behind the scenes, though every now and then he will jump in on a tour to grab some promotional photos.
Though not formally qualified in wine, Cole has worked in the alcohol industry throughout NZ for the past 10 years both in wine and from 2019 producing mead at his own small meadery in Cromwell.

EXPERIENCE:

Cole has worked as a wine broker for United Cellars in Auckland, as Tasting room manager for Te Awa and Vidal in Hawkes Bay and has worked as a Vineyard hand for Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke Island.
Cole is currently Owner/Head Meadmaker for Broken Hive mead.

Wine tasting - Vineyard tour - Winery tour - Beer tasting - Brewery tour - Cheese tasting - Fruit picking - Helicopter flight - Jet boat ride - Rail trail transfer