Going Gourmet in Queenstown
If you’re looking for the ultimate taste sensation then the Queenstown region is guaranteed to delight. There are more than 150 restaurants and eateries to choose from in Queenstown and neighbouring Arrowtown alone. Vastly diverse nationalities, cultures and influences cook up tantalising menu options comparable to any cosmopolitan city.
The recent introduction of several new restaurants and cafés has taken dining out to a new level. You‘ll find everything from organic fare, pub grub and stylish cafés and wineries to Euro-style and ethnic options such as Asian, Indian, Turkish and Mexican. Dine al fresco with a view of the mountains, enjoy the ambience of a country pub or café, take a tour of the region’s boutique wineries, and when you’re done, get into the great outdoors and taste a few of the region’s famous adventure activities.
Food connoisseurs can visit the Mediterranean Market to sample the deli goods and fresh baked breads, or stop by the Saturday morning Queenstown Farmer’s Market on Robin’s Road (December to April) for fresh seasonal produce straight from the growers.
If you’re after a decadent drop, make sure you sample the award-winning local pinot noir. Skilled and innovative wine producers put the shale soil 
and perfect grape growing conditions to good use here and add their own flair to create a rich family of varietals including rieslings, pinot gris, chardonnays and celebratory bubbles.
Grapes were first planted here by a Frenchman during the 1860’s gold rush but the modern industry has only become established over the past 20 years or so. In autumn there’s excitement among the vines as 177 vineyards harvest more than 6,000 tonnes of grapes. Those grapes will be lovingly nudged into fantastic wine by 75 wineries.
Central Otago produces some of New Zealand’s greatest wines. A vast selection of varietals can be put to the test, since many wineries offer tastings, tours and cellar-door sales throughout the year. Just 20 minutes drive from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley is home to several of the region’s widely celebrated vineyards, and further afield, you can explore the wineries of Cromwell, Bannockburn and Alexandra.
At 45 degrees south, the cool climate is perfect for production of pinot noir nurtured from the shaly soil. Not only are local pinot noirs earning a great reputation on a worldwide scale, but other varietals are growing in popularity.
Exploring the Vineyards
Queenstown Wine Trail
Appellation Central Wine Tours
Central Otago Wineries
William Hill Winery & Shaky Bridge Wines, Alexandra
Wooing Tree Vineyard, Cromwell
Central Otago Wine Co Ltd, Cromwell
Akarua Winery, Bannockburn
Rockburn Wines, Cromwell
Useful Information
Editorial and images supplied by Destination Queenstown (www.queenstown-nz.co.nz)