The best wineries in Invercargill are a scenic drive away in the Central Otago wine region, where estates craft exceptional Pinot Noir and aromatic whites amid dramatic landscapes. Visitors from Southland enjoy cellar door tastings, gourmet dining and vineyard experiences at destinations like Amisfield and Mt Difficulty Wines. These wineries deliver memorable outings focused on the region’s distinctive terroir and hospitality.
1Amisfield
Amisfield is a Central Otago winery specialising in organic Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines from its single estate vineyard beneath Mount Pisa. The cellar door and restaurant at Lake Hayes provide guided tastings and dining with views over the lake and mountains. It suits wine enthusiasts and food lovers seeking premium experiences accessible from Invercargill.
Services
- Cellar door tastings including Explorer, Connoisseur and Curator experiences
- Restaurant and bistro dining with seasonal menus
- Winery tours by appointment
- Private dining and event hosting
- Wine club membership and online sales
Highlights
- Founded in 1988 with a 93-hectare organic single estate vineyard
- BioGro New Zealand certified organic
- Riedel Vineyard of the Year 2024
- New Zealand Organic Wine Awards Sustainable Vineyard of the Year 2023
- Award-winning restaurant with trust-the-chef tasting menus
Location & Contact
Name: Amisfield
Address: 10 Lake Hayes Road, RD 1, Queenstown 9371
Phone: 03 442 0556
Website: amisfield.co.nz
2Mt Difficulty Wines
Mt Difficulty Wines is a leading artisan producer in Bannockburn, Central Otago, renowned for world-class Pinot Noir that reflects the local terroir. The cellar door and restaurant offer tastings and dining with panoramic views across the Cromwell Basin. It appeals to wine lovers and groups from Invercargill looking for sustainable wines and scenic hospitality.
Services
- Cellar door tastings including Classics and Premium Pinot Noir options
- Restaurant dining with seasonal local produce
- Guided vineyard tours and private tastings
- Event hosting and wine sales
- Wine club and delivery options
Highlights
- Pioneering heritage in Bannockburn since the 1990s
- Focus on sustainable and regenerative viticulture
- Iconic Roaring Meg Pinot Noir and single-vineyard wines
- Chief Winemaker Greg Lane, New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year 2018
- Open Wednesday to Sunday with views of Lake Dunstan
Location & Contact
Name: Mt Difficulty Wines
Address: 73 Felton Road, Bannockburn, Cromwell 9384, Central Otago
Phone: 03 445 3445
Website: mtdifficulty.nz
3Chard Farm Winery
Chard Farm Winery is a pioneering family-run estate in Gibbston, Central Otago, established in 1987 and producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling from multiple estate vineyards. The cellar door offers tastings in a historic stone building with dramatic Kawarau Gorge views. It suits those seeking boutique, intimate winery experiences from Invercargill.
Services
- Cellar door tastings and wine sales
- Vineyard tours by appointment
- Private events and functions
- Online wine sales and wine club
- Picnic areas for visitors
Highlights
- Founded in 1987 as one of Central Otago’s early wineries
- Regenerative farming practices across estate vineyards
- Vineyards in Gibbston, Lowburn and Parkburn sub-regions
- Family-owned with multi-generational involvement
- Cellar door open seven days a week
Location & Contact
Name: Chard Farm Winery
Address: 205 Chard Road, Gibbston, Queenstown 9371
Phone: 03 441 8452
Website: chardfarm.co.nz
4Felton Road
Felton Road is a benchmark Central Otago producer of biodynamic and organic Pinot Noir from vineyards in Bannockburn. Visits are by prior appointment only, focusing on estate-grown wines and sustainable practices. It suits serious enthusiasts from Invercargill seeking high-quality, low-intervention wines.
Services
- Private tastings and tours by appointment
- Estate wine sales and online purchases
- Gravity-fed winery experiences
- Export and wholesale options
Highlights
- Established in 1997 with first commercial vintage that year
- Biodynamic and Demeter certified vineyards
- Gravity-fed and largely solar-powered winery
- Carbon accounting to ISO14064 standards
- Highly regarded for cool-climate Pinot Noir
Location & Contact
Name: Felton Road
Address: 319 Felton Road, RD 2, Bannockburn, Central Otago
Phone: 03 445 0885
Website: feltonroad.com
5Wild Earth Wines
Wild Earth Wines is a Central Otago winery producing Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Rosé from the Cromwell area. The cellar door and restaurant The Stoaker Room provide tastings and dining in a relaxed setting. It offers a welcoming option for Invercargill visitors seeking wine and food pairings.
Services
- Cellar door tastings and wine sales
- Restaurant dining at The Stoaker Room
- Catering for events and weddings
- Wine club membership
- Online store and delivery
Highlights
- Award-winning wines across multiple varietals
- Unique barrel-inspired dining experience
- Catering services for special occasions
- Wine club with member benefits and discounts
- Located in the heart of Central Otago
Location & Contact
Name: Wild Earth Wines
Address: 180 State Highway 8B, Cromwell, Central Otago
Phone: 03 445 4841
Website: wildearthwines.co.nz
Wineries in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Amisfield | RD 1 | Founded in 1988 with a 93-hectare organic single estate vineyard |
| Mt Difficulty Wines | Bannockburn | Pioneering heritage in Bannockburn since the 1990s |
| Chard Farm Winery | Gibbston | Founded in 1987 as one of Central Otago's early wineries |
| Felton Road | RD 2 | Established in 1997 with first commercial vintage that year |
| Wild Earth Wines | Cromwell | Award-winning wines across multiple varietals |
How to Choose the Right Winery in Invercargill
- Consider the driving distance from Invercargill, typically 2.5 to 3 hours to Central Otago estates for a feasible day trip.
- Check if the winery offers the type of experience you seek, such as guided tastings, restaurant dining or private tours.
- Look for specialisations in Pinot Noir or other varietals that match your preferences and palate.
- Review booking policies, as many premium wineries require reservations for tastings, dining and larger groups.
- Explore sustainability practices and certifications like organic, biodynamic or regenerative farming methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Wineries
How far is Invercargill from the Central Otago wine region?
Invercargill is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Central Otago wineries in areas like Bannockburn, Gibbston and Lake Hayes. The scenic drive passes through Southland landscapes and makes for an enjoyable day trip or overnight escape.
What types of wine are Central Otago wineries known for?
Central Otago is globally renowned for its Pinot Noir, with other popular varietals including Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Rosé. The region’s cool climate, schist soils and long autumns contribute to the distinctive character and quality of these wines.
Do wineries near Invercargill offer dining options?
Yes, several Central Otago wineries feature on-site restaurants or bistros serving seasonal, locally sourced cuisine designed to pair with their wines. Examples include trust-the-chef menus and relaxed terrace dining that enhance the tasting experience.
Is it necessary to book winery visits in advance?
Many wineries recommend or require bookings for tastings, dining and tours, especially for groups or during peak seasons. Walk-ins may be possible at some cellar doors, but checking individual websites or calling ahead ensures availability.
Are there any wineries located directly in Invercargill?
No, there are no commercial wineries or vineyards producing wine within Invercargill itself. The closest and most acclaimed options are in the Central Otago region, a short drive north.
What makes Central Otago Pinot Noir special?
Central Otago Pinot Noir stands out for its purity, intensity and expression of terroir, influenced by the region’s continental climate with hot days, cool nights and low rainfall. Many producers use organic or biodynamic methods to highlight these unique qualities.
How can visitors learn more about New Zealand’s wine regions?
The official New Zealand Winegrowers site provides detailed information on regions, producers and visiting options. Visit the Central Otago page on nzwine.com for maps, winery directories and regional insights.
Are family visits suitable at these wineries?
Many wineries offer family-friendly settings with outdoor spaces or picnic areas, though policies on children vary. It is best to check individual websites or contact the winery directly before planning a visit with younger family members.
How We Chose the Best Wineries in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for wineries in Invercargill, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.