Waipara Wine Tasting Private Tour
Discover North Canterbury's premium boutique wine region with tasting at 2 of Black Estate, Waipara Springs or George’s Road Winery.
Wine Tour Overview
The Waipara Wine region in North Canterbury is just an hour’s drive north of Christchurch and is described as a premium, boutique wine region stepping into the spotlight, gaining reputation for high quality rather than volume.
The region known for its cooler climate (but with enough warmth & sun) has distinctive soil & environmental conditions that produce aromatic whites, Rieslings, Chardonnays, Pinot Gris & Pinot Noirs. Long dry autumns, cold nights & warm days are features that help develop good fruit character and complexity.
The close proximity to Christchurch makes it a convenient wine country getaway. We will spend time at “Black Estate” OR "Waipara Springs" wineries for wine tastings and then onto “George’s Road” winery for wine tastings and a lovely leisurely lunch blending your food and wines with their outstanding setting.
Quick Facts
- Half Day (4 hours) or 3/4 Day (7 hours)
- Private Wine Tour
- Door-to-door service
- 2 Premium wineries
- Antipasto lunch included
Featured Wineries
Black Estate Winery
A family owned running 3 certified organic & biodynamic hillside vineyards all farmed without synthetic chemicals & each block having different soils and microclimates which give their wines distinct expressions. Their varietals include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and occasionally other varieties e.g. Chenin Blanc & Cabernet Franc on smaller plantings. The winery includes a striking architectural award winning modern “black shed” cellar-door building
Red Varieties
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc (small planting)
White Varieties
Chardonnay, Riesling & Chenin Blanc (small planting)
Waipara Springs Winery
A classic and well established family owned winery. The soils are derived from a prehistoric lakebed in the centre of the valley, giving a rich blend of clay and limestone, which helps produce wines with distinctive character. They grow Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer & Pinot Noir grapes. Their wine style is described as fruit-driven and vibrant, highlighting purity and character of the vineyard fruit
Red Varieties
Pinot Noir
White Varieties
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer
George’s Road Winery
A boutique family owned vineyard where Kirk & Alison Bray (owners & winemaker) are involved at all stages of the vinification. The winery’s branding emphasises elegance and a minimalist approach that expresses the unique characteristics of the vineyard.
Signature Wines
“Deux Fils” (2 Sons) Syrah & “L’Etranger” (the Stranger) Pinot Noir
Varietals
Syrah (Shiraz), Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Rosé
Half Day Wine Experience (4 Hours)
( Please be aware your hotel pick up is a fixed time )
12:00 PM
Hotel Pickup
Door to door hotel or place of residence pickup in luxury vehicle for your Waipara wine adventure.
1:00 PM
Black Estate Winery
Arrive at The Black Estate winery for an exquisite wine tasting session featuring their estate-grown varietals and learning about the geological history.
2:00 PM
George’s Road Winery
Travel 10 minutes to George’s Road Winery for their wine tasting and enjoy an optional antipasto platter featuring locally sourced delicacies.
3:00 PM
Depart Waipara
Depart the Waipara region heading back into Christchurch with memories of premium wines and beautiful countryside.
4:00 PM
Return to Christchurch
Approximately arrive back to your hotel or place of residence, closing out your remarkable half day wine experience.
3/4 Day Wine Experience (7 Hours)
( please be aware your hotel pick up is a fixed time )
9:00 AM
Hotel Pickup
Door to door hotel or place of residence pickup for your extended Waipara wine and sightseeing adventure.
9:30 AM
Christchurch City Tour
2 hour sightseeing tour of Christchurch City & surrounding areas before we head north driving up to the Waipara wine district.
12:00 PM
The Black Estate Winery
Arrive at The Black Estate Winery for an exquisite wine tasting session featuring their premium estate wines and fossil-inspired labels.
1:00 PM
George’s Road Winery
Travel to George’s Road Winery for wine tasting and enjoy a mouth-watering, wine-matched antipasto platter lunch crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
3:00 PM
Depart Waipara
Depart the Waipara region heading back into Christchurch after a full day of wine tasting and regional exploration.
4:00 PM
Return to Christchurch
Approximately arrive back to your hotel or place of residence, closing out your outstanding full day wine and sightseeing experience.
What's Included
Door-to-Door Service
Luxury pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Premium Wine Tastings
Professional tastings at The Black Estate or Waipara Springs Winery and George’s Road
Antipasto Lunch
Wine-matched antipasto platter with local delicacies
Expert Vintners
Knowledgeable local Vintners / Wine Connoisseurs
Scenic Drive
Beautiful North Canterbury
countryside views
City Tour (3/4 Day)
2-hour Christchurch city
and surrounds tour
Wine Tour Highlights
Premium Boutique Wineries
Visit family-owned estates focused on quality over volume production
Cool Climate Wines
Taste aromatic whites and elegant reds from distinctive terroir
Geological History
Learn about the geography comprising a mix of valley floor, river terraces, plains and surrounding hills
Local Cuisine
Wine-matched antipasto featuring Canterbury’s finest local produce
Intimate Experience
Meet winemakers and experience hands-on vineyard hospitality
Wine Tour Gallery
Ready to Explore Waipara Wine Country?
Join us for an unforgettable journey through North Canterbury’s premier boutique wine region
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