Fabulous Ladies Wine Tour of Queenstown & Central Otago, New Zealand
31 Jan – 5 Feb 2027
Small Group
This tour has a maximum of just 12 guests. All wine and food loving women, just like you! This is wine travel like you've never experienced it before.
Insider access
See places, sip wines and meet the women of the region no one else gets to with our invitation only access
Fully Escorted
You have the same expert tour leader with you from start to finish - ensuring your needs are looked after every step of the way
We don't leave anything out
There's no surprises and no hidden charges. When we say something is included, it's included! So all you need to do is relax and unwind.
Join us for six glorious days in the world’s most southerly wine region.
There’s no place like it on earth and we’ll show it to you like no one else can. See for yourself why this tour has become a FLWS member favourite.
If you love wine, chances are Central Otago has been on your wish list for years.
This remarkable corner of New Zealand has earned an international reputation for Pinot Noir of extraordinary purity and elegance. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling flourish here too, but it’s the Pinot Noir that has made the world’s best sommeliers and collectors sit up and take notice.
And the scenery is every bit as spectacular as you’ve heard. Snow-capped mountains tumble into turquoise lakes. Vineyards cling to dramatic hillsides. Long summer evenings seem to stretch on forever.
For us, though, the greatest reason to visit Central Otago has always been the women.
For a region of its size, it is home to an extraordinary number of talented women who are shaping its future. They are vineyard managers, viticulturists, winemakers and winery owners. Over many years we’ve been fortunate enough to build genuine friendships with many of them, and they have welcomed our Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society guests into their wineries, around their tables and even into their homes.
That changes everything.
Why you’ll love this:
- Explore one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions with women who know and love wine
- Meet and sip with some of Central Otago’s most respected women in wine through private tastings and personal introductions
- Visit iconic wineries including Felton Road, Carrick, Mora, Kinross and Stewart Town Vineyard
- Enjoy outstanding food and wine throughout the region
- Travel with just twelve women who share your love of wine, food and travel
- Stay in five star accommodation overlooking Lake Wakatipu, that blends luxury with local charm
- Experience the region during late summer, when the mountains glow gold and the wine is at its most seductive
There are countless ways to visit a wine region. Ours begins with the women behind the wines.
Over six days we’ll spend time with some of the region’s most respected women in wine, including Annabel Bulk at Felton Road, Rosie Menzies at Carrick, Christine Erkilä at Kinross, Kerry Stainton-Herbert at Stewart Town Vineyard and Lucie Lawrence at O’Naturel Wines.
These aren’t chance encounters. They’re friendships we’ve built over many years and are delighted to share with our members.
You’ll taste exceptional wines, enjoy wonderful food, stay in beautiful accommodation and discover one of the world’s great wine regions alongside just twelve fabulous women.
It’s the conversations, the generosity and the people you meet that you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.
The Essentials
+ - Tour Itinerary
Queenstown & Central Otago – the day by day itinerary
5 days / 6 nights · 31 Jan to 5 Feb 2027
Please Note: While we fully expect the program to run as described, wineries, venues, hosts and timings can shift with the season, with availability, and with the rhythm of harvest. Any change will be of equal quality and character, and the spirit of the tour will always remain the same.
DAY 1 – SUNDAY 31 January
Arrive into the beautiful city of Queenstown. Check in to the gorgeous St Moritz Hotel and soak up the view while you rest and relax.
Depending on your arrival time, take a wander downtown to get your bearings, and to see what Queenstown has to offer!
This evening you meet for a pre-dinner drink and chat, before enjoying a gorgeous Welcome Dinner with local wines. A great way to get to know each other and get the lowdown for the coming week.
Overnight Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz M Gallery
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
DAY 2 – MONDAY 1 February
Central Otago is the Southern-most grape growing region in the world and is arguably the world’s most spectacular setting for vineyards. It is best known for its rich, mineral-laden Pinot Noir and its’ dramatic landscape, but also produces exceptional whites like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
Today you will head out to the spectacular area of Bannockburn where you will enjoy private experiences at to two beautiful and exclusive wineries – Felton Road and Carrick wines. At Felton Road, you’ll be hosted at this iconic destination by Annabel Bulk, who has been the viticulturist here for more than 10 years and has won some of New Zealands highest accolades. Then to Carrick Wines, where we’ll be hosted by the incredible Rosie Menzies, Chief Winemaker. We’ll also enjoy a gorgeous lunch in their restaurant with matched wines and beautiful views.
Later in the afternoon, tummies and hearts full, it is back to Queenstown and your evening is at leisure to relax and and unwind. The sun doesn’t set until after 9pm so this is a great chance to explore the town and surrounding area wherever your mood takes you.
Overnight Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz M Gallery
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and wine tastings as mentioned
DAY 3 – TUESDAY 2 February
After a delicious breakfast, it is pamper time with a morning soak and a glass of bubbles at the Onsen Hot Pools just outside of Queenstown. Enjoy a wonderfully relaxing hour overlooking the beautiful river, watching the shotover jets whizz by and sipping on a sparkling wine – total bliss (swim suit essential!).
Then it is time to head to Mora Winery for a light lunch and a wine tasting guided by their chief winemaker Sarah Adamson. In the afternoon we’ll head into historic Arrowtown for a wander and shop around this delightful village.
Back to Queenstown for quick change before we head out again for a spectacular evening at the cellar door of Kinross. This is always a huge highlight of the week! Kinross open their cellar door after hours just for us and invite women in wine from across the local region to meet us and talk us through their wines over a guided tasting, including Kinross’ owner Christine Erkkila. We’ll then all enjoy a degustation dinner from local produce accompanied by more local wine! With Christine also hosting us over dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz M Gallery
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and wine tastings as mentioned
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY 3 February
This morning a leisurely start to the day. Enjoy breakfast with a view and then head out for a walk around the lake before meeting at 11 am to head out for the rest of day/evening!
Today you head to Stewart Town Vineyard where you will be hosted at the private home of the former President of Central Otago Women in Wine, Kerry Stainton-Herbert. Kerry will be hosting us for long and leisurely lunch, regaling us with stories and educating us about the region and, of course, serving up plenty of her gorgeous wines. This is such an exclusive experience! And one that our previous guests always say is one of their favourite experiences of the tour.
After lunch, we’re off to Old Cromwell for a wander around this historic heritage precinct, with buildings dating from the gold rush of the 1860’s. Not only gorgeous to explore, but you can enjoy a little ‘passeggiata’ post lunch before your next wine event!
We’ll then pop in and see the amazing Lucie Lawrence at her gorgeous micro, organic winery ‘O’Naturel Wines’ and hear how and why she does every step of the growing, winemaking and bottling process by hand.
To finish the day we’ll be dining at the gorgeous Bannockburn Hotel, with more local wines, before we finally return to Queenstown for the night.
Overnight Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz M Gallery
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and wine tastings as mentioned
DAY 5 – THURSDAY 4 February
This morning take your time. Go explore, go shopping, get pampered or head up the hill on the gondola for a spectacular view of the city. This morning is all yours to make your memories of Queenstown – or just do the things you haven’t managed to do as yet (like take in a sneaky pastry at the bakery – I can assure you it is a must).
Then meet in the lobby of the hotel to walk down for a leisurely cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a local and iconic experience, taking in the extraordinary scenery surrounding you, as you cruise on the lake out to Walter’s Peak – a former sheep station. Here we’ll indulge in a gorgeous bbq lunch with wine, and have a bit of a peek into farm life before heading back to town later in the day.
This evening a farewell dinner at The Lodge including a selection of local wines chosen by your gorgeous host, Jane Thomson, to round out a fabulous tour!
Overnight Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz M Gallery
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner including wine
DAY 6 – FRIDAY 5 February
This morning enjoy a final leisurely breakfast with that stunning lake view before checking out and heading to the airport to catch your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
+ - Tour Price & Inclusions
A travel experience of this calibre is never the least expensive choice, and that’s exactly as it should be. Every part of this tour is chosen without compromise and it will only run in this current form once. No two tours are ever the same! So you will be only one of 12 people to EVER experience it. Our tours are a considered investment, and the women who travel with us regularly will tell you it repays itself many times over.
Tour Price:
- Twin Share AUD $7,995 per person
- Single AUD $9,495 per person
Please note a ‘willing to share’ option is not available. To book twin share you must already have someone booking this tour with you to share with
Tour Dates: 31 January – 5 February 2026
Tour Starts & Ends: Queenstown
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Fully escorted by Jane Thomson OAM, Founder of The Fabulous Ladies Wine Society
- 5 nights’ in 5-star luxury accommodation, Hotel St Moritz M Gallery Queenstown
- Gourmet hotel breakfast daily, with incredible views of Lake Wakitipu and The Remarkables to gaze out at
- All meals & exclusive wine experiences as per the itinerary
- All VIP, insider access activities as per the itinerary
- Central Otago wine inclusive with all meals (except breakfast)
- Wine tastings, winery visits as per the itinerary
- Private transport throughout
- Government taxes and surcharges
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfares and departure taxes; transfers unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas; laundry or tips not covered in the itinerary. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and government taxes; travel insurance (which is mandatory).
Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; additional beverages (unless specifically described). Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Spa treatments and any items not specified. Any alcoholic beverages before/after/during meal (other than those indicated). Any changes you choose to make during your trip.
Terms & Conditions: Your confirmed booking indicates you have therefore read and agreed to the Terms & Conditions
+ - Accommodation
Hotel St Moritz M Gallery
A boutique hotel in the heart of Queenstown offering scenic alpine views. The architecture and interiors offer intriguing works of art, bespoke furniture and cocooning colours, which highlight the unique charm of Queenstown and the serenity of the surroundings. Decorated with style and elegance, our spacious rooms & suites provide the same sense of calm and serenity. The blend of textures, colours and light combine to make this “alpine residence” a unique haven where sensorial delights await you. Lombardi Bar, Dining Room, Library and Den create the Lombardi Quarter a signature establishment that offers an array of dining styles and spaces.
+ - Important Information
A minimum of 8 guests is required for this tour to depart. The maximum number of guests is 12. If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure. If we cancel the departure your tour deposit will be refunded.
We do not refund deposits for any other reason than we cancel the departure. Should this happen an admin fee of $200 per person will be retained.
Travel Insurance is compulsory for you to travel on this tour to protect against cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. We will be requiring you to send us a copy of your insurance certificate prior to departure.
Once full payment is received the tour price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change. This is standard practice and occurs because the tour has been converted to Australian Dollars and may be subject to currency fluctuations. It hardly ever happens! (We’ve only done it once in 12 years of touring.) But you need to be aware that it could happen.
Please also note that sometimes things happen beyond our control causing the advertised itinerary to change without notice. Please be assured that any changes will be of the same quality as the replaced visit or experience wherever possible.
Please do not book your flights until we confirm the departure.
Please ensure you check SmartTraveller for the latest destination travel advice and consult your health professional regarding any vaccination requirements prior to travel.
Payment Terms
Deposit: A $2500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. Visa, MasterCard or American Express are accepted. At this time merchant fees of 1.5% + .30c apply to Australian based credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment. International credit cards will attract a higher merchant fee.
All payments are processed by E-way – a secure payment gateway that is certified to stringent levels of certification.
Please note additional interim payments may be required due to meet supplier terms and conditions.
Final payment: The balance (final payment) is required by 25 November 2026
If you cancel your booking after paying your deposit, cancellation fees will apply. These include the loss of your non-refundable deposit, any unrecoverable third party costs and a AUD$750 cancellation processing fee. No refunds are available for cancellations made within 12 weeks of departure.
Dietary Requirements & Fitness Level
As part of your booking, you will be asked to provide detailed information regarding any special dietary requirements. These must be advised at the time of booking, as we are unable to accommodate last minute requests. Please note that dietary requirements and preferences are treated differently. All information will be passed on to our suppliers, however we cannot guarantee all requests can be accommodated.
A good level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour as you will be walking through vineyards and standing for some time in some establishment. There is also a steep hill to the hotel should you be walking to and from the Queenstown city centre.
PLEASE NOTE: Travelling Divas are our Australian-based travel partners for this fabulous tour. You will be taken to their website to complete your booking. It’s super easy! And you know we only work with the best. (We bring the wine, they do the hard stuff. Because travel ain’t easy.)
About Your Fabulous Host
Your incredible journey is led by Jane Thomson OAM — the founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society. She’s an award-winning wine communicator, community builder, experienced tour host, and the creator of small-group wine tours designed especially for women who want insider access, meaningful connection, and genuinely memorable experiences.
Jane has spent more than a decade championing women in wine through her work with Australian Women in Wine (which she also founded), and she brings that same passion to every Fabulous Ladies Wine tour — introducing you to the women behind the wines, curating the moments you can’t Google, and making sure you feel looked after from the very first toast to the last goodbye.
Why Our Tours Are Truly Different
This isn’t just a wine tour. It’s something far rarer.
Wine is our way in, and the doors it opens are what make it unforgettable. These are private experiences arranged just for us: tastings you’d never get on your own, and personal welcomes from the women behind the wines themselves – and getting them in the room on the right day takes months of quiet coordination.
The company is every bit as considered. These tours are created for our FLWS community, so you’re never thrown in with a group of strangers. Every woman travelling is one of us. You might arrive not knowing a soul, but you’re among your people from the very first glass, and plenty of firm friendships start right here.