About Chard Farm
Chard Farm is one of the first wineries in Central Otago. Rob Hay studied winemaking in Germany, came to the region in August 1986 and took on a run-down stone fruit orchard called Chard Farm in Gibbston. Friends, family and locals helped plant the first vines in March 1987. Today the Hay family still runs it: Rob remains at the helm, Gerdi is the proprietor, and their children work across the vineyards, overseas sales and sustainability.
The wines come from five estate-owned vineyards: the Home Block in Gibbston, The Tiger and Sinclair in Lowburn, and Masons and Vipers in the Parkburn area. Pinot noir is the focus, from the River Run and Finla Mor bottlings to single-vineyard wines, alongside the Closeburn chardonnay and the Maria Rosé.
The tasting room on Chard Road has been pouring since at least 1997. It is open every day from 11am to 5pm, and tastings cost $20 per person. Bookings are essential, so reserve online before you set out. It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and 23–24 July, and opens at 1pm on Anzac Day. Wine is sold by the bottle at the cellar door, and the winery also hosts weddings and events. Food is not listed, so plan lunch elsewhere in the valley.
Ben Lomond Lavender in the Wakatipu Basin is about 25 minutes away toward Queenstown, which makes a booked lavender walk and an afternoon tasting at Chard Farm an easy pairing.
What to do
- Book a $20 tasting of estate pinot noir and chardonnay
- Compare wines from the Gibbston Home Block and the Lowburn and Parkburn vineyards
- Buy bottles at the cellar door, including Maria Rosé
- Plan a wedding or event at the winery
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open daily year-round; closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and 23–24 July
- Hours
- 2026: daily 11am–5pm; Anzac Day from 1pm
- Admission
- Tasting $20 per person (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Required
Tips for your visit
- Bookings are essential for tastings; reserve before driving out.
- No food is listed, so eat before or after in Gibbston or Arrowtown.
- The cellar door closes for two days in late July.
- Plan a designated driver if you are visiting several Gibbston wineries.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Ben Lomond Lavender · about 25 minutes away
Ben Lomond Lavender is about 25 minutes toward Queenstown, so pair a booked summer lavender walk with an afternoon tasting here.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need to book at Chard Farm?
Yes. Bookings are essential for tastings.
How much is a tasting at Chard Farm?
$20 per person.
When was Chard Farm founded?
The first vines were planted in March 1987, on a former orchard in Gibbston.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Queenstown & Arrowtown, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
