About Mt Rosa Wines
Mt Rosa is a family-owned winery on Gibbston Back Road, and every wine it pours is grown in the single vineyard that surrounds the cellar door. The land was once part of Kawarau Station, which ran more than 40,000 sheep until a 1903 snowstorm killed 16,000 of them; in 1910 the station was split into 16 runs, and Mt Rosa's covered 5,450 acres. The owners settled on grapes around 2000, and the vineyard is now one of the highest in Gibbston, on rocky schist soils, with vines more than 20 years old.
The cellar door is a purpose-built, woolshed-style building among the vines, with a sunny courtyard in summer, a fire in winter and a verandah looking over the schist hills. It is open daily from 11am to 5pm. A guided tasting costs $25 per person and covers more than five estate varietals; the fee is waived when you buy two or more bottles. The lineup in 2026 included rosé, pinot blanc, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, a blanc de noir and several pinot noir vintages, and library wines can be tasted on request.
Food runs to bar snacks, small plates and platters such as the Valley Platter, with options for children and for dietary needs if you mention them on arrival. A tasting can be paired with cheese if you arrange it ahead. Bookings are essential for groups of six or more, and the winery hosts weddings and private dinners.
Ben Lomond Lavender is about 30 minutes west toward Queenstown, so a booked lavender walk in the morning and a platter lunch here make a good summer day.
What to do
- Take a $25 guided tasting of five-plus estate wines
- Share a Valley Platter on the courtyard or by the fire
- Ask to taste library and back-vintage pinot noir
- Pair your tasting with cheese, arranged ahead
- Buy two bottles and have the tasting fee waived
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open daily year-round; closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- Hours
- 2026: daily 11am–5pm
- Admission
- Guided tasting $25 per person, waived with purchase of 2+ bottles (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Groups of six or more must book.
- Mention dietary needs on arrival so the kitchen can adjust.
- Wine-and-cheese tastings are prepared before you arrive, so book them ahead.
- Plan a designated driver for the Gibbston wine route.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Ben Lomond Lavender · about 30 minutes away
Ben Lomond Lavender is about 30 minutes toward Queenstown; visit the lavender in the morning and come out to Gibbston for lunch and a tasting.
Getting there
Questions
How much is a tasting at Mt Rosa?
$25 per person, waived if you buy two or more bottles.
Does Mt Rosa serve food?
Yes: bar snacks, small plates and platters, including the Valley Platter.
Do I need to book?
Bookings are essential for groups of six or more; smaller groups can book online.
🗺️ 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
