About Paddons Paddock
Paddons Paddock is a family vineyard on State Highway 6, about 4.5 km from central Wānaka, run by Chris and Jackie Paddon with help from volunteers, friends and the local wine community. The garden setting is the draw: a lawn with trees and umbrellas looking over the vines and silver birches, picnic blankets to borrow, and a new outdoor stage for live music.
The tasting room and bar open 1:30pm to 4:30pm on open days, and the schedule follows the seasons. From August to November it opens four days a week (closed Monday to Wednesday); from mid-December to mid-January, seven days; from mid-January to the end of February, six days (closed Tuesday); and in March and April, five days (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). It is closed in May, June and July. A $20 tasting covers four current wines and always includes the Central Otago pinot noir, and it is free if you buy two bottles to take away. The list includes pinot gris, sauvignon gris, chardonnay, rosé, sparkling and a reserve pinot noir.
The kitchen serves platters, pizzas and corn chips with salsa, and you can have a glass of wine or beer on the lawn instead of a tasting. Live music runs regularly through summer, with a cheese board on gig days. Kids have a playground and jungle gym, and the vineyard hosts functions and weddings. Book a table or tasting on their website, and staff can help arrange a taxi.
Wānaka Lavender Farm is about 10 minutes' drive away, so the two make an easy summer afternoon.
What to do
- Take a $20 tasting of four wines, always including pinot noir
- Order pizza or a platter and sit on the lawn
- Catch live music on the outdoor stage in summer
- Let kids use the playground and jungle gym
- Borrow a picnic blanket for the garden
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open August to April on a seasonal schedule (four to seven days a week); closed May–July
- Hours
- 2026 season: 1:30pm–4:30pm on open days; Aug–Nov Thu–Sun; mid-Dec–mid-Jan daily; mid-Jan–Feb closed Tue; Mar–Apr closed Tue–Wed; closed May–Jul
- Admission
- Tasting $20 per person, free with purchase of two bottles (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Check which days are open before you go; the schedule changes through the year.
- It is closed all winter, May to July.
- Summer gig days get busy; book a table.
- Staff can help arrange a taxi, or plan a designated driver.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Wānaka Lavender Farm · about 10 minutes away
Wānaka Lavender Farm is about 10 minutes away, so a summer morning among the lavender and an afternoon of pizza and live music here pair naturally.
Getting there
Questions
Is Paddons Paddock open in winter?
No. It is closed in May, June and July.
How much is a tasting?
$20 for four wines, free if you buy two bottles to take away.
Is Paddons Paddock family friendly?
Yes; there is a playground and jungle gym, and food such as pizzas and platters.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Wānaka, 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
