Chard Farm Winery

Perched on a dramatic cliffside above the Kawarau River, Chard Farm Winery is one of Central Otago's most photogenic and welcoming cellar doors. The winding drive down a narrow gravel road feels like an adventure, and the reward is a tasting room with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. This family-owned estate is renowned for its Pinot Noir, but also produces excellent Riesling, Pinot Gris, and a stunning late-harvest dessert wine. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, making it easy to settle in for a relaxed tasting or a glass on the terrace.

Highlights & What to See

• Spectacular setting: The cellar door clings to a steep slope above the river, offering jaw-dropping views that are worth the trip alone.
• Pinot Noir flight: Sample a range of single-vineyard and reserve Pinots that showcase the region's terroir.
• Cheese platters: Pair your tasting with a locally sourced cheese board – perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
• Historic buildings: The original stone cottage and old stables add rustic charm to the modern tasting room.
• Nearby Gibbston Valley attractions: Combine your visit with stops at other cellar doors, the Gibbston Valley Cheese shop, or the Kawarau Gorge bungy site.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour for a tasting and to soak in the views. If you're enjoying a cheese platter, allow 1.5 to 2 hours. The winery is a perfect midday stop on a drive through the Gibbston Valley – combine it with a visit to a couple of other nearby wineries for a full afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gibbston Valley Wine Trail: A string of top-notch cellar doors including Peregrine, Waitiri Creek, and Mt Rosa.
• Kawarau Gorge Bungy Centre: The birthplace of bungy jumping, just a few minutes down the road.
• Queenstown: Only a 25-minute drive west, with endless dining, adventure activities, and lakefront scenery.
• Cromwell: A historic gold-mining town with a thriving fruit-growing region and more wineries, 30 minutes east.
• Arrowtown: A charming gold-rush settlement with boutique shops and leafy streets, 20 minutes south.

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