Peregeine Wines
Perched on a sunny terrace above the Kawarau River, Peregeine Wines is a Gibbston Valley gem that marries dramatic architecture with Central Otago's celebrated pinot noir. The striking, rust-coloured building—inspired by a falcon's wing in flight—blends into the schist outcrops, offering panoramic views across vineyards and the river gorge. This is a winery where the landscape is as intoxicating as the wine.
Highlights & What to See
- Architecture and Views: The building itself is a masterpiece; sip a tasting flight on the terrace and watch the light shift over the Kawarau Gorge.
- Pinot Noir Tasting: Peregeine’s flagship pinot noirs—especially the 'Raptor' and 'Reserve'—showcase the region's cool-climate elegance, with earthy, dark-fruit complexity.
- Kawarau River Lookout: A short walk from the cellar door leads to a viewpoint overlooking the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the river below.
- Local Cheese Pairings: The tasting experience often includes local cheeses, perfectly complementing the wines.
- Nearby Gibbston Valley attractions: Combine your visit with a stop at the Gibbston Valley Cheese shop or the Gibbston Tavern for a relaxed lunch.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 1–1.5 hours to fully enjoy a tasting and soak in the views. If you're on a self-drive wine tour of the Gibbston Valley, Peregeine makes an excellent first or last stop—its location near the Kawarau Gorge bridge is convenient for a quick visit, but the scenery warrants lingering. For a leisurely afternoon, pair it with a walk along the river trail or a picnic on the terrace (wines available for purchase).
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Queenstown – 25 minutes west; a hub for adventure, dining, and lakefront strolls.
- Cromwell – 30 minutes east; explore the Old Town and more cellar doors in the Cromwell wine region.
- Arrowtown – 20 minutes north; a historic gold-rush town with charming main street and autumn colours.
- Wanaka – 1 hour north; famous for Lake Wanaka, That Wanaka Tree, and outdoor pursuits.
- Kawarau Gorge – home to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and bungy jumping; a short detour from the winery.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Queenstown — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
- Arrowtown — Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Wanaka — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0