Jul 20, 2025
A Winter Ritual: Discover the Magic of Wine Tastings at Mora Wines

As winter settles over Central Otago's dramatic landscape, there's something truly magical about gathering around a roaring fire with a glass of exceptional wine in hand. At Mora Wines, we've crafted the perfect antidote to the season's chill: intimate guided wine tastings that celebrate both the warmth of our hospitality and the depth of our region's remarkable terroir.
Winter warmth. Wine in hand. A story in every pour...
Our guided tastings offer more than just a sampling of wines – they're a journey through the heart of our Central Otago vineyards. As snow covers the mountains, our expert hosts share the characterful stories behind each bottle, from the unique landscapes that give our wines their distinctive character to the careful craftsmanship that goes into every vintage.
Located just 15 minutes from Queenstown, Mora Wines provides the perfect winter escape without venturing far from the action. Whether you're visiting and looking to elevate your ski trip, or you're a local seeking a sophisticated retreat close to home, our winter tastings offer an intimate experience that's both educational and deeply satisfying.
Curated experiences for every palate...
Each guided tasting is carefully curated to showcase the diversity and excellence of Central Otago wines. Our knowledgeable team leads you through a selection of our finest offerings, explaining the nuances of each variety and vintage while you're comfortably settled. The experience pairs beautifully with our seasonal menu, featuring locally-sourced ingredients that complement our wines perfectly.
For our Australian visitors, we understand that a Queenstown winter getaway is about more than just the slopes. After a day on the mountain, there's nothing quite like unwinding with a hosted wine tasting that captures the essence of New Zealand's premier wine region. The short drive from Queenstown is worth every drop, offering a sophisticated pause in your winter adventure.
Artisan Kitchen: Where culinary excellence meets Mora Wines...
Under the expert guidance of award-winning Executive Chef John Pickens – recognized as 'Outstanding Chef of the Year 2019' – our on-site dining partners Artisan Kitchen will elevate your wine tasting with handcrafted dishes that celebrate Central Otago's abundant local produce. From seared halloumi with dukkah and poached eggs, to carefully crafted lunch offerings designed for sharing, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to complement our wines. The focus on seasonality means winter visitors can expect warming, soul-satisfying dishes that perfectly match the cozy fireside atmosphere.
Planning your visit...
Winter bookings fill quickly, especially during the peak months of July and August, so we recommend securing your table well in advance. Our guided tastings accommodate both intimate couples and small private groups, creating an atmosphere that's both cozy and elegant.
The beauty of a Mora Wines winter tasting lies not just in the exceptional quality of our wines, but in the complete sensory experience. The crackling fire, the stunning Arrowtown garden views framed by snow-capped peaks, the expertly paired seasonal cuisine, and the passionate (and humorous) storytelling of our wine hosts combine to create memories that extend far beyond the last sip.
This winter, treat yourself to something special. Whether you're escaping the everyday routine or adding a sophisticated touch to your Queenstown adventure, Mora Wines offers a guided tasting experience that embodies the very best of Central Otago hospitality.
Winter hours:
Open daily from 10am-5pm for wine tastings.
Open daily from 9am-5pm for Artisan Kitchen’s Restaurant menu (Friday evenings until 10pm).
Bookings strongly recommended.
Winter warmth. Wine in hand. A story in every pour...
Our guided tastings offer more than just a sampling of wines – they're a journey through the heart of our Central Otago vineyards. As snow covers the mountains, our expert hosts share the characterful stories behind each bottle, from the unique landscapes that give our wines their distinctive character to the careful craftsmanship that goes into every vintage.
Located just 15 minutes from Queenstown, Mora Wines provides the perfect winter escape without venturing far from the action. Whether you're visiting and looking to elevate your ski trip, or you're a local seeking a sophisticated retreat close to home, our winter tastings offer an intimate experience that's both educational and deeply satisfying.
Curated experiences for every palate...
Each guided tasting is carefully curated to showcase the diversity and excellence of Central Otago wines. Our knowledgeable team leads you through a selection of our finest offerings, explaining the nuances of each variety and vintage while you're comfortably settled. The experience pairs beautifully with our seasonal menu, featuring locally-sourced ingredients that complement our wines perfectly.
For our Australian visitors, we understand that a Queenstown winter getaway is about more than just the slopes. After a day on the mountain, there's nothing quite like unwinding with a hosted wine tasting that captures the essence of New Zealand's premier wine region. The short drive from Queenstown is worth every drop, offering a sophisticated pause in your winter adventure.
Artisan Kitchen: Where culinary excellence meets Mora Wines...
Under the expert guidance of award-winning Executive Chef John Pickens – recognized as 'Outstanding Chef of the Year 2019' – our on-site dining partners Artisan Kitchen will elevate your wine tasting with handcrafted dishes that celebrate Central Otago's abundant local produce. From seared halloumi with dukkah and poached eggs, to carefully crafted lunch offerings designed for sharing, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to complement our wines. The focus on seasonality means winter visitors can expect warming, soul-satisfying dishes that perfectly match the cozy fireside atmosphere.
Planning your visit...
Winter bookings fill quickly, especially during the peak months of July and August, so we recommend securing your table well in advance. Our guided tastings accommodate both intimate couples and small private groups, creating an atmosphere that's both cozy and elegant.
The beauty of a Mora Wines winter tasting lies not just in the exceptional quality of our wines, but in the complete sensory experience. The crackling fire, the stunning Arrowtown garden views framed by snow-capped peaks, the expertly paired seasonal cuisine, and the passionate (and humorous) storytelling of our wine hosts combine to create memories that extend far beyond the last sip.
This winter, treat yourself to something special. Whether you're escaping the everyday routine or adding a sophisticated touch to your Queenstown adventure, Mora Wines offers a guided tasting experience that embodies the very best of Central Otago hospitality.
Winter hours:
Open daily from 10am-5pm for wine tastings.
Open daily from 9am-5pm for Artisan Kitchen’s Restaurant menu (Friday evenings until 10pm).
Bookings strongly recommended.
Incredible food & hosting by Vicky. Great service, great food & most importantly the best wine in Queenstown
~ Georgia, June 2025
~ Georgia, June 2025