Wine
Definitely not a fluke. We win a TripAdvisor Award again for 2018
TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS – 4 YEARS IN A ROW
Well we’re pretty excited. It’s not a fluke! Wanaka Wine Tours has won another TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. 4 years in a row! How cool is that?
Pretty damn cool to receive such consistent recognition from our clients. All our super-friendly guides live in Wanaka and many have worked in the wine industry in Central Otago or other wine areas around the world. Not only do they bring their unique local knowledge to every tour but also very specialised wine expertise to every tour. It’s fantastic that all this hard work has been rewarded by such great client feedback. We’ve been striving to give the best possible wine tour experience ever since we took over the company in 2014. These consecutive TripAdvisor Awards for every year since give us direct feedback that we’re on the right track!
Even more exciting, Wanaka Wine Tours could be in the running for induction to the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame in the coming year. The “Hall of Fame” Award is awarded to those tourism businesses that achieve Certificate of Excellence Awards for 5 consecutive year and we’re just one year away!
Central Otago vineyards have trebled in number over the last 20 years and the region has established an international reputation for producing a distinctive Pinot Noir in the southernmost wine growing region in the world. Wanaka Wine Tours specialises in small groups tours (max. 8 persons) visiting the region’s boutique wineries. You won’t see any big bus tours at these wineries. The wineries are owner operated and clients are treated to the unique background stories that go into making of each wine. Many of the wineries are not open to the public. As long term Wanaka locals, Wanaka Wine Tours has access to many wineries that tourists would never find or be permitted to visit.
As Richard, one of our most senior guides at Wanaka Wine Tours says “It is not just about drinking wine…it’s about tasting and recognising flavours. A great day for me as a guide is when our clients expand their palettes and try a range of different wine varieties. Our tours are specifically designed to give our guests this opportunity.”
Wanaka Wine Tours makes it easy for visitors to Wanaka to sample the region’s wines. Our guests can sit back and relax, while their guide does the driving and there are a number of tour options available from half to full day tours with gourmet platter lunches showcasing the local produce. Our team can also put together a totally custom tour to suit any client requirements.
In addition to tasting a wide variety of wines, Wanaka Wine Tours visits some of the most scenic vineyards in the region, all with spectacular mountain and rural views. Some with lake and river views too. For wine lovers who also have an interest in photography or just a group wanting to capture a fun day out, the views just add that extra element to what is already a fun and informative tour.
Megan and I are long term Wanaka locals. I’ve lived most of my life in Wanaka. My aunt and uncle were some of Wanaka’s pioneer tourism operators. Back in the 1950’s – Graeme and Olive West operated, “Malibu” a tourist boat trip on Lake Wanaka. “Gra” as he was known was famous for boiling a billy tea for his clients and being able to hold the freshly boiled billy in his bare hands while filled people’s cups.
While I don’t have the same “asbestos hands” like my Uncle Gra, my best trick is to find the most interesting boutique wineries to share with our clients. However, I truly believe that the advantage of having a local guide can never be understated. A local guide knows all the best places and times to go, they will have a great “Plan B” if something unpredictable occurs and most importantly they have real first hand knowledge and experience to share with clients. These skills can’t be taught or franchised – they come from living in the region.
Bring on 2018!
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