Lavender and vine at Felton Road
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Felton Road Wines

4.7
·61 reviews·Bannockburn, New Zealand

World-renowned biodynamic winery in Central Otago, celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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Lavender and vine at Felton Road

Felton Road Wines

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

World-renowned biodynamic winery in Central Otago, celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

4.7
(61 reviews)

"This is one of the best wineries in New Zealand and have some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bookings are Essential

Email ahead to secure your tasting or tour. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated.

🍷 Ship Your Purchases Home

Many visitors opt to ship cases of wine home after their tasting. Plan for this!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World-Class Pinot Noir

World-Class Pinot Noir

Bannockburn Vineyard

Renowned for its complex, balanced, and rich flavors, Felton Road's Pinot Noir is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

Elegant Chardonnay

Elegant Chardonnay

Bannockburn Vineyard

Experience the crisp, elegant profile with subtle oak notes that make their Chardonnay a standout.

Biodynamic Vineyard Tour

Biodynamic Vineyard Tour

Winery grounds

Discover their commitment to natural winemaking processes on an informative tour of the vineyard.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

Felton Road is a highly sought-after winery, and walk-ins are not typically accommodated. Emailing to request a tasting or tour is essential. Plan ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Embrace the Biodynamic Experience

Felton Road is a biodynamic vineyard, meaning they focus on natural processes. This commitment to quality is reflected in their exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Appreciate the dedication to sustainable winemaking.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring/early summer
Why
Vineyards are lush and beautiful
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Felton Road Pinot Noir, Calvert Vineyard, Central Otago 2016 Congratulations Nigel Greening and Walter Blair on more than 25 years of brilliant wines from New Zealand’s South island. #centralotago #pinotnoir #feltonroad
obyrne59
71 likes • 739 views

🎯 Bookings are Essential

Email ahead to secure your tasting or tour. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Reddit

🍷 Ship Your Purchases Home

Many visitors opt to ship cases of wine home after their tasting. Plan for this! Reddit

A few weeks back Danny from @innovativebeverages came by to highlight a couple of his favourite wines at our local NLC. Here is the always popular 🍷 Felton Road collection 🍷 Share this wine suggestion with a friend and comment below what style you’d like us to highlight next 👇 #feltonroadwines #newzealandwines #winecollectors #winetasting
thebeveragebaron
27 likes • 955 views
A Private Tour from Queenstown with John and Margie was full of tasty wines, good company and some seriously Huge bottles of wine!! Yes Please! An informative tour at Felton Road A casual/ hilarious tasting at Mt Edward Lunch and a tasting at Kinross Life is good 😎🍷 Book your Wine Tour Adventure direct at Www.LivingTheDreamTours.Co.Nz #nzmustdo #lovewanaka #lakewanakanz #livingthedreamtoursn...
livingthedreamtoursnz
7 likes • 236 views

🌿 Appreciate Biodynamics

Learn about their natural winemaking. It's a key part of the Felton Road experience. Instagram

🚗 Consider a Tour

Private tours offer a comprehensive and enjoyable experience of the winery and region. Instagram

FELTON ROAD DINNER // On Monday night we hosted an exclusive dinner showcasing the new release of Felton Road wines alongside dishes from our Head Chef Daniel Dobra. Open 11am-9pm 7 days⁠ Family- owned, artisan and 100% independent!⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #local #sunshinecoast #bistro #pinot #winestore #delicious #housemade #maroochydore #suncentral #finedining #privatedining #winetasting #sunshinec...
marketwinestore_
47 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bookings are Essential

Email ahead to secure your tasting or tour. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Reddit

🍷 Ship Your Purchases Home

Many visitors opt to ship cases of wine home after their tasting. Plan for this! Reddit

🌿 Appreciate Biodynamics

Learn about their natural winemaking. It's a key part of the Felton Road experience. Instagram

🚗 Consider a Tour

Private tours offer a comprehensive and enjoyable experience of the winery and region. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(61 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Felton Road for its exceptional wines, particularly the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and its commitment to biodynamic farming. The free, seated tastings and informative tours are highly valued, creating a memorable and high-quality experience. While booking in advance is essential, the overall consensus is that Felton Road offers world-class wines and a truly special visit.

"Such an experience. You cannot book online like normal winery but you can try to reach out and email them to request for one. I love how they protect everything and creating different experience for people who come and visit! Ingrid is such a beautiful duty manager and guide. She walked us through the winery and library. Such a sweetheart. Worth the visit❤️"

Kat B.

"During my recent visit with the family to Felton Road Winery, I was thoroughly impressed by the exceptional hospitality and world-class wines. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel welcome and were so kind to let us join the tasting while we were quite late on arrival.

The highlight of the visit was, of course, the wines. Their Pinot Noir was nothing short of spectacular—perfectly balanced with rich, complex flavors that showcased the skill and care behind their winemaking process. The Chardonnay was equally impressive, with its crisp, elegant profile and hints of oak that made each sip delightful. Both wines truly captured the essence of the Bannockburn region and were a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality.

The setting of the winery was picturesque, also the tasting room providing the perfect backdrop to enjoy their offerings."

W G

"Representing world's famous central otago's wine. This place has class and the wines here are top quality. Love the beautiful four Elm trees at the cellar door."

HUN WOO PARK

What People Like

Exceptional Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Free seated tastings
Biodynamic farming commitment

What People Dislike

Bookings are essential

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Felton Road Wines is located in Bannockburn, Central Otago. From Queenstown, it's approximately a 1-hour drive. You can rent a car or arrange for a private wine tour, which many visitors find convenient and enjoyable for exploring the region's wineries. Instagram

Public transport options directly to Felton Road Wines are limited. It's best to arrange private transportation or join a guided wine tour that includes stops in the Bannockburn area. Instagram

For a comprehensive Central Otago wine experience, consider booking a private wine tour. This allows you to visit multiple wineries like Felton Road, Mt Edward, and Kinross without the stress of driving. Instagram

Yes, there are parking facilities available at Felton Road Wines for visitors who drive themselves. Instagram

Absolutely! Felton Road Wines is a popular destination for day trips from Queenstown or Wanaka, especially when combined with other Central Otago wineries. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking is essential. Felton Road does not typically accept walk-ins. You must email them in advance to request a tasting or tour appointment. Reddit

Felton Road offers free, seated tastings for visitors who have booked an appointment. This is a significant perk, as many wineries charge for tastings. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to confirm directly with the winery when booking your appointment. They are generally open during business hours for scheduled visits. Instagram

Yes, informative tours of the winery and vineyard are often available as part of a booked visit, providing insight into their biodynamic practices. Reddit

As with most wineries, visitors must be of legal drinking age (18 in New Zealand) to participate in tastings. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors describe the atmosphere as exceptional, with a focus on protecting the experience and creating a unique visit. Expect a welcoming and informative environment. Reddit

Felton Road is most famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They also produce a highly regarded Pinot Gris (Vin Gris). Instagram+2

Felton Road is a biodynamic vineyard and winery, committed to natural processes. This dedication to quality and sustainability sets them apart. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase wine directly from the winery. Many visitors choose to ship cases home after their tasting. Reddit

The picturesque vineyard setting, the beautiful four Elm trees at the cellar door, and the overall aesthetic of the winery offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Felton Road Wines primarily focuses on wine tastings and tours. While they may occasionally host special events with food pairings, it's not a standard offering. Check their website or inquire when booking. Instagram

Yes, the Bannockburn and Cromwell areas offer several dining options. Kinross, for example, offers lunch and tastings and is often part of wine tours. Instagram

Typically, wineries that focus on seated tastings and tours do not allow outside food. It's best to confirm this directly with Felton Road when booking. Instagram

When Felton Road hosts dinners, the food is usually curated by a Head Chef to complement their wines, often featuring artisan and house-made dishes. Instagram

Some wineries in Central Otago, like Kinross, offer lunch and tasting experiences. It's worth researching wineries that combine wine with culinary offerings if that's a priority. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The vineyard landscapes, the iconic Elm trees at the cellar door, and the tasting room itself offer beautiful backdrops. Drone shots can also capture the expansive vineyard views. Instagram

While some visitors have captured drone footage, it's always best to check with the winery directly about their drone policy before flying. Instagram

Aesthetic shots of the wine bottles, vineyard landscapes, and couple's shoots are popular, capturing the beauty and romance of the location. Instagram

Generally, yes, but be mindful of other guests and the winery staff. Focus on capturing the essence of the experience rather than intrusive shots. Instagram

Travelers often recommend capturing the golden hour light for stunning vineyard shots and focusing on the details of the wine and the winemaking process. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Felton Road is primarily a wine destination, families can still enjoy a visit. The picturesque vineyard setting offers space for children to appreciate the scenery. If you're visiting with family, consider booking a private tour that might accommodate younger guests more comfortably. Ensure you communicate your needs when booking. Instagram+1

Focus on the visual aspects of the vineyard and the unique biodynamic farming practices, which can be interesting for older children. Remember that the core experience is wine tasting, so manage expectations for very young children. The beautiful landscapes provide a pleasant backdrop for a family outing focused on appreciating nature and a renowned winery. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Felton Road offers a unique value proposition: free, seated tastings for those who book in advance. This is a significant cost-saver compared to many other premium wineries. While the wines themselves are premium, the tasting experience is complimentary, making it an accessible luxury. Reddit

To maximize your budget, consider visiting Felton Road as part of a self-guided tour if you have a rental car. This avoids the cost of private tours. Focus on enjoying the complimentary tasting and perhaps purchasing a bottle or two to savor later, rather than overspending on multiple tastings at various wineries. Reddit

💖 Couples

Felton Road offers a romantic and sophisticated experience perfect for couples. The beautiful vineyard scenery, the intimate seated tastings, and the world-class wines create a memorable setting for a special outing. Consider booking a private tour for an even more exclusive experience. Instagram+1

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon savoring exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay together. The serene environment and the shared appreciation for fine wine can make for a truly romantic interlude. Many couples choose to capture their moments with beautiful photos against the stunning Central Otago backdrop. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Felton Road Pinot Noir

Felton Road's Pinot Noir is a cornerstone of their reputation, consistently lauded for its exceptional quality and expression of the Bannockburn terroir. The winery is particularly known for its single-vineyard bottlings, such as the Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir and Cornish Point Pinot Noir, each offering a distinct profile reflecting its specific soil and microclimate. These wines are celebrated for their complexity, balance, and aging potential. Instagram+2

Visitors often rave about the depth and nuance of Felton Road's Pinot Noir, noting its rich fruit characteristics, elegant structure, and lingering finish. The winery's commitment to biodynamic farming plays a crucial role in achieving this quality, fostering healthy vines that produce grapes with intense flavor. This dedication to natural processes allows the true character of the land to shine through in every bottle. Reddit

When visiting, tasting the different Pinot Noir expressions is a highlight. Whether you're sampling a current release or a library vintage, the Felton Road Pinot Noir experience is a journey into the heart of Central Otago's winemaking excellence. Many visitors are so impressed they choose to ship cases home, a testament to the wine's appeal. Reddit

Understanding Biodynamic Winemaking at Felton Road

Felton Road is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in New Zealand, a holistic approach to farming that views the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. This philosophy goes beyond organic practices, incorporating principles of soil health, biodiversity, and natural cycles. The winery uses compost preparations, herbal teas, and aims to create a balanced environment for the vines to thrive. Instagram

This commitment to biodynamics is not just an ethical choice but a fundamental part of their winemaking. By nurturing the soil and promoting natural processes, Felton Road aims to produce grapes that are a pure expression of their Central Otago origin. This results in wines with a distinct sense of place, characterized by their vibrancy, complexity, and longevity. Reddit

Visitors can learn about these practices during tours, gaining a deeper appreciation for the care and intention behind each bottle. The Felton Road vineyard is a living example of how sustainable farming can lead to world-class wines, making a visit an educational and inspiring experience for wine lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike. Instagram

The Felton Road Tasting Experience

The tasting experience at Felton Road Wines is renowned for its quality and personalized approach. Unlike many wineries, Felton Road offers free, seated tastings for those who have booked an appointment, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. This allows visitors to fully appreciate the wines without feeling rushed. Reddit

During a tasting, you'll likely have the opportunity to sample their acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Vin Gris. The staff, often described as knowledgeable and passionate, guide you through the nuances of each wine, explaining their origins and winemaking philosophy. The setting itself, often within a beautifully appointed tasting room or overlooking the picturesque vineyard, enhances the overall experience. Instagram+1

Many visitors consider the tasting at Felton Road to be one of the best they've had in New Zealand. The combination of exceptional wines, a beautiful setting, and attentive service makes it a memorable highlight of any trip to Central Otago. It's an experience that truly embodies the winery's dedication to excellence. Reddit

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