Carrick Winery
Experience breathtaking vineyard views and exquisite organic wines at Carrick Winery, a must-visit in Central Otago's Bannockburn region.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Divine food & wine
Carrick Winery
Best Time
Divine food & wine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking vineyard views and exquisite organic wines at Carrick Winery, a must-visit in Central Otago's Bannockburn region.
"The wines are as delectable as is this estate. We walked around the premises and tasted a few more wines in the gorgeous cellar door."
🎯 Book the 'Trust the Chef' Meal
Locals and visitors alike rave about this culinary experience. Book well in advance! :forkandknife:
🚗 Consider a Wine Tour
Makes visiting multiple wineries easy and enjoyable, especially if you're exploring Central Otago. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Organic Wine Tasting
Cellar Door
Savor a selection of Carrick's renowned organic wines, often paired with stunning vineyard views.
'Trust the Chef' Dining Experience
Restaurant
Indulge in a multi-course meal where the chef curates a delightful culinary journey, often featuring local ingredients.
Bannockburn Vineyard Views
Throughout the estate
Soak in the picturesque landscapes of the Bannockburn region, a perfect backdrop for wine enjoyment.
The Glasshouse
Garden area
An enchanting space overlooking the garden, perfect for a relaxed wine tasting or a peaceful moment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Table in Advance
Embrace the Views and the Wine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book the 'Trust the Chef' Meal
Locals and visitors alike rave about this culinary experience. Book well in advance! :forkandknife:
🚗 Consider a Wine Tour
Makes visiting multiple wineries easy and enjoyable, especially if you're exploring Central Otago.
👟 Explore the Grounds
Wander through the beautiful estate and enjoy the stunning vineyard views. :athletic_shoe:
🍷 Don't Miss the Tasting Flight
Sample a range of their organic wines and discover your favorites. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book the 'Trust the Chef' Meal
Locals and visitors alike rave about this culinary experience. Book well in advance! :forkandknife:
🚗 Consider a Wine Tour
Makes visiting multiple wineries easy and enjoyable, especially if you're exploring Central Otago.
👟 Explore the Grounds
Wander through the beautiful estate and enjoy the stunning vineyard views. :athletic_shoe:
🍷 Don't Miss the Tasting Flight
Sample a range of their organic wines and discover your favorites. :wine_glass:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is as much a highlight as the wine and food. Bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carrick Winery is lauded for its stunning vineyard views, delicious organic wines, and excellent food, particularly the 'Trust the Chef' dining experience. The staff are frequently praised for their friendly and attentive service, enhancing the overall visit. While some find the tasting flights and meals to be on the pricier side with small portions, the exceptional ambiance and quality make it a highly recommended destination.
"This winery is absolutely stunning and a MUST VISIT !! We did the ‘tasting flight’ of their organic wines while eating the most divine food. ( make sure you have the pâté, omg ! )
The wines are as delectable as is this estate. We walked around the premises and tasted a few more wines in the gorgeous cellar door which overlooks another pretty space ‘the glasshouse’ and garden.
All areas have breathtaking views, amazing staff and service !!"
Jade Mac
"The food was truly delicious as we choose the long lunch trust the chef. But it was a small amount of food for the price. The pairing wine flight was very expensive for just a sip. A shame as we come regarly as locals🤔"
Ine Jongeneel
"This is the third time we've been to Carrick, and this latest visit lived up to every expectation we still had. Food was divine, wine was delicious, and Josh was great - just the right amount of attentive (even with what sounded like a slightly 'demanding' table next to us). Thoroughly recommend, and we'll be back!
Oh and the view's not bad either!"
Jonathan Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carrick Winery is located in Bannockburn, Central Otago. From Queenstown, it's about a 1-hour drive. Many visitors opt for a wine tour that includes Carrick, or you can drive yourself. Renting a car offers flexibility to explore other Central Otago wineries.
Public transport options directly to Carrick Winery are limited. It's best to arrange private transport, join a guided wine tour, or rent a car for ease of access.
Yes, Carrick Winery is accessible via the Lake Dunstan Trail, which connects Cromwell to Clyde. This scenic route offers a fantastic way to arrive, especially if you enjoy cycling.
Carrick Winery offers ample parking for visitors arriving by car. It's generally easy to find a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
Several wine tour operators offer shuttle services and guided tours throughout Central Otago, often including Carrick Winery. This is a popular and convenient option for wine enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are sometimes possible, booking a tasting flight in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to guarantee your spot.
Carrick Winery typically opens daily for tastings and dining. It's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.
There isn't typically an entry fee to visit the grounds or cellar door, but tasting flights and dining experiences will incur charges.
For tastings and especially for the 'Trust the Chef' dining experience, reservations are strongly advised. You might be able to visit the cellar door for a tasting without a booking, but it's not guaranteed.
A tasting flight usually includes a selection of their signature organic wines, allowing you to sample different varietals and styles. The exact wines may vary.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Carrick Winery offers a restaurant with a 'Trust the Chef' dining experience, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. They are known for delicious meals, including their pâté and lamb dishes.
Many visitors find the 'Trust the Chef' meal to be a highlight, praising its quality and unique flavors. However, some reviews suggest the portions can be small for the price.
The 'Trust the Chef' menu often accommodates dietary requirements if notified in advance. It's best to contact the winery directly when booking to discuss vegetarian or vegan options.
Yes, besides the 'Trust the Chef' experience, you can enjoy a more casual lunch with delicious food and wine pairings. The pâté is frequently recommended.
Absolutely. The stunning views, delicious food, and excellent wine create a very special and romantic atmosphere for couples.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire estate offers incredible photo opportunities, from the rolling vineyards and mountains to the charming cellar door and the Glasshouse. Sunset views are particularly spectacular.
Yes, you can take photos inside the restaurant, but be mindful of other diners. The ambiance and views from the restaurant are also very photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted at wineries to respect the privacy of other guests and the vineyard operations. It's best to check with the winery directly before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful light for photography, enhancing the colors of the landscape and vineyards.
Carrick Winery sometimes features art installations, such as those mentioned in relation to new art and nature works. Keep an eye out for these unique photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the focus is on wine and dining, the beautiful outdoor setting provides a pleasant environment for a family outing. It's advisable to book lunch in advance and perhaps mention you'll have children with you. The 'Trust the Chef' experience might be more suited for older children or those who appreciate a more refined meal, but the general ambiance is friendly.
Consider visiting during lunch hours when the atmosphere is lively but still manageable for families. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting as part of a larger Central Otago wine tour that might offer package deals. Alternatively, if you're cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail, you can pack your own snacks and enjoy the scenery before or after a modest wine purchase.
couples
Enjoy a leisurely wine tasting together, savoring the flavors and the picturesque surroundings. The intimate ambiance of the restaurant and the beauty of the estate make it an ideal spot for a memorable date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Carrick Winery Experience: Wine, Food, and Views
The culinary offerings are equally impressive, particularly the 'Trust the Chef' dining experience. This multi-course meal is designed to showcase the best of local produce, paired with Carrick's wines. While highly recommended for its flavor and creativity, some guests note that the portion sizes can be modest for the price.
Beyond the wine and food, the grounds of Carrick Winery are a delight to explore. From the charming cellar door overlooking the 'Glasshouse' and gardens to the wider Bannockburn landscape, there are numerous spots to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Exploring Central Otago's Wine Region with Carrick
For those looking to experience multiple wineries efficiently, guided wine tours are a popular choice. These tours, like those offered by Appellation Wine Tours, often feature Carrick Winery and provide convenient transportation, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving.
This approach is particularly beneficial for day-trippers or those unfamiliar with the region's layout. Carrick's location in Bannockburn also makes it accessible via the Lake Dunstan Trail, a scenic cycling route. This offers an active and picturesque way to reach the winery, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine their love for wine with a bit of adventure.
The winery's integration into these broader travel experiences highlights its significance within the Central Otago tourism landscape. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit