Amisfield Winery
Acclaimed winery and restaurant near Lake Hayes, offering an experimental 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu and single-estate organic wines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical ambiance and full tasting menu
Amisfield Winery
Best Time
Magical ambiance and full tasting menu
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Acclaimed winery and restaurant near Lake Hayes, offering an experimental 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu and single-estate organic wines.
"The most exceptional dining experience I've ever had!"
🎯 Book Months Ahead
Reservations are crucial, especially for dinner. Plan ahead to secure your spot at this world-renowned restaurant.
🍽️ Embrace the Adventure
Be open to the 'Trust the Chef' menu's experimental dishes and unique presentations for a full experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Trust the Chef' Menu
An adventurous, multi-course culinary journey featuring unique, locally sourced ingredients and artistic presentation.
Wapiti Deer Antler Dish
A visually stunning and daring dish where wild wapiti deer meat is served within its own shed antlers.
Amisfield Wines
Savor single-estate organic wines, including the cult-favorite Fume Sauvignon Blanc and Amisfield Chardonnay.
Lake Hayes Setting
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Hayes and the surrounding Central Otago landscape from this picturesque winery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Well in Advance
Embrace the 'Trust the Chef' Menu
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Months Ahead
Reservations are crucial, especially for dinner. Plan ahead to secure your spot at this world-renowned restaurant.
🍽️ Embrace the Adventure
Be open to the 'Trust the Chef' menu's experimental dishes and unique presentations for a full experience.
🍷 Wine Pairing Recommended
The matched wine selection is highly praised and complements the tasting menu perfectly.
🚗 Consider Transport
Arrange transport in advance, as taxis can be scarce. Many visitors opt for pre-booked shuttles or private drivers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Months Ahead
Reservations are crucial, especially for dinner. Plan ahead to secure your spot at this world-renowned restaurant.
🍽️ Embrace the Adventure
Be open to the 'Trust the Chef' menu's experimental dishes and unique presentations for a full experience.
🍷 Wine Pairing Recommended
The matched wine selection is highly praised and complements the tasting menu perfectly.
🚗 Consider Transport
Arrange transport in advance, as taxis can be scarce. Many visitors opt for pre-booked shuttles or private drivers.
💰 It's a Splurge
Be prepared for a significant cost, particularly for the tasting menu and wine pairings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Amisfield is widely celebrated for its innovative 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu, exceptional wine pairings, and stunning lakeside setting. Diners rave about the unique culinary artistry and the high quality of local ingredients. However, some find the experimental nature and high price point to be a drawback, with mixed opinions on overall value.
"Amisfield was a big disappointment, I would strongly NOT recommend this place.
We did the 18 course fixed menu for 220 euros (440 nz$). We have been to several Michelin star restaurants all over the world, so we weren’t scared of the price, but this has been the worst way to spend our money in a restaurant ever. We ranked individually all 18 courses, the average is 2/5 for the dishes. Special mention to the venison and the goat tail which were actually good. The crab was a joke, didn’t taste like anything at all.
The bird was really bad in taste I couldn’t even finish it. Many of the other dishes were not bad, but just tasteless.
Presentation of dishes was extremely creative and very unique, kudos to the team for that. Personally I just found some of them to be extreme / bad taste like the wings of the bird or the skeleton of animals which I didn’t enjoy so much.
Special positive mention to Marc the somellier. His service was very good, he explained all the wines extremely well and was very professional and nice. Overall we would recommend the wine tasting as the portions are generous (and many glasses), the price is fair (110 euros -> 220 nz$) and the wines are actually really good.
The rest of the service was average, many glasses of wines were left on the table after they were done, one of the waiters forgot what she was serving us, and the dishes were so complex with so many different ingredients that was actually difficult to understand what we were eating. I would suggest the restaurant team to include cards with a short description of the dish with the local origin of the ingredients it would add a lot of value to the presentation.
Overall came in with the best intentions but were left extremely disappointed."
Massimo Attinà
"Pretty special expierence. Meal was as much show as it was food. Service was 10 out of 10. Like most degustations not every course was for every person but you left feeling full and entertained. Not cheap check the price before you come.If the price doesnt scare you, you wont be disapointed."
James Hadley
"I finally completed my third visit to Amisfield and I had a positively raucous time. The matched wine was a great choice and when paired with a couple of cocktail starters kept us in fine spirits throughout the meal. The food itself was simply superb, standouts were the venison, the pāua and the eel dish. The chef came out and had a friendly chat during meal and then prepared an impromptu and complimentary birthday cake for one of our party. Around top notch with beautiful wine and food. It’s still my favourite restaurant in New Zealand."
Michael Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amisfield Winery is located near Arrowtown, about a 20-30 minute drive from Queenstown. You can drive yourself, hire a taxi, or arrange for a shuttle service. Many visitors recommend booking transport in advance, as taxis can be limited in the area.
Public transport options are very limited. It's best to arrange private transportation or a dedicated shuttle service to ensure a smooth journey to and from the winery.
For dinner, it's highly recommended to book a taxi or shuttle service in advance. This allows you to fully enjoy the wine pairings without worrying about driving.
While it's possible to visit the cellar door for wine tastings without a reservation, dining at the restaurant requires advance booking, often months in advance.
Amisfield Winery is conveniently located just a short drive from the charming historic town of Arrowtown, making it easy to combine visits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The 'Trust the Chef' menu is a significant investment, with lunch typically costing around $240 NZD per person, excluding drinks. Wine pairings are an additional cost.
Yes, booking the 'Trust the Chef' menu is essential and should be done well in advance, as Amisfield is a highly popular and acclaimed restaurant.
Amisfield Restaurant typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening hours and days of operation, as these can vary seasonally.
Yes, Amisfield offers wine tastings at their cellar door. This is a great way to sample their single-estate organic wines, and it's often complimentary with a meal booking.
The 'Trust the Chef' menu is the primary dining experience at Amisfield, designed to showcase the best of seasonal ingredients. While there might be minor adjustments, it's largely a set tasting menu.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Amisfield is renowned for its experimental fine dining, focusing on unique, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. Expect creative presentations and bold flavors, often featuring wild game and seafood.
Reviews are mixed, with many finding it an exceptional and memorable experience worth the splurge for the innovative food and wine. Others felt the value didn't quite match the high cost.
Popular dishes include the wapiti deer served in antlers, paua (abalone), eel, and various seafood preparations like the 'Green Bone' amuse-bouche.
Given the focus on wild game and local produce, it's essential to inform Amisfield of any dietary restrictions well in advance when booking. They may be able to accommodate with advance notice.
The wine pairing is highly recommended and often described as one of the best in New Zealand, expertly complementing each course of the tasting menu.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The stunning vineyard setting, Lake Hayes views, and the artistic presentation of the food make Amisfield incredibly photogenic. 
Capture shots of the rolling vineyards, the serene Lake Hayes, and of course, the beautifully plated dishes. The architecture of the winery itself is also noteworthy.
Yes, guests are generally encouraged to photograph their food, especially given the artistic presentation. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
Daytime offers beautiful natural light for vineyard and lake views. Evenings provide a more intimate and moody atmosphere for capturing the dining experience.
While general photography is welcome, it's always best to be respectful of the dining experience and other guests. Avoid flash photography during the meal if it might disturb others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are celebrating a special family occasion and your children are adventurous eaters, it could be a memorable experience. However, for families seeking a more casual or child-focused meal, other options in the Queenstown area might be more suitable. Consider a daytime visit for the views, and perhaps a lighter tasting experience if available.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those on a tighter budget, a visit to the cellar door for wine tasting might be a more accessible way to experience Amisfield's offerings. This allows you to sample their acclaimed wines without the expense of the full tasting menu. It's still a splurge, but a more manageable one for budget-conscious travelers.
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
Opting for the wine pairing is highly recommended to elevate the romantic atmosphere and fully appreciate the chef's creations. Inform the restaurant in advance about any special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, as they are known to go the extra mile, even preparing complimentary cakes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Philosophy of Chef Vaughan Mabee
His dishes are not just meals but culinary narratives, often featuring unexpected presentations like wapiti deer served within its own antlers. This experimental style has earned Amisfield international acclaim, including rankings among the world's top restaurants. The 'Trust the Chef' menu is a direct reflection of this philosophy, inviting diners on an adventurous journey through New Zealand's unique flavors.
+1While his innovative methods are lauded, some diners find the experimental nature and dark, moody presentation style to be a departure from traditional fine dining. However, for those seeking a truly unique and thought-provoking gastronomic experience, Mabee's vision at Amisfield is unparalleled.
Amisfield's Award-Winning Wines
+1The winery is particularly famous for its Fume Sauvignon Blanc, which has garnered a cult following among wine enthusiasts. Alongside this, their Amisfield Chardonnay is also highly regarded. Sam Davies, the Chief Winemaker, plays a pivotal role in crafting these acclaimed wines, ensuring each bottle reflects the purity and essence of the estate.
Visitors have the opportunity to sample these wines through tastings, often offered as a complimentary experience when dining at the restaurant. The wine pairings with the 'Trust the Chef' menu are consistently praised, enhancing the overall dining experience and showcasing the synergy between Amisfield's food and wine.
The Amisfield Dining Experience: Beyond the Plate
The service at Amisfield is a key component of its acclaimed reputation. Staff are noted for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, providing detailed insights into the food and wine pairings. This personalized approach ensures guests feel well-cared for throughout their visit.
While the food and wine are the stars, the stunning location overlooking Lake Hayes adds another layer to the experience. The serene views contribute to a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, making Amisfield a destination for special celebrations and memorable occasions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit