Drinks
24 February 2026
The best wineries & cellar doors in Canterbury
Discover the best wineries near Christchurch, from the iconic Waipara Valley and Port Hills to the coastal gems of the Banks Peninsula. Explore top cellar doors, vineyard lunches, and tasting tours.
Looking for the best wineries & cellar doors near Christchurch?
Whether you are looking for a sophisticated long lunch overlooking the city or a rustic cellar door experience surrounded by vineyards, the wineries of Canterbury offer incredible diversity.
This guide brings together the iconic estates of the Waipara Valley, a boutique gem found in the Port Hills and cellar doors with stunning harbour views in the Banks Peninsula — all within an hour’s drive of the Christchurch CBD.
Which wineries are closest to Christchurch?
Perfect for a quick escape or a sophisticated lunch without the long drive.
Where the food & wine are top tier and the atmosphere even better.
Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door - Port Hills
Perched on the volcanic slopes of the Port Hills, Tussock Hill is the ultimate urban vineyard.
It offers panoramic views over the city and the Southern Alps, proving you don't need to leave the city for a world-class wine experience.
The experience: high-end boutique dining at their on-site restaurant and luxury retreat accommodation.
Top pour: organic chardonnay and pinot noir.
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (closed Monday/Tuesday).
What are the well-known Waipara Valley wineries?
The Waipara Valley in North Canterbury is where you'll find many of Canterbury's heavy hitters that put the region on the international wine map.
Pegasus Bay Winery - Waipara Valley
Pioneers of the region, the Donaldson family has created a beautiful experience in Waipara.
While the formal restaurant has closed, the estate has reimagined its hospitality with a focus on its world-class gardens.
The experience: the mini deli offers handwoven baskets filled with local artisan bites. Grab a bottle from the cellar door and find a slice of paradise in the manicured gardens and lakes.
Top pour: their world-renowned aged riesling and 'Prima Donna' pinot noir.
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10 am – 5 pm (closed Tuesday/Wednesday).
Black Estate - Waipara Valley
With its striking black architectural building overlooking the valley, Black Estate is a leader in the organic wine movement.
It's a must-visit for foodies and has consistently been recognised by the Cuisine Good Food Guide.
The experience: seasonal, organic dining with a focus on local produce and 'minimal intervention' wines.
Top pour: the home vineyard pinot noir or their unique pet-nats.
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, 7 days (lunch served Thursday – Monday).
Greystone Wines - Waipara Valley
Greystone is a global leader in regenerative farming, famously fermenting their wines among the vines.
Unlike traditional methods, these wines are fermented outdoors in the heart of the vineyard rows to capture the wild yeasts and the natural rhythm of the season.
Their fresh, seasonal food menu is thoughtfully crafted to harmonise with their wine offering.
The experience: educational tastings and an inspired long-lunch menu by Chef Cameron Woodhouse.
Top pour: the 100% organic 'Vineyard Ferment' pinot noir.
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 4:30 pm (lunch & tastings). Tuesday – Wednesday, 11 am – 4 pm (tastings only).
What're the boutique/smaller wineries in the Waipara Valley?
While the big names put Waipara on the map, it’s the small-scale growers that keep it at the cutting edge. These spots are perfect for those seeking a relaxed afternoon—think curated cheese platters and garden picnics rather than a formal sit-down meal.
These wineries are the boutique spots where you can meet the makers and find something unique.
The Boneline - Waipara Valley
Named after the fossils found in the nearby riverbed, this winery offers a deep connection to the geography of the region.
They provide a unique, unfiltered cellar door experience with a simple sharing-style menu of locally sourced food prepared by their neighbour and friend, Kate McMillan, designed to complement their wines.
The experience: a 45-minute self-guided 'Boneline' walkway followed by a tasting and a sharing-style menu designed by local chefs.
Top pour: The 'Iridium' (a powerful Bordeaux-style red).
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 4 pm (closed Tuesday/Wednesday).
Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove - Waipara Valley
This family-owned and operated estate is a unique organic farm perched on the edge of the Waipara River.
Known for its high-density planting on a 45-degree frost-free slope, Terrace Edge offers an intimate, Scandi-style tasting room that feels worlds away from the city.
The experience: enjoy a tasting flight alongside their award-winning extra virgin olive oil and olives, and a curated selection of local cheeses, fresh breads, and artisan meats that perfectly complement their organic labels.
Top pour: their 'Liquid Geography' riesling or the vibrant, peppery syrah.
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm.
Georges Road Wines - Waipara Valley
For those who want to get close to the winemaking process, Georges Road Estate is a true boutique standout.
Owned and operated by winemaker Kirk Bray, the estate focuses on traditional European styles with a distinct North Canterbury character.
The experience: the cellar door is intimate and personal — you'll often find Kirk himself pouring the wines. For the ultimate vineyard immersion, stay at the 'Wine Pod,' a beautifully designed, secluded cabin nestled among the vines with an outdoor wood-fired cedar spa.
Top pour: Their elegant syrah or the crisp, aromatic pinot gris.
Hours: 11 am – 4 pm, 7 days.
Where are the best wineries in the Banks Peninsula & Akaroa?
A trip to the Banks Peninsula is as much about the journey as the destination. Here, the vines are carved into the rugged slopes of an ancient volcano, where maritime air and rich basalt soils produce unique, small-batch wines. From the French-influenced valleys of Akaroa to the bays of Wainui, it is the ultimate destination for a scenic wine in the sunshine.
Caldera Vineyard Estate - Akaroa
Located on Lighthouse Road, Caldera is one of Akaroa's most prestigious destinations, blending high-end dining with a spectacular vineyard setting.
The experience: sophisticated dining with sweeping views of the harbour. It is the premier spot in Akaroa for an indulgent long lunch or sunset dinner.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday, 12 pm – 10 pm (closed Tuesday).
Top pour: their reserve chardonnay, which thrives in the peninsula’s cooling sea breezes.
French Peak Vineyard - Wainui
The oldest vineyard on the peninsula, French Peak, is an organic operation capturing the unique volcanic terroir of the region.
It occupies a prime north-facing site overlooking the Akaroa Harbour, with its cellar door housed in a beautifully converted barn.
The experience: enjoy a tasting flight while nibbling on one of the platters available, stay in their luxury barn accommodation, or solve family-friendly puzzles throughout the vineyard as part of their 'Who stole the grapes' adventure.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm.
Top pour: the pinot noir, known for a distinct minerality drawn from the ancient basalt soils.
Takamatua Valley Vineyards - Akaroa
Nestled on the sun-drenched northern slopes of the Takamatua Valley, this estate feels like a slice of the Côte d'Azur dropped into the Banks Peninsula.
As a family-owned, 100% organic vineyard, they focus on 'biological' viticulture, ensuring the land is as healthy as the vines — and you can taste this passion in their wines.
The experience: a Mediterranean-style cellar door and courtyard overlooking the turquoise waters of the inlet. Note: to maintain an intimate atmosphere, tastings and private tours are by appointment only.
Hours: Tasting room & cellar door open 12 pm – 4 pm daily.
Top pour: their award-winning pinot gris. It is famously crisp and aromatic, perfectly capturing the bright, maritime sunshine of the valley.
French Farm Estate - Wainui
Located on the western side of the Akaroa Harbour, French Farm is a site of deep historical significance — home to some of the first French vineyard plantings in New Zealand in the 1840s.
Today, it is famous for its provincial architecture, delicious wine and casual food menu designed for sharing.
The experience: while the main lodge undergoes renovation to become a luxury retreat, the old winery garden bar is the heart of the estate for visitors. It’s a beautifully relaxed, family-friendly spot where you can enjoy Italian-style tapas and wood-fired pizzas under the shade of massive trees. The grounds feature meandering streams, resident peacocks, and a full-size pétanque court.
Hours: Friday 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.
Top pour: their rosé. Crisp, dry, and elegantly pale, it is the perfect match for the estate’s French-inspired architecture and sunny courtyard.
Planning your visit: frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get to the wineries?
Guided tours: for the Waipara Valley, booking a guided tour (such as Giles Tours or Waipara Wine Tours) is the best way to ensure everyone in your group can enjoy tastings safely, with door-to-door transport from Christchurch.
Cycling: The Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail is a 7km track from Glenmark Domain through private vineyards and farms, to Black Estate. It connects four cellar doors and two restaurants for a premier North Canterbury food and wine experience.
Self-drive: all wineries are within a 15-to-50-minute drive of the city. If you are driving, ensure you have a designated sober driver.
Which winery is closest to Christchurch?
Tussock Hill in the Port Hills is only a 15-minute drive from the city centre, making it the most accessible vineyard for a quick lunch or tasting.
Which wineries offer the best lunch?
For a high-end dining experience, Black Estate, Greystone, and Tussock Hill are world-class. For a casual garden picnic, Pegasus Bay is a must!
Are these wineries dog-friendly?
Many wineries, including Black Estate and Terrace Edge, are dog-friendly, but it is always best to call ahead or check their website for specific garden rules.
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