Wet Your Whistle: A Guide to Wānaka’s Local Artisan Brewers, Winemakers & More

Set against a magnificent backdrop overlooking Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, lies a treasured slice of the region’s wine country. This land, cared for by four generations of the Mills family since 1912, saw its first grapevines planted in 1982. Using thoughtful biodynamic farming methods, Rippon wines are produced with minimal intervention and wild fermentation – allowing the true characteristics of the land shine through. The Cellar Door is located amongst the vines on the family farm, offering free wine tastings by appointment from 12pm to 5pm all week long.

In 1994, Dawn and Terry Wilson traded the medical world for their dream of planting a vineyard in their favorite place: Wānaka. Today, their daughter Sarah-Kate and her husband Dan continue the legacy, crafting exceptional wines from three vineyards: Maude, Poison Creek, and Mohawk Hill. In 2006, Maude Wines opened a stylish, urban tasting room perched above the Wānaka Golf Course, offering breathtaking lake views. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with options to explore the daily wine selection at the tasting bench or unwind on the terrace. Enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, paired with cheese boards and a seasonal menu of nibbles. Advance bookings are recommended!

Just 15 minutes from Wānaka in the Queensberry subregion, Nanny Goat Vineyard thrives in Central Otago’s rugged, extreme climate – much like the wild goats that roam the rocky terrain. Founded by Roxburgh-born winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald, the vineyard produces wines of elegance, concentration, and balance, guided by practices certified by BioGro Organic and Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Set against the expansive Central Otago landscape, the Cellar Door offers a stunning retreat for wine lovers. Taste a selection of their wines – don’t miss the acclaimed Pinot Noir – paired with options from the grazing menu, and learn more about Nanny Goat’s winemaking philosophy.

Named for the Māori prospectors who sought gold here in the 1860s, Māori Point Vineyard was established in 2002 by Dr. John Harris and Dr. Marilyn. Formerly renowned scientists and professors, they now focus on understanding the land and its ecosystem to craft certified sustainable wines with minimal intervention. Their stewardship goes beyond the vineyard, with efforts like planting thousands of native trees, composting grape byproducts, attracting pollinators, and powering the property entirely with solar energy. Visitors can enjoy a guided tasting led by the people who grow the grapes or make the wine. Stroll through the vines, picnic by the river, and savour platters of locally sourced delights.

A family-run vineyard with a lot of heart, Chris and Jackie Paddon planted their first vines in 2014 and have been crafting exceptional wines since. While the grapes are the star of the show, Paddons Paddock is so much more than a great bottle of wine. Located off the highway a few minutes from Wānaka town centre, the cellar door and kitchen is the perfect laid-back setting to sip wines and share generous platters, pizzas, and delicious snacks in a beautiful garden setting. Gather around the picnic tables or borrow one of their blankets to lay on under a shady tree. Paddons has recently built a brand new events stage with regular live music throughout the summer creating a joyful buzz for locals and visitors.

Tucked away in the back blocks of Wānaka, Rhyme x Reason has been brewing a mix of classic and creative beers since 2017. With 14 taps, a sunny beer garden, and a cosy, graffiti-adorned interior, this welcoming spot is a favourite for locals, visitors, and even their furry friends. Sip on pints or tasting paddles, stock up on colourful cans or refillable riggers, and enjoy tasty bites from the Now Bao food truck parked daily. Committed to the community, Rhyme x Reason supports local organizations, sponsors events, and donates monthly meat raffle proceeds to nonprofits – all while embracing waste-reduction initiatives. Cheers to beer that makes a difference!

Another Wānaka favourite, Ground Up Brewery is renowned for its craft beers and its large deck offering breathtaking mountain views. Since its expansion in 2020, the taproom now features 22 taps pouring Ground Up originals, seasonal brews, and specialty barrel-aged creations – perfectly paired with delicious bites from the Brewery Lane Food Truck. Founded by climbing buddies turned brewers, the brewery thrives on hard work, a love for beer, and a commitment to giving back to the land. In line with other like-minded local breweries, Ground Up donates spent grain to livestock and collaborates with Wao on environmental talks and fundraisers.

Brewer James Hay, formerly of Christchurch’s Hop Baron, brings his laid-back yet knowledgeable approach to b.social, a must-visit taproom and eatery. Located just outside Wānaka, it shares a space with the b.effect brewery, offering a peek into the brewing process without sacrificing the cosy pub vibe. The taps showcase standout b.effect creations like Pop’n Pils, Rebel For Kicks Hazy IPA, and the much-loved Daywalker Ginger Beer, alongside cider and kombucha. Pair your pint with classic burgers, loaded fries, or tasty battered snacks. Beyond great brews, b.effect is committed to community and sustainability, actively reducing its carbon footprint and partnering with groups like Bike Glendhu, Cardrona, Te Kakano, and Wai Wānaka to plant trees, protect the environment, and promote awareness.

Opened in 1998, Wānaka Beerworks was the first brewery to emerge in Central Otago. Driven by a passion for their natural surroundings and a strong sense of community, Beerworks brews using 100% solar power and alpine spring water. They further champion sustainability by sourcing NZ hops and malt, recycling cans, and donating spent grain to local farmers. Their Brewski Pilsner, which made waves in the late '90s, remains a favourite companion for Wānaka adventures, whether skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, or boating. The best place to enjoy a Wānaka Beerworks brew? At the Wānaka Brew Bar on Ardmore Street, where you can sample the largest selection of their craft beers while soaking in one of the best views in town.

Nestled at the base of Cardrona Ski Field, Cardrona Distillery is a small but impeccably run operation, where founder Desiree Reid and her dedicated team craft award-winning spirits with precision, care, and a strong commitment to the environment. From milling and distilling to bottling and hosting, every detail is executed with thoughtfulness. The distillery operates with a minimal environmental footprint, featuring thermally insulated architecture that recycles heat to warm visitor spaces. Spent grain is repurposed as livestock feed, and distillation water is carefully managed, returning to the Cardrona River in pristine condition. Visitors can tour the distillery, admire the gleaming copper stills “Roaring Meg” and “Gentle Annie,” and step into the cool, reverent whisky storage room. Enjoy cocktails paired with a seasonal menu, soak in the striking scenery, and take in the unique charm of the bra fence outside.