Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door?
What makes it 87% Couple-Friendly: Couples get romantic lake views, premium shared tastings and multi-course menus, easy to book online; quiet ambience and wine focus make it an excellent date spot with few downsides.
Positives:
- Estate-grown organic wines: All wines come from Amisfield’s single organic vineyard for unique flavor profiles
- Lakeside setting: The terrace overlooks Lake Hayes for a scenic backdrop during tastings
- Free parking: Complimentary off-street parking makes arrival by car easy
Challenges:
- High tasting fees: Premium and lunch tastings can be costly—plan your budget accordingly
- Advance booking required: Book bespoke or lunch tastings at least 48 hours ahead to guarantee a spot
- Seasonal weather: Courtyard seating is weather-dependent; have a backup indoor plan in winter
What is Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door?
- A lakeside restaurant and cellar door set on the shores of Lake Hayes as the hospitality arm of Amisfield’s single-estate organic vineyard in Central Otago.
- A 200-hectare wine estate with over 80 hectares of sustainably farmed vines, specializing in low-yield, high-concentration Pinot Noir alongside select aromatic white varieties.
- A purpose-built schist-clad building that houses both a contemporary restaurant space and a cellar door directly linked to on-site production facilities.
What is so special about Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door for couple trip?
- Estate-grown organic wines with distinct Central Otago character
- Multiple tasting options from standard flights to private cellar sessions
- Scenic Lake Hayes views and courtyard seating in mild seasons
- Complimentary parking and easy walking access to the vineyard
- Couple-friendly atmosphere with fine-dining lunch pairings
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time for a full wine tasting and a stroll by Lake Hayes
Couple-Friendly Activities in Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door
Premium Wine Tasting:
Compare six estate-grown wines at the tasting bar or courtyard
Tip: Book online or walk in if fewer than seven guests; tasting fee waived with NZD140+ purchase
Bespoke Private Tasting:
Enjoy a 90–120 minute session with rare library vintages
Tip: Reserve at least 48 hours ahead to secure a private cellar tour
Lunch Tasting Menu:
Dine on seven courses highlighting Central Otago produce
Tip: Add wine pairing for a complete experience; book early to get courtyard seating
Vineyard and Lake Hayes Walk:
Stroll the organic vineyard slopes and admire Lake Hayes views
Tip: Visit in autumn for vibrant vine colours and milder temperatures
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door
- Visit on weekdays: Choose a weekday visit to avoid weekend crowds at the cellar door
- Timing for courtyard: Arrive before lunch service to claim a table on the courtyard terrace
- Pair tasting with purchase: Spend NZD140+ on bottles to waive the tasting fee and take home favorites
Reviews of Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door
Eatin' with Timmy
Classic Central Otago winery, with some interesting dishes. Amisfield cleverly mixes some Kiwi classics with modern cookery techniques to provide an lunch worth a journey. Food was well complimented with their wines and some international options by the bottle. Would have been nice to have a few more by the glass. A la carte menu was good value, degustation much more pricey so we gave it a miss.
B. R.
3.5 STARS My friends and I went. We didnt book the full dining experience, just wanted to check it out. The place felt somewhere in the middle, it was neither great or bad. It was somewhere in the middle. Maybe that was the intention of the designers to make it all about the wine and food (?) We only had some glasses of wine and cheeses. The wines were OK, the cheese and how the server presente...
Bronz
Finally got to go to Amisfield, my pockets weren't deep enough to dine so had to suffice with a wine and cheese board. It was a windy day so sat inside by the fire. Lovely ambience inside but what I enjoyed most was watching all the food that came out. Honestly couldn't tell what some things were the presentation was amazing. Our cheese board was nice and great to get a decent amount of crackers. ...
Massimo Attinà
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 men...
Michael Jones
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 comp...
When is the best time to visit Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
Summer offers courtyard seating; autumn brings colourful vines; winters are quiet but cool—dress warmly
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Premium Wine Tasting (per person) | NZD 60 |
| Lunch Tasting Menu (per person) | NZD 395 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 910 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door
Address: 10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
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About Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 442 055610 BEST nearby Activities
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