Queenstown winery's cellar door crowned country's best

Kinross on the outskirts of Queenstown has been judged as having the country's best cellar door experience.

The Gibbston Valley winery has taken out the first-ever Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award.

Kinross chief executive Nicky Sygrove says she is proud of her team's efforts to secure such recognition.

"Providing a world-class guest experience is at the core of everything we do," she says.

Visitors to the cellar door are introduced to wines from Coal Pit, Hawkshead, High Garden, Valli, and Wild Irishman, in addition to the winery's own Kinross wines.

"The quality of wine e offer at the cellar door is unparalleled, and we are committed to ensuring that the experience we provide matches this excellence," Ms Sygrove says.

"We are fortunate to collaborate with such distinguished wineries, allowing us to share the unique story of Central Otago wine like no one else can."

Judges say the competition was "fierce", but Kinross stood out for its tailored experiences for tourists, even going as far as engaging cultural advisors to cater to diverse markets, including Asian and American guests.

Kinross was one of 30 wineries vying for the top spot - with The Landing Wine in the Bay of Islands and Wrights Vineyard and Winery in Gisborne the other two finalists.

The award is run in collaboration with New Zealand Winegrowers, and spokesperson Charlotte Read says Kinross is "an excellent example of how the wine tourism sector adds value and builds year-round appeal for New Zealand as a premium visitor destination".

She calls it "an exciting time for wine tourism" in New Zealand.

The team were celebrated at an event held at Te Papa in Wellington on Thursday.

Main image (Facebook/Kinross - Cellar Door, Bistro and Boutique Accommodation)