Rotorua may not be New Zealand’s most renowned wine region, but its proximity to boutique wineries and vibrant tasting venues makes it a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. Choosing the best wineries in Rotorua ensures a memorable tasting experience, blending local charm with access to wines from nearby regions like Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room and The Barn Winery stand out among local options for their unique settings and quality offerings.
1Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room
Volcanic Hills is an award winning winery based in Rotorua. Their tasting room at the top of the Skyline gondola offers breathtaking views over Rotorua town and lake while sampling their wines. The wines are crafted from grapes sourced from Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago, with a focus on enjoyable tastings without confusing jargon.
Services
- Wine tastings of 3 or 5 wines
- Cheese and charcuterie platters
- Corporate and private wine tastings
- Online wine sales
- Group tastings
Highlights
- Unique location at Skyline Rotorua with panoramic lake views
- Tasting room open 11am to 5 or 6pm depending on the day
- Emphasis on personal wine stories and enjoyment
- Wines reflecting volcanic terroir influence
- Pre-purchase tickets available online
Location & Contact
Name: Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room
Address: 176 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, New Zealand
Phone: 07 282 2018
Website: volcanichills.co.nz
2The Barn Winery
The Barn is a boutique vineyard in Rotorua producing premium still and sparkling wines. Owned by Alan and Shona Duncan, the estate features panoramic views of Lake Rotorua and Mt Tarawera, with vines planted in all day sun. The wines are available for purchase online, with a focus on quality artisan production.
Services
- Online sales of still and sparkling wines
- Special mixed boxes and promotions
- Events and functions by arrangement
- Sales of specific varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris
Highlights
- Family-run boutique vineyard
- Unique Niagara-Chardonnay sparkling wine
- Set amongst native bush with lake views
- Young story with modern approach
- Online only sales with shipping within NZ
Location & Contact
Name: The Barn Winery
Address: Rotorua
Phone: 027 478 6393
Website: thebarnwinery.co.nz
3Poco Tapas & Wine
Poco is a stylish, intimate tapas and wine bar in the heart of Rotorua’s central dining precinct. Inspired by Spanish tapas culture, it offers a menu designed to be shared, using locally-sourced ingredients for Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy a hand-picked wine list alongside New Zealand craft beers and signature cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Services
- Contemporary tapas and larger plates to share
- Hand-picked wine list
- New Zealand craft beers
- Signature cocktails
- Seasonal menu changes
Highlights
- Intimate and stylish venue
- Communal dining experience
- Central location in dining precinct
- Focus on fresh, quality ingredients
- Suitable for dinner or drinks
Location & Contact
Name: Poco Tapas & Wine
Address: Rotorua
Website: poco.nz
4Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch is an award-winning dining destination in the heart of Eat Streat, Rotorua. For more than a decade, it has been a popular spot for special celebrations, group functions, or romantic evenings. The menu features fresh, innovative share plates and unique flavours, complemented by local craft beer, wine by the glass, and seasonal cocktails crafted from scratch.
Services
- Share plates and innovative dishes
- Wine by the glass
- Local craft beer
- Seasonal cocktails
- Group functions and events
Highlights
- Multiple Rotorua Hospitality Awards including Supreme Business of the Year 2023
- Best Ambience & Design 2023
- Iconic spot in Eat Streat
- Over a decade of operation
- Focus on lively conversation and playful plates
Location & Contact
Name: Atticus Finch
Address: 1106 Tutanekai St, Eat Streat, Rotorua New Zealand
Phone: 07 460 0400
Website: atticusfinch.co.nz
5Regent of Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua is a boutique hotel in the heart of Rotorua’s city centre featuring the award-winning The Regent Room Restaurant & Bar. It offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine with fresh local produce, from breakfast and lunch to dinner and high tea. The boutique wine list highlights exceptional New Zealand vineyards alongside international labels, with a modern cocktail menu.
Services
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and high tea
- À la carte and degustation menus
- Sharing plates and tapas
- Boutique wine list with NZ and international wines
- Cocktails and events hosting
Highlights
- Multiple Rotorua Hotel Restaurant of the Year awards
- Beef & Lamb Excellence awards
- Central location with pool and mineral pool
- Stylish boutique hotel setting
- Led by Chef Alan Haslem
Location & Contact
Name: Regent of Rotorua
Address: 1191 Pukaki Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Phone: 07 348 4079
Website: regentrotorua.co.nz
Wineries in Rotorua at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room | Rotorua | Unique location at Skyline Rotorua with panoramic lake views |
| The Barn Winery | Rotorua | Family-run boutique vineyard |
| Poco Tapas & Wine | Rotorua | Intimate and stylish venue |
| Atticus Finch | Eat Streat | Multiple Rotorua Hospitality Awards including Supreme Business of the... |
| Regent of Rotorua | Rotorua | Multiple Rotorua Hotel Restaurant of the Year awards |
How to Choose the Right Wineries in Rotorua
- Consider proximity to central Rotorua or key attractions like Skyline or Eat Streat for convenience.
- Look for variety in wine styles, from sparkling to still varietals sourced from different regions.
- Seek out unique settings such as lake views or intimate urban bars to enhance the experience.
- Check for events, tastings, food pairings or group options that add depth to your visit.
- Read about service, ambiance, awards and any specialisations for the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotorua Wineries
Are there vineyards located directly in Rotorua?
Rotorua does not have many traditional vineyards within the city itself due to its geothermal soil conditions, but it offers excellent wine tasting venues and boutique producers featuring wines from renowned regions like Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. These local options bring quality New Zealand wine experiences to a central location.
What types of wine can I expect to taste in Rotorua?
Most wineries and wine venues in Rotorua offer selections including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and sparkling wines. These come from boutique producers across New Zealand’s top wine regions, with some local production as well.
Is it necessary to book in advance for wine tastings in Rotorua?
Booking in advance is generally not required for small groups or walk-in tastings at many venues, but it is recommended for larger parties, private events or peak times. For venues with limited space or special experiences, reservations help ensure availability.
Can I purchase wine to take home from these venues?
Yes, most Rotorua wine bars and tasting rooms offer bottles for purchase onsite, and some provide online ordering options with shipping. It is a great way to take a piece of your experience home or send a gift.
Are wine tasting venues in Rotorua family-friendly?
Many venues are welcoming to families, especially those with casual or daytime tastings and food menus, though it is always good to check in advance. Some sites offer outdoor seating or non-alcoholic options, making them more comfortable for visitors with children.
How do I find wineries near specific areas like the CBD or Fairy Springs?
Venues in central Rotorua such as those on Eat Streat or Tutanekai Street are convenient for the CBD, while options near Fairy Springs Road offer easy access to lake views and gondola experiences. Checking individual websites or maps helps plan visits based on your location in the city.
What should I know about visiting wineries as a day trip from Rotorua?
Some excellent wineries are a short drive away in regions like Hawke’s Bay, making them ideal for day trips. Plan for travel time, check opening hours and consider combining with other activities for a full day out.
How We Chose the Best Wineries in Rotorua
Every business in this guide was found by searching for wineries in Rotorua, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Rotorua, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.