About
Nockies Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door sits on the scenic Lake Hayes-Arrow Junction Highway in Frankton, just 20 minutes from central Queenstown, and represents something genuinely different in the region's wine scene. Rather than chasing blockbuster production volumes, this winery focuses on small-batch, thoughtfully crafted wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of the Lake Hayes Estate. The setting itself—rolling vineyard views framed by the Remarkables—feels intimate and deliberately unhurried, which is exactly what draws repeat visitors and locals who want to escape the busier cellar doors closer to town.
Expect a genuine, unpretentious experience. The cellar door welcomes everyone from serious wine enthusiasts to casual visitors, couples on romantic getaways, and families (with non-alcoholic options and a relaxed vibe that doesn't make kids feel unwelcome). Most people spend 1–2 hours here, moving between tasting, chatting with knowledgeable staff, and simply soaking in the vineyard views. The 4.9-star rating across 156 Google reviews speaks to consistency: visitors praise the quality of the wine, the lack of pressure to buy, and the genuine passion behind what's being poured. Come hungry or plan to pair your tasting with local cheese or charcuterie if available.
Located en route to Arrowtown (15 minutes further), Nockies Palette fits naturally into a Lake Hayes wine loop or a longer Central Otago exploration. Spring (September–November) brings vineyard activity and milder weather; autumn (March–May) offers golden light and harvest energy. It's worth building in a visit if you're already exploring the Lake Hayes Estate wineries, or planning a half-day wine-focused outing that feels more personal than Queenstown's main tourist trails.
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