About
Wet Jacket Wines stands out in Queenstown for its relaxed, unpretentious approach to quality wine and its unbeatable waterfront location at Queenstown Marina. Located in Shed 3 on Sugar Lane in Frankton, this cellar door has carved out a loyal following by focusing on small-batch, hand-crafted wines without the stuffiness you'd expect. Their wines are made right here in Central Otago—New Zealand's most exciting wine region—and you'll often find the winemakers around to talk about their philosophy of letting the fruit do the talking.
Visitors should expect a genuinely welcoming atmosphere where wine snobbery goes out the window. The space is casual and friendly, perfect for couples on a romantic afternoon, friends wanting to share a few tastings, or solo travellers looking for honest local recommendations. Most people spend 1–2 hours here, sampling wines by the glass or bottle while soaking in views across the marina. The staff know their stuff without being condescending, and they're keen to help you find something you'll actually enjoy drinking. It's worth noting this is an active working winery, so you get authenticity over polished tourist experience.
Fit Wet Jacket Wines into your Queenstown itinerary as a mid-afternoon break between adventure activities and dinner—the marina location makes it easy to walk to restaurants and bars when you're ready to move on. It pairs well with a lakeside stroll or as a wind-down after jet-skiing or bungy jumping. The cellar door is open year-round, though summer (December–February) brings the most relaxed vibe and outdoor seating appeal. Book ahead during peak season, especially if you're planning a larger group tasting.
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