About Us

Philip Green and Wendy Johnston lived overseas for many years and on coming back to New Zealand in the late 90’s decided that Queenstown was the only “small town” that could offe the cultural diversity, wines and vineyards, and the great outdoors that both loved so much.  Many of their European holidays were spent juggling wine tasting and vineyard visiting, with alpine and rock climbing trips.

Coming from professional backgrounds, both Philip, an IT executive, and Wendy a Project Manager, made major career shifts when creating Central Otago Wine Tours in 1999.  Philip began the transition several years earlier whilst studying for his UK WSET Diploma of Wine and managing a specialist UK wine outlet. This, together with his love and knowledge of Central Otago wines, makes Philip one of the countries most qualified wine guides.

Far from the adrenalin seeking attractions Queenstown is so well known for, Central Otago Wine Tours’ mission was to take people to the quieter parts of Central Otago, immerse them in another culture – the culture of wine, food and the beautiful open spaces that people so often miss on a short visit to Queenstown.

In 2005, the company undertook an extensive brand review and changed the trading name to Appellation Central Wine Tours – to reflect the development and growing recognition of the wine region and their wine tours.

TASTE . SMELL . HEAR . SEE . FEEL . CENTRAL OTAGO