Queenstown Wine Trail: Small Family Team, Big Wine Adventures
If you’ve ever dreamed of living the life of a passionate wine guide — hosting with pride, sharing the beauty of Central Otago and its incredible wines, and enjoying a truly wonderful lifestyle — then this could be the perfect opportunity for you?
Since 1992, we’ve been proud to lead wine tourism here in Queenstown and Central Otago. We’re a small, family company that genuinely cares for our staff. Working with us is a privilege, and many of our guides keep coming back because they can’t stay away! We respect our crew deeply and trust them to deliver an exceptional experience to every guest.
As the leaders in wine tourism, we hand-pick every member of our team carefully. While wine knowledge can be taught, the qualities that matter most are personal: being a great human, a warm and welcoming host, and someone who can effortlessly bring groups together — whether it’s a solo traveller, a luxury private wine tour, or a lively larger group.
If you think you have what it takes to join our respected team and grow with us, get in touch to find out more about current opportunities. We’d love to hear from you!
Join the Family Behind the Wine
Why Work With Us?
At Queenstown Wine Trail, we’re more than a workplace — we’re a family-run crew of wine lovers, storytellers, and local legends who genuinely love what we do. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join the team:
Wine-Soaked Learning
We’re here to support your wine journey — from hands-on tastings and evening education sessions, to formal WSET® training. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned sipper, there’s always more to learn (and love).
Flexibility
We know life isn’t 9 to 5 and neither is tourism. From full-time to part-time to casual, we offer flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle — whether you're juggling side projects, study, or just want more time to enjoy Queenstown. We believe in balance, and we want our crew to have the kind that works for them.
Seriously Good Times
We work hard, laugh harder, and take our wine appreciation very seriously (but never ourselves). Some days are so good, you might actually forget it’s a job.
50% Off for Family & Friends
Let your loved ones experience the magic of Central Otago — at half the price!
A True Sense of Place
Working at
Queenstown Wine Trail
Locally Owned, Family Vibe
You’re not just a number here. We’re a small, close-knit team led by hands-on owners who genuinely care. From day one, you’ll feel like part of the family — supported, celebrated, and always included.
Guiding principles
Everything we do is grounded in who we are — as people, and as New Zealanders. Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Rangatiratanga are the values we live by. They guide how we host, how we care, and how we share this place with our guests from all over the world.
Central Otago at Its Finest
Your “office” is simply one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world!
Real Connection, Real Impact
You’ll meet people from all over the world and help shape their memories of New Zealand. It’s truly meaningful, rewarding work — and never boring.
Proud to Be the Original
We literally created the wine trail in Queenstown in 1992 — and that pioneering spirit is still part of everything we do. Working here means being part of a bigger legacy.
Supportive, Not Corporate
We’re just real humans doing great work, backing each other up, and having a great time doing it. As owners, we’re still out there guiding tours too — so we get it, and we’re in it with you.
Let our guides pour you a taste of what it’s like to work as a wine guide with Queenstown Wine Trail.
“It never really feels like a job — I get to meet beautiful people from all over the world and showcase the stunning vineyards in a place I’m lucky to call home. And with QWT, it’s like one big family — they treat both staff and guests with the same genuine care.”
WSET® qualified
“I’ve been with Queenstown Wine Trail for two and a half years now, and they’ve supported me right through to earning my WSET Level 2, which I’m really proud of, and meeting people from all over the world every day is pretty cool! But honestly, it’s the team that makes it. They’re my work family, and I treat our guests like family too — so it’s a win-win for everyone.”
WSET® qualified
“Working with QWT is simply a privilege. The team is incredibly friendly, and our connection to the wineries is something truly special.”
“It’s great to work with such a wine passionate team. Always a new vintage to discuss and argue over. QWT feels like a true family run business.”
“Everyone’s always in such a good mood — no surprise why! It’s a bit like Noah’s Ark sometimes, you’ve got people from all over the world, different ages, cultures, and languages, all coming together for this fantastic shared experience. I worked full time with QWT for two years, and have kept coming back casually ever since — once you’re part of the crew, you never really leave.”
WSET® Diploma in Wine
“The guests are the best part of the job. Everyone has such a great day out on tour — their enthusiasm for this beautiful region and its incredible wines creates a really special atmosphere. I feel lucky to be part of it.”
