Closson Chase is one of the county's best-known wineries, set among vineyards on Closson Road near Hillier. It is known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the grapes that suit the county's limestone soils and cool climate. The winery offers a seated, guided flight of current wines in its renovated old barrel cellar, which needs a reservation through its site. A relaxed outdoor garden serves wines by the glass, flights and small plates on a first-come basis, weather permitting. Groups of seven or more must book ahead, and tastings for groups are held outdoors under a tent. Tastings run daily from 11 am to 5 pm, and the winery runs events through the autumn and winter, which makes it one of the easiest off-season stops.
What to do
Book the barrel-cellar tasting if you want a guided, seated introduction to the wines, or drop into the garden for a glass and a plate when the weather allows. The wines to focus on are the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, which the winery treats as its signature. A short stroll among the vines is part of the appeal, and bottles can be bought on site, so bring a cooler bag if you are travelling on.
Seasons and planning
Tastings run daily from 11 am to 5 pm, and the winery hosts events through the autumn and winter, including a Christmas crawl along Closson Road and Wassail harvest celebrations, so check its events page for dates. The garden is weather dependent, so in the cold months the barrel cellar is the reliable choice. Reserve the barrel-cellar tasting in advance, and book group tastings by email well before you travel. Check the winery's site for the current fee.
Fitting it in
Allow about ninety minutes for a tasting and a short walk. The winery is in the Hillier area, a short drive from Wellington and Picton, and sits close to other tasting rooms, so it pairs well with a second stop. If you are driving, take turns as the designated driver or hire a local tour, since the distances between wineries add up. Weekends are busiest, and a weekday visit is calmer.
What to expect
The experience
A seated barrel-cellar tasting or a relaxed garden with wines by the glass, flights and small plates.
Best time
Daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with autumn and winter events; the garden depends on the weather, so the barrel cellar is the safer cold-season choice.
How long
Allow about ninety minutes including a short walk among the vines.
Tips
Reserve the barrel-cellar tasting on the winery's booking page, book groups of seven or more by email and plan a driver.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wine lovers who want to taste county Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a seated, guided setting.
- Families
- The garden is casual and the grounds are open, but the focus is tasting, so it suits older children better than toddlers.
- Couples
- Book the barrel-cellar tasting for a quiet, unhurried hour, then have a glass in the garden if the weather is kind.
- Pair with
- Norman Hardie, Huff Estates and a Wellington dinner fit into the same day.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes on site, plus drive time from Picton or Wellington.
Good questions
What are Closson Chase's tasting hours?+
Tastings run daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Check the winery's site before you go, since hours can change around events and holidays.
Do I need to reserve a tasting?+
The seated barrel-cellar tasting is booked through the winery's site. The garden is first-come, first-served and depends on the weather, and groups of seven or more must book in advance.
What is Closson Chase known for?+
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the county's limestone soils, which are the wines most visitors come to taste.
Are there events in the cold months?+
Yes, the winery hosts a Christmas crawl along Closson Road and Wassail harvest celebrations in late autumn. Check its events page for dates.
Where is it?+
At 629 Closson Road in Hillier, in the centre of the county. It is a short drive from Wellington and Picton.
