"I find that my music suits far better the informal situation and it's more of a challenge for me, doing bigger outdoor things," the two-time Tui and APRA Silver Scroll winner said from Auckland this week.
"My whole performance style is conversational and it's a little easier as a solo or duo to play a wider scope of my stuff. I've got a songbook with a lot of songs people know and quite a lot they don't, so I'll always throw in the stuff people have heard and some new and obscure dark tunes as well, to keep people guessing."
The artist behind hits Now the Sun is Out, Save Yourself, Don't Wait Another Day, Isabelle and Swagger reunites with an old pal, singer-guitarist Ben King (Grand Rapids, Goldenhorse).
"We will be drinking a little bit of nice Otago pinot noir and maybe some white wines while we're there.
"Ben's a big foodie as well, so we'll be very much at home and enjoying ourselves."
After Johnson's show on on January 15, the Winehouse will host Barry Saunders and Lindon Puffin on January 29, Jason Kerrison on February 12, Hollie Smith on March 4, Anika Moa on March 18, and Julia Deans and Seth Haapu on April 1.
Only Moa has played in the Winehouse before.
Tickets cost $45 per gig from Quest in Queenstown and Wanaka, the Arrowtown Information Centre or via the Eventfinder website.
The Winehouse doors open at 3pm and shows start at 5.30pm.
