South Australia’s lunch scene combines world-class wines with fresh local cuisine. The standout experience is the private Coonawarra wine tour – we love how it pairs multiple cellar-door tastings with an intimate lunch setting. Back-to-back favorites include the wonderful hands-on classes at Maggie Beer’s Farm Cooking School (perfect for food lovers) and the scenic Coonawarra half-day wine tour with its perfectly-timed lunch break. For something active, the self-guided e-bike tour through Adelaide Hills lets you work up an appetite between winery visits.
Let’s explore these lunch experiences that make South Australia special.
Key Points
- The Maggie Beer’s Farm Hands-on Cooking School offers a 3.5-hour immersive cooking experience with a hands-on preparation of seasonal dishes and a delicious lunch.
- The Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour includes a personalized and intimate wine tasting experience with a knowledgeable guide, followed by a included lunch.
- The Adelaide Hills Self-Guided E-Bike Wine Tour provides a 6-hour self-guided exploration of the region, with a included coffee, muffin, and lunch at local wineries.
- The Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Guided Tour offers an 8-hour guided experience with visits to farms, chocolatiers, and wineries, culminating in a 2-course lunch with a drink.
- The Private Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour provides a private vehicle, multiple winery tastings, and a included lunch, delivering a comprehensive and highly-rated wine experience.
Private Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour With Lunch
This private Coonawarra wine tour offers an immersive day exploring the renowned wine region. Priced at €184.54 per person, the tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle, wine tasting fees, and a provided lunch.
Visitors can look forward to a 5-star experience, as indicated by the tour’s 100% recommendation rate and Badge of Excellence.
The tour starts at 10:30 am with pickup from any accommodation within Penola or Coonawarra, but guests from Mount Gambier and Naracoorte regions aren’t accommodated.
During the day, travelers will enjoy tastings at multiple wineries, with bottled water supplied in the vehicle. While alcoholic drinks with lunch aren’t included, the meal itself is part of the package.
Reviewers have praised the tour’s friendly and accommodating hosts, as well as the excellent wine and food experiences.
The tour also offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the start time, providing added flexibility for guests.
Read our full review: Private Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour With Lunch Review
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Maggie Beers Farm Hands-on Cooking School and Lunch
A delightful 3.5-hour experience, Maggie Beers Farm Hands-on Cooking School and Lunch invites up to 10 participants to learn from the renowned chef’s trained team.
Priced from $124.60 per person, the intimate class starts with a cooking demonstration before moving to hands-on preparation of seasonal dishes from Maggie’s recipe books. Participants then enjoy a long table lunch featuring the dishes they’ve created, accompanied by wine.
The experience includes take-home recipe cards and personal attention from the instructors, who provide insight into Maggie’s cooking philosophy and the history of The Cook and the Chef.
Reviewers praise the “fabulous event, delicious lunch, and great learning experience.”
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this cooking school and lunch is a must-try for foodies visiting South Australia.
Read our full review: Maggie Beers Farm Hands-on Cooking School and Lunch Review
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Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour With Lunch
Operated by Coonawarra Experiences, the Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour with Lunch invites visitors on a captivating exploration of the region’s renowned vineyards. Priced from $107.67 per person, this 5-star-rated tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Guests will be picked up from their Penola or Coonawarra accommodations at 12:30 PM and transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The tour includes wine tasting fees, a delicious lunch, and complimentary bottled water.
With free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the start, travelers can plan their day with ease.
According to reviews, the knowledgeable and friendly guides make the tour a highlight, leading guests through enjoyable wine tastings and serving up delectable lunch platters.
Wheelchair accessibility is limited, but service animals are welcome. This Coonawarra wine tour offers a well-rounded and highly recommended experience for oenophiles and foodies alike.
Read our full review: Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour With Lunch Review
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Adelaide Hills: Self-Guided E-Bike Wine Tour With Lunch
The Adelaide Hills’ tranquil landscapes and acclaimed wineries beckon adventurous visitors to embark on a self-guided e-bike wine tour. For just $111.82 per person, this 6-hour experience allows you to explore the region’s scenic beauty at your own pace.
Hop on a quality Focus Jarifa Bosch e-bike, equipped with a preloaded GPS for guidance, and choose from routes through Mount Lofty, Piccadilly Valley, or the Mark Olliphant Conservation Park.
To fuel your journey, you’ll start with a coffee and muffin before savoring a delightful lunch and wine tasting at local wineries like Deviation Road or Tapanappa.
Keen to sample more? You can add extra winery visits for $20 per person. Throughout the tour, you’ll have access to helmets, gloves, and bike spares, ensuring a seamless and comfortable ride.
With an impressive 4.7/5 rating from previous guests, this self-guided e-bike wine tour promises a memorable day in the Adelaide Hills.
Read our full review: Adelaide Hills: Self-Guided E-Bike Wine Tour With Lunch Review
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Adelaide: Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Guided Tour With Lunch
This comprehensive 8-hour guided tour offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the charming town of Hahndorf. Priced from $150.16 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, scenic views, farm visits, wine tastings, and a 2-course lunch with beer or wine.
Highlights include stops at Beerenberg Farm, Melba’s Chocolates, Woodside Cheese Wrights, and two local wineries. Guests can also enjoy free time to shop and explore Hahndorf.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 18 or wheelchair users, and guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing. While the overall rating is 4.3/5, some customer feedback indicates mixed experiences regarding the stops and dining options.
Nonetheless, this guided tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s natural beauty, local produce, and cultural attractions, making it a popular choice for visitors to South Australia.
Read our full review: Adelaide: Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Guided Tour With Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
While some tours may allow you to bring your own food, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Many tours include a provided meal, so bringing your own could be unnecessary or even prohibited.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, many tour operators in South Australia accommodate dietary restrictions. They’ll work with you to ensure your needs are met, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary requirements.
What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for the Tours?
The group size for the tours typically ranges from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 12 participants. The tour operators are generally accommodating of dietary restrictions and can make the necessary arrangements for participants with specific dietary needs.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children?
The tours are generally suitable for children, though some activities or portions may not be appropriate for young kids. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details on child-friendliness and any age restrictions.
Can I Purchase Wine/Produce Directly From the Producers?
Yes, many producers in South Australia offer opportunities to purchase wine and local produce directly from their cellar doors or on-site stores. Visitors can often sample and buy products right from the source.
Recap
The best lunch experiences in South Australia offer a range of options, from private Coonawarra wine tours with lunch to hands-on cooking classes at Maggie Beer’s farm. Whether you prefer a half-day wine tour or an e-bike adventure through the Adelaide Hills, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. These experiences provide the perfect opportunity to savor the region’s renowned food and wine.