Wine touring in New South Wales makes for some of the finest tasting experiences in Australia, with several standout options worth your time and money. The Shoalhaven Coast tour by Shire Shuttle Bus gets my vote for its intimate small-group format and stops at family-run estates. I’m particularly impressed with the Hunter Valley VIP Soil-to-Cellar experience – it’s the real deal, offering genuine behind-the-scenes access you won’t get elsewhere. For something quirky but fun, the Orange Trike tour combines great wines with an unforgettable ride. Couples shouldn’t miss the Hunter Gleann Private Tour, which lets you customize your tastings while avoiding the crowds. Let’s look at my favorite wine tours across New South Wales.
Key Points
- Shire Shuttle Buss Shoalhaven Coast Wine Tour offers a personalized wine tasting experience with round-trip transport, morning tea, lunch, and visits to notable estates.
- Hunter Valley: VIP Soil-to-Cellar Winery Experience provides exclusive access to Brokenwood Winery and a 4-course degustation lunch paired with selected wines.
- Private Orange Trike Wine Tasting Tour in Orange offers a unique mode of transportation and wine tastings paired with a cheese platter.
- Hunter Gleann Private Tour – Indulgence Wine Tour for 2 allows guests to tailor their itinerary and visit boutique wineries with tasting fees included.
- Picnic Experience at Printhie combines a guided wine tasting with a picnic hamper featuring charcuterie, cheese, and quiche.
Shire Shuttle Buss Shoalhaven Coast Wine Tour
For those seeking a hassle-free exploration of the Shoalhaven Coast’s picturesque wineries, the Shire Shuttle Buss Shoalhaven Coast Wine Tour offers a delightful experience.
Departing from Sydney CBD, this all-inclusive tour provides round-trip transportation, morning tea, and a delectable lunch. Theres some good wine tastings at notable estates like Two Figs, Silos Estate, and Coolangatta Estate, while also enjoying a visit to the charming village of Berry.
The tour includes a cheese platter sample and bottled water, ensuring a well-rounded and comfortable outing. With a maximum of 24 travelers per tour, the experience boasts personalized attention from the driver/guide.
The tour is accessible to those 18 and above, with infant seats available. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Backed by a 5-star rating and free cancellation, this Shoalhaven Coast wine tour is an excellent choice for exploring the region’s viniculture and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Shire Shuttle Buss Shoalhaven Coast Wine Tour Review
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Hunter Valley: VIP Soil-to-Cellar Winery Experience
Travelers seeking a truly immersive winery experience can indulge in the VIP Soil-to-Cellar Winery Experience at Brokenwood in the renowned Hunter Valley.
This 4-hour private group tour grants exclusive access, including a guided in-depth exploration of the winery and the exceptional Graveyard Shiraz vines. Guests will savor a 4-course degustation lunch paired with expertly selected wines, including a sample of the pre-released Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz – one of Australia’s top wines.
The experience also includes 3 garnished oysters matched with 3 styles of premium Brokenwood Semillon and a gourmet grazing charcuterie platter.
At the end, guests will take home a bottle of the current release Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Priced at €794.30 per person, this VIP experience is wheelchair accessible and can be booked with no upfront payment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Hunter Valley: VIP Soil-to-Cellar Winery Experience Review
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Private Orange Trike Wine Tasting Tour
Embarking on a unique wine tasting adventure, the Private Orange Trike Wine Tasting Tour offers a captivating experience in the heart of New South Wales.
This half-day tour whisks visitors through the region’s renowned vineyards, including Colmar Estate, Mortimers Wines Cellar Door, and Ross Hill Wines. Travelers enjoy exclusive access to these popular wineries, with all entry and tasting fees included.
The tour’s highlight is the stylish transportation – a private trike that provides a thrilling, open-air ride through the scenic countryside.
Pickup is available from accommodations in Orange or the local visitor center, with the tour returning to the starting point. Along the way, guests savor a delectable cheese platter, complementing the wine tastings.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, excluding those with heart conditions or serious medical concerns.
With a 5.0 rating and no negative reviews, this unique wine experience promises an unforgettable day in New South Wales’ picturesque wine region.
Read our full review: Private Orange Trike Wine Tasting Tour Review
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Hunter Gleann Private Tour- Indulgence Wine Tour for 2 (Full Day)
Offering an indulgent wine tasting experience in the heart of the Hunter Valley, the Hunter Gleann Private Tour – Indulgence Full Day Wine Tour provides visitors with a personalized exploration of the region’s premier vineyards.
Rated 100% by travelers, this private tour allows guests to customize their itinerary and visit boutique wineries with included tastings. The tour’s private driver ensures no one misses out on the wine-tasting fun, with pickup and drop-off at guests’ preferred locations.
The tour includes tasting fees at selected wineries and the option to enjoy a lunch at an additional cost.
With a start time of 9:30 am, the tour offers a full day of wine exploration, allowing guests to savor the Hunter Valley’s finest offerings.
Boasting a Badge of Excellence, the Hunter Gleann Private Tour – Indulgence Full Day Wine Tour is a must-try for oenophiles visiting New South Wales, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Hunter Gleann Private Tour- Indulgence Wine Tour for 2 (Full Day) Review
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Opal Polishing Workshops in Beautiful Mudgee Wine Country
Exploring the rich Australian opal culture takes center stage at the captivating Opal Polishing Workshops nestled in the picturesque Mudgee wine region.
During this hands-on, two-hour private workshop, you will gain firsthand experience working with authentic Australian opals under the guidance of an expert host. The intimate setting is ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers seeking a unique culture.
Participants will learn about the craft’s history, then have the opportunity to polish stones themselves under the host’s supervision. As a memento, they’ll take home their own polished gems to display or incorporate into jewelry.
The workshop includes all necessary equipment, from magnifying headgear and gloves to sleeve protectors and snacks. With a 5.0 rating and positive reviews, these workshops promise an unforgettable opal experience amidst the stunning Mudgee countryside, just 40 minutes from the city.
Read our full review: Opal Polishing Workshops in Beautiful Mudgee Wine Country Review
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Personalised Wine Tour Experience in the Beautiful NSW Southern Highlands
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the New South Wales Southern Highlands, the Personalised Wine Tour Experience offers visitors a chance to discover the region’s acclaimed boutique wineries at their own pace.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides a private vehicle for up to 4 participants, allowing you to avoid crowded buses. Your local guide, Peter, will work with you to customize your itinerary, taking you to wineries like Tertini and Sutton Forest Estate Wines.
The tour also includes entrance to the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
Logistics-wise, the tour starts at 10:00 am, with flexible pickup locations across the Southern Highlands, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out, this Personalised Wine Tour Experience is sure to impress.
Read our full review: Personalised Wine Tour Experience in the Beautiful NSW Southern Highlands Review
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Hot Air Ballooning Over Sydney Macarthur Region Including A Champagne Breakfast
Although the early start time may deter some, the breathtaking Hot Air Ballooning Over Sydney Macarthur Region Including A Champagne Breakfast tour is a must-do experience for visitors to the area.
The 1-hour hot air balloon ride offers scenic views of the valleys, rivers, and Blue Mountains, accompanied by insightful commentary from a qualified pilot. After landing, guests can indulge in a gourmet champagne breakfast as a fitting end to the adventure.
With inclusions such as hotel pickup, snacks, and souvenir photos, the tour provides excellent value. However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind – the basket requires climbing and standing, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions.
Despite occasional weather-related cancellations, the tour boasts an impressive 97% traveler recommendation based on 95 reviews with an average rating of 4.9/5.
For those seeking a memorable and scenic hot air balloon experience in New South Wales, this tour is a top contender.
Read our full review: Hot Air Ballooning Over Sydney Macarthur Region Including A Champagne Breakfast Review
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Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange With Wine
Seeking a more intimate and personalized winery experience in New South Wales? Look no further than the private picnic lunch experience at Printhie Wines in the heart of Orange. This exclusive outing is perfect for couples or small groups looking to savor seasonal flavors and award-winning wines in a stunning natural setting.
The experience includes a picnic hamper filled with charcuterie, cheese, quiche, and other delectable treats prepared by the Printhie chefs. Guests can also indulge in a guided wine tasting of the Topography range and take home a bottle of their favorite vintage. The use of a picnic rug, glassware, and tray table adds to the elegance of the affair.
While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and flexible payment options, this private picnic lunch is a must-try for wine enthusiasts seeking a truly memorable winery visit in New South Wales.
Read our full review: Private Picnic Lunch Experience in Orange With Wine Review
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Indulgence Wine Tasting With Matched Tapas for 2 – Canberra
For those seeking an indulgent wine tasting experience in Canberra, the Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Tapas for 2 is a must-try. Priced at $81.92 per person, this private tour offers a delightful combination of 12 wine tastings and 12 small bite-sized tapas.
The experience takes place at Contentious Character in Fyshwick, where free parking is available.
The tour is accessible, catering to wheelchair users, stroller owners, and those with service animals. Infants can also be accommodated.
With a 4.3 overall rating based on 3 reviews, this experience is a popular choice among visitors.
The 2-hour tasting allows participants to indulge in a variety of alcoholic beverages while exploring the nuances of each wine. The matched tapas further enhance the tasting, providing a complementary culinary experience.
This activity is ideal for those seeking an intimate, personalized wine tasting in Canberra.
Read our full review: Indulgence Wine Tasting With Matched Tapas for 2 – Canberra Review
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The Sum Up
New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s finest wine regions. Whether it’s a shuttle bus tour along the Shoalhaven Coast, a VIP experience in the Hunter Valley, or a private trike tour in Orange, there’s a wine tour to suit every taste. Explore the beautiful countryside, sample local wines, and indulge in delicious food – the perfect way to experience the best of NSW’s wine country.