Wine touring in Victoria, BC offers excellent value with compact routes and intimate tasting experiences. The Cowichan Valley, just 45 minutes from downtown Victoria, packs 14 family-run wineries into its scenic countryside. The Yarra Valley stands out for its organized day trips, complete with expert guides and door-to-door service.
I’m especially fond of the small-group tours that take you to three or four wineries in about six hours – they’re personal, unhurried, and include lunch at a local farm-to-table restaurant. The limousine tours, while pricier, provide a luxurious experience perfect for special occasions.
Let’s explore my favorite wine tours across Victoria’s beautiful wine country.
Key Points
- Cowichan Valley Tour offers a personalized wine tasting experience with scenic drives to 3 wineries and includes a charcuterie lunch.
- Pizzini Wines King Valley provides a private tasting with Italian grape varieties, a grazing plate, and a picnic with dessert.
- The Saanich Peninsula Tour is an immersive half-day tour with tutored tastings and a 100% recommendation rate.
- The Wine & Food & Farms Tour is a half-day excursion that visits 3-4 vineyards and includes a farm-to-table lunch.
- The Yarra Valley Tour is a full-day private limousine tour that includes four tastings, a two-course lunch with wine, snacks, and bottled water.
Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley
Why not experience a private wine tasting tour in the beautiful Cowichan Valley?
This tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the region’s wineries without the need for a designated driver. The private tour ensures a personalized experience, with scenic drives between at least three wineries and a light charcuterie lunch provided.
The tour operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from June to September, with additional availability in the spring. Pickup is from accommodations in Victoria, and the experience includes wine tastings and a chauffeured drive through the stunning Cowichan Valley, known for its mountain and ocean views.
Participants must be 19 or older with two forms of ID, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
With an overall rating of 4.8 stars from previous guests, this private wine tasting tour promises a fantastic and personalized experience in the heart of Vancouver Island’s renowned wine country.
Read our full review: Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley Review
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All Inclusive Full Day Private Limousine Wine Tour – Tastes of the Yarra Valley
This all-inclusive full-day private limousine wine tour offers visitors a chance to indulge in the flavors of the renowned Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia.
The tour lasts 7-8 hours and departs from accommodations in Melbourne at 9:00 am. Guests will travel in a private limousine and enjoy four included tastings at cellar doors, a two-course lunch with a glass of wine, snacks, and bottled water.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and allows service animals. Infant seats are available, and the tour is near public transportation.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and most travelers can participate, with alcoholic beverages exclusively for adults.
Reviews for this tour are excellent, with an overall rating of 5.0/5 stars from 8 total reviews, praising the friendly driver, great music, and wonderful winery experiences.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Full Day Private Limousine Wine Tour – Tastes of the Yarra Valley Review
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Pizzini Wines King Valley Esperienza – Private Wine Tasting & Grazing Plate
Visitors seeking a more intimate wine tasting experience in Victoria’s renowned King Valley can indulge in the Pizzini Wines King Valley Esperienza. This private wine tasting and grazing plate offers a structured format catered to both novices and connoisseurs, with a focus on Italian grape varieties like prosecco and pinot grigio.
A knowledgeable tutor guides participants through the tasting, helping them identify the nuances of flavors and aromas. The experience also includes an Italian-style grazing platter and a glass of wine, as well as a picnic with dessert, coffee, and tea, all enjoyed in the winery’s picturesque gardens.
With flexible start times and a private setting, this tour allows visitors to enjoy the King Valley’s winemaking traditions without the distractions of sharing the experience with strangers.
Priced at $100.83 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Pizzini Wines King Valley Esperienza offers a unique and memorable wine tasting adventure.
Read our full review: Pizzini Wines King Valley Esperienza – Private Wine Tasting & Grazing Plate Review
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Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour – Cowichan Valley
Travelers seeking to indulge in a well-rounded exploration of Cowichan Valley’s culinary and viticulture offerings can embark on the Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour.
This half-day excursion features visits to 3-4 picturesque vineyards, showcasing food, wine, and spectacular scenery. The tour includes bubbly with orange juice, fresh baked goods, and a farm-to-table lunch with wine served outdoors when weather permits. Dessert with wine concludes the experience.
The tour’s menu features a charcuterie picnic and a seasonal lunch filled with locally grown produce. Dietary needs can be accommodated with 24-hour notice.
Participants can look forward to engaging interactions with winery owners, delicious local food, and the serene beauty of Cowichan Valley.
With a 4.9 rating from 125 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, this tour offers a unique and educational way to explore Vancouver Island’s thriving wine region.
Read our full review: Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour – Cowichan Valley Review
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Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour
For those seeking a more personalized exploration of the Saanich Peninsula’s thriving wine region, the Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour offers an immersive experience. This half-day tour takes visitors to multiple wineries, where they can enjoy tutored tastings and learn about the local grape varieties.
Travelers are picked up and dropped off from any location in Greater Victoria, ensuring convenience throughout the journey.
The tour includes tasting fees and food, making it an all-inclusive experience. While it’s not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. Infants can also be accommodated, making it a suitable option for families.
With a 100% recommendation rate from previous travelers, the tour promises scenic drives and knowledgeable guides who enhance the overall wine-tasting experience.
Booking is easy, with confirmation provided upon reservation and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour Review
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Private Small Group Local Wine and Cider Tasting, Central Saanich
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Central Saanich, this private small group wine and cider tasting experience offers an immersive journey through the region’s thriving viticulture and orchards.
Operated by Fresh Air Tours Ltd., the tour includes three to five tastings at three different venues, showcasing scenic views of orchards, vineyards, and mountains. Priced at $127.14 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour provides a hassle-free pickup from accommodations or the port in Victoria, including the seaplane terminal.
The experience includes private transportation, a professional guide, and all fees and taxes. Theres some good wine and cider tastings, accompanied by a light lunch and artisan snacks.
The tour starts at 11:30 AM and isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, the tour is praised for its friendly guides, enjoyable experiences, and the wealth of knowledge shared during the visits.
Read our full review: Private Small Group Local Wine and Cider Tasting, Central Saanich Review
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Experience the Secret Art of Wine Blending
Although nestled within the picturesque Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria, the 1.5-hour blending class at Tahbilk Winery offers guests a captivating experience to uncover the secret art of wine blending.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, the class is led by a professional wine ambassador and provides an overview of winemaking, covering different varietals and blending techniques. Guests have the opportunity to create their own signature wine blend, which includes a 750ml bottle to take home as a memento.
Tahbilk Winery, one of Victoria’s oldest family-run wineries, is known for its Rhone-style varietals and historic 19th-century cellars. The experience is further enhanced by the option to enjoy a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine.
With a maximum of 4 travelers and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this blending class at Tahbilk Winery is a must-try for wine enthusiasts visiting Victoria.
Read our full review: Experience the Secret Art of Wine Blending Review
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Wine Tour of Heathcote- Laid Back
Heathcote, a picturesque wine region in central Victoria, offers a more laid-back alternative to the bustling wine tours. Situated just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, this quaint town is home to a thriving wine community that welcomes visitors with open arms.
During a Heathcote wine tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of wineries, each with its unique character and charm. The experience typically begins with a visit to a family-owned winery, where you’ll be greeted by the passionate winemakers themselves.
As you sip on the region’s renowned Shiraz, you’ll learn about the nuances of the local terroir and the artisanal techniques used to craft these exceptional wines. The pace is unhurried, allowing you to savor the flavors and engage in meaningful conversations with the winery staff.
Depending on your preferences, you might also visit a boutique cellar door, where you can explore the stories behind the labels and perhaps even participate in a guided tasting.
The Heathcote wine tour promises a relaxed and authentic encounter with the region’s vibrant wine culture.
Read our full review: Wine Tour of Heathcote- Laid Back Review
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The Sum Up
Victoria’s wine regions offer a diverse range of private and small-group tours, catering to every taste and budget. From the picturesque Cowichan Valley to the renowned Yarra Valley, visitors can indulge in tastings, gourmet pairings, and even the art of wine blending. Whether seeking a full-day excursion or a more intimate experience, these tours provide an unforgettable way to explore Victoria’s thriving wine scene.