If you’re considering a day out exploring the culinary and wine treasures of Margaret River, the Indulge and Discover Day Tour by Harvest Tours might just be what you need. Based on glowing reviews and solid features, this tour promises a well-rounded experience of the region’s best family-run businesses, artisan producers, and scenic spots—all in a small, intimate group.
What really stands out for us are the personalized attention—with only 10 people max—and the variety of stops, from coffee tasting to cave exploring, to wine and chocolate sampling. But, like any experience, it’s not without its minor quirks. The large focus on indulgence makes this perfect for those who love tasting and exploring, especially if you’re into good wine, craft food, and authentic local businesses.
One thing to keep in mind: the price, at about $197 per person, offers excellent value if you’re into a full day of curated experiences. However, the brewery visit at the end is at your own expense, which could add up if you’re keen to enjoy more local beers.
This tour is best suited for enthusiasts of wine, gourmet food, and scenic adventures who appreciate small-group comfort and a tailored itinerary. It’s also great for those wanting to skip the hassle of organizing their own day, with everything taken care of from transport to tastings.
Key Points
- Personalized Experience: Limited to 10 travelers ensures a more intimate setting.
- Diverse Stops: From coffee and chocolates to caves and vineyards—there’s a lot packed into one day.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts who can customize your experience and share insights about the region.
- All-Inclusive Tastings: Wine, coffee, cheese, chocolate, and olive oils—all sampled in one day.
- Great Value: Considering the variety and quality of experiences, the price offers good bang for your buck.
- Additional Expenses: The brewery visit isn’t included, so plan for that if you’re interested.
Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect
The day starts at 9:00 am, with a friendly pick-up in the Margaret River region—leaving behind the need for taxis or driving yourself. The first stop is Yahava KoffeeWorks, where you’ll get a coffee tasting demo. Coffee lovers will really enjoy this; you’ll even receive a free sample bag to take home. It’s a smooth way to kick off the day, and the aroma alone is worth it.
Next, you head to Mammoth Cave for a self-guided tour. While not a guided walk, the cave is accessible enough for most visitors with flat shoes recommended. This stop delivers an interesting change of pace—an underground adventure that offers some natural wonder and a break from the day’s tasting sessions. As one guest put it, “We had a fun walk inside the Mammoth Cave and took a short walk in the forest afterwards,” adding a nice nature element.
The third stop takes you to McHenry Hohnen Vintners, a family-run winery specializing in minimal intervention wines. The wine tasting here is one of the highlights, with reviewers praising the quality and uniqueness of the wines. One guest called it “an excellent experience,” emphasizing that the wines are distinctive. This stop really showcases the region’s dedication to authentic, handcrafted wine-making.
Then, there’s a sweet pause at The Margaret River Chocolate Co. It’s a typical chocolate tasting, but it’s also perfectly timed for indulgence, with options for coffee and ice cream at your expense. Guests mention they enjoyed sampling chocolates and appreciated the chance to indulge mid-morning.
Next, you visit Vasse Virgin, where you can sample olive oil and other gourmet produce. It’s more than just tasting; it’s about understanding how these local, natural products are made. Guests have loved this stop for its authenticity and the chance to purchase quality olive oils and other products.
The day continues with a visit to Wild Hop Brewing Company for a quick ale. While this is at your own expense, it’s a relaxing way to unwind before lunch. Several reviews mention this as a fun, casual stop—perfect for those who enjoy a local brew.
Finally, you arrive at Vintners Wine Bar for a three-course lunch with two glasses of wine. The meal is described as top-notch, with one reviewer calling it “very good value,” especially given the wine included. The setting allows for a leisurely meal, with plenty of opportunity to chat and soak in the vineyard atmosphere.
The tour wraps up with a visit to Vasse Virgin again or a casual stop at The Servo Taphouse or Wild Hop Brewery if you want more drinks (own expense). You’ll finish around 5:00 pm, relaxed and with plenty of new favorites to remember.
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Why This Tour Works
The small-group format ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd. Guests consistently praise guides like Steve for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to customize the experience—something we saw highlighted in reviews describing how the guide tailored the tour to individual interests.
The variety of stops keeps things interesting—no long stretches of just wine tasting or only chocolate. Instead, you get a well-rounded view of the region’s artisan culture, from coffee beans to cave formations, topped with excellent wine and food.
Pricing, at just under $200, packs in a lot: everything from tastings, lunch, cave entry, and transport (if needed). Many reviews emphasize the value for money, especially when you consider the quality and diversity of the experiences.
The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective
We loved the way the tour balances educational moments with fun indulgence. The cave tour is a nice surprise—an underground marvel that gives a different perspective of the landscape. The coffee tasting at Yahava is a must for caffeine lovers, and the wine tastings at McHenry Hohnen Vintners are a clear highlight, with some reviews noting the wines are “very good” and distinctive.
The lunch at Vasse Felix is consistently praised—especially the three-course meal with two glasses of wine. It’s a real highlight, offering a taste of fine regional cuisine in a beautiful setting. Some guests mention the service at Vasse Virgin could be smoother, but overall, it’s a minor point in an otherwise positive day.
The option to purchase more drinks at the brewery or taphouse at your own expense allows flexibility—some enjoy a relaxed ale at the end of the day, while others might skip it. It’s all about personal choice, which adds to the overall relaxed vibe.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is most suited for food and wine enthusiasts who love trying a variety of local products and enjoy small, interactive tour settings. If you’re keen on learning from passionate guides and appreciate the chance to sample authentic regional fare, you’ll probably find this tour a perfect fit.
It’s also good for those who prefer a structured day with everything organized, as you won’t have to worry about logistics or transportation. The tour’s moderate physical activity—walking in caves and around vineyards—is manageable for most, but not ideal if you have significant mobility restrictions.
If you’re traveling solo, it’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded travelers, and the small group size ensures a more personal experience. However, if you’re after a more extensive wine tour or want to include other activities like Cape Leeuwin lighthouse visits, you might want to look at other options.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from the Margaret River region is available, though some locations might have a small additional fee.
What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am and finishing around 5:00 pm, allowing for a relaxed day of tastings and exploration.
Can I customize the experience?
Yes, many guides, like Steve, are praised for their ability to adapt the tour to your interests.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended for cave tours and walking in the region.
Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Please advise at booking if you have specific dietary needs; the tour includes a three-course meal, so adjustments can often be made.
Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s generally suited for adults; the focus on wine and alcohol means the minimum drinking age is 18.
What’s included in the price?
All tastings—wine, coffee, cheese, chocolate, and olive oils—plus the cave tour and lunch are included.
What is not included?
The brewery visit at the end is at your own expense, as are additional drinks or purchases.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.
How far in advance should I book?
On average, bookings are made about 17 days ahead, so plan early if you want to secure a spot.
Margaret River Indulge and Discover Day Tour
“Our tour guide customised the tour for us, which was super awesome of her. We enjoyed the comfortable tour which was very informative and enjoyable…”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a day of indulgence without the hassle of planning, this Margaret River tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing, tasting, and learning. Its small-group format is perfect for those who value personalized attention and quality over quantity.
The variety of stops—from caves to vineyards, chocolates to olive oils—means you’ll walk away with a broad taste of what Margaret River has to offer. The experiences are highly praised, especially the knowledgeable guides and the delicious meals.
While it’s not the cheapest full-day tour around, the value for money is undeniable, given the quality and diversity of what’s included. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere and want to experience the region’s artisan side firsthand. If that sounds like your kind of day, this tour could be a real treat.