Discover Bellarine Wine, Cider and Craft Beer with Private Bus

Discover Bellarine Wine, Cider and Craft Beer with Private Bus

If you’re looking to escape the buzz of Melbourne and spend a relaxing day exploring some of Victoria’s top food and drink spots, this private tour of the Bellarine Peninsula might be just what you need. It promises a well-rounded mix of wine tastings, scenic views, delicious food, and local craft beverages—all in a comfortable, small-group setting.

What we particularly like about this tour is its focus on quality experiences — from premium tastings at renowned wineries to panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay. The guide’s local knowledge really shines through, making each stop both educational and fun. Plus, the inclusion of optional visits to places like The Whiskery or Terindah Estate adds a nice touch of flexibility, letting you tailor the day to your interests.

One thing to keep in mind is that the price might seem a bit steep at over $790 for the group, but when you consider private transportation, multiple tastings, and a full day of exploring, it starts to feel justified. However, the tour does not include lunch or alcohol, so you’ll want to budget for additional meals or drinks if you wish to indulge more.

This experience is perfect for anyone who values good company, interesting insights, and scenic drives. It suits wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or those just wanting a relaxed day out with a bit of a culinary twist — especially if you prefer the comfort of a private vehicle and curated stops over larger, busier tours.

Key Points

• Private Tour Experience: Small group (up to 13) ensures personalized attention.
• Taste & View: Combines premium wine tastings with breathtaking coastal scenery.
• Flexible & Customizable: Optional stops like The Whiskery or Terindah Estate add a tailored element.
• Food & Drink Focus: Includes a seasonal lunch with award-winning wines, plus cider, beer, and spirits.
• Educational & Relaxed: Knowledgeable guides make the experience informative without feeling rushed.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Transportation, government fees, parking, and tolls covered, so fewer surprises.

The Day Unpacked: What to Expect

This tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup from your Melbourne CBD accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. From there, you’ll hop into a private vehicle, heading straight for the Bellarine Peninsula—one of Victoria’s premier food and wine regions. The journey itself is comfortable, and the guide’s en route briefing provides a good introduction to the area’s maritime terroir and what makes the local wines, ciders, and beers special.

Stop 1: The Whiskery (Optional)

Your first optional visit is to The Whiskery, Bellarine Distillery’s distillery door. Situated on seven acres, it’s a pretty spot with mature trees and winding paths. If you choose to visit, you’ll get a taste of local spirits and learn about the distilling process. Though some reviews mention this is seasonal and optional, it offers a relaxed start to your day with fewer crowds and a chance to sample some local spirits.

Stop 2: Scotchmans Hill Winery

Next, you’ll head to Scotchmans Hill, a James Halliday 5 Star icon established in 1982. The rustic barn setting overlooking Geelong and the You Yangs ranges makes for a scenic backdrop. Here, you’ll sample 5-6 premium wines, including estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This stop is about appreciating high-quality wines in a laid-back atmosphere, paired with light cheeses that enhance the tasting experience.

Stop 3: Jack Rabbit Vineyard

This is where the tour really shines visually. Jack Rabbit offers some of the best panoramic views on the peninsula, with vistas across Port Phillip Bay, Geelong, and the Melbourne skyline. The contemporary wines here are paired with a two-course seasonal lunch, making for a satisfying meal amid breathtaking scenery. The relaxed setting and high-quality food make this a highlight for many travelers.

Optional Stops: Terindah Estate & Flying Brick Cider House

As you travel along McAdams Lane, you’ll get glimpses of stunning bay views before arriving at Terindah Estate. Known as “the most beautiful” in Indonesian, this boutique vineyard offers a chance to soak in scenic vistas and try some local wines. You could also opt to visit Flying Brick Cider Co, a retro-inspired cider house, where you’ll enjoy tasting paddles of 100% fresh fruit ciders and craft beers in a laid-back environment.

Final Stop: Queenscliff Brewhouse

The day winds down at the Queenscliff Brewhouse, located right on the harbor. Here, you can relax with a selection of local gins, wines, or beers, soaking in the relaxed harborside atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries before heading back to Melbourne.

Return to Melbourne

The drive back is leisurely, allowing time for reflection, and you’ll arrive around 5:30-6 PM—perfect for making dinner reservations or simply unwinding after a day of tasting and sightseeing.

The Value of the Tour

At over $790 per group, the price might seem high at first glance. But when you consider that it includes private transportation, multiple tastings, a curated itinerary, and expert guidance, it starts to seem more reasonable. The all-inclusive approach (covering fees, parking, tolls, and bottled water) adds to the convenience. That said, not including lunch or alcohol means you’ll need to plan for additional expenses if you want to indulge further.

The small-group setting is a major plus, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. The guide’s local knowledge and the scenic stops bring a layer of depth that you might not get from larger tours. Plus, the flexibility to add optional stops like The Whiskery or Terindah Estate means you can customize the day a bit if you wish.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine and food lovers who enjoy a leisurely pace and scenic drives. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a more intimate, private experience over crowded bus tours. If you’re curious about Victorian wines, craft beers, and ciders, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s not necessarily designed for families with young children, as the focus is on tastings and scenic stops, but older kids or teenagers interested in local food and beverages could enjoy it too. But overall, this tour is best for adults looking to relax and indulge in a curated day of tasting.

Practicalities & Tips

• Timing: The tour starts early, so plan your day accordingly, especially if you want to explore Melbourne afterward.
• Price: Consider the value—private transportation and expert-guided tastings—versus other options.
• Dietary Needs: The tour mentions dietary requirements are effortlessly catered for, which is great for those with specific needs.
• Weather: It’s weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
• Booking: Confirmations are immediate, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, private transportation is part of the package, which makes for a comfortable, stress-free day.

Are meals included? No, lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase during stops. The tour does include a two-course seasonal lunch at Jack Rabbit Vineyard.

Can I visit other wineries or estates? You have the option to add visits to Terindah Estate or The Whiskery, depending on your interests and timing.

What is the group size? The tour is private for your group, with up to 13 people, ensuring more personalized attention.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or specific diets? The tour mentions dietary requirements are easily accommodated, so let them know in advance.

What does the tour cost? The price is $792.55 per group, which includes all fees, parking, tolls, and bottled water.

How long is the tour? Expect about 9 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon/early evening.

Are children allowed? The experience is adult-oriented, focusing on tastings and scenic stops, so it’s best suited for travelers over 18.

What happens if the weather is poor? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a thoughtfully curated day exploring Victoria’s wine, cider, and craft beer scene with a touch of stunning scenery, this private Bellarine tour is a solid choice. It balances education, relaxation, and tasty indulgence in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a memorable day with good company, this adventure offers a relaxed, well-paced experience that highlights some of Victoria’s best.

While the price might be on the higher side, the personalized attention, scenic stops, and high-quality tastings can make it feel worth every dollar — provided you’re ready for a full day of indulgence. For those who want a mix of comfort, stunning views, and good wine without the hassle of organizing it all themselves, this tour ticks many boxes.

This Bellarine Peninsula experience offers a balanced, comfortable, and scenic way to enjoy some of Victoria’s best local drinks and breathtaking coastal views. Perfect for those who want to indulge without the stress of planning every detail themselves.