Margaret River Winery, Brewery Tour with Gourmet Lunch.

If you’re thinking about exploring Margaret River’s famous food and drink scene, this winery and brewery tour with a gourmet lunch might just be what you’re after. From what we’ve seen and heard, it offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s best producers, combined with some interesting local food experiences. It’s a full-day adventure that promises a good mix of education, delicious tasting, and scenic views — perfect for those who love wine, beer, and good company.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its knowledgeable guides who bring the region’s stories to life, and the variety of tasting stops which keep the day interesting. Plus, the included lunch at a winery estate adds a satisfying touch. But, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a tour for everyone — the itinerary is quite packed, and the focus on alcohol tastings means it’s best suited to adults who enjoy the drinks and aren’t looking for a family-friendly experience.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with children, this tour might feel a bit intense or limited in scope. Still, if you’re after an engaging, educational, and tasty day in Margaret River, it’s a solid choice. Let’s walk through what you can expect from this experience, and why it’s earned such high praise.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experiences: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the day both fun and informative.
• Diverse stops: You’ll visit wineries, breweries, cheese shops, and chocolate producers, covering a broad range of tastes.
• Gourmet lunch option: The included lunch at a winery estate offers a variety of bush tucker foods, including Australian wild foods.
• Sampling variety: Expect to taste wines, beers, cheeses, chocolates, and more, with many options to try new flavors.
• Comfortable transport: Small, climate-controlled buses ensure a relaxed ride between stops, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Value for money: At around $157.79 per person, many reviews highlight the excellent variety and quality of the experience.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day kicks off with a pickup from your accommodation around 10 am, though it’s wise to confirm the exact time beforehand. The journey itself is part of the charm — traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan through the lush vineyards, forested valleys, and scenic landscapes. This drive sets the tone for the day, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and to just relax and soak in the sights.

From the start, your guide will share insights into the region’s history, Aboriginal heritage, and pioneering stories. We’ve heard from guests like Ken_M that guides are not only knowledgeable but also engaging and fun, keeping everyone entertained and informed all day.

First Stops: Wineries and Beer Breweries

The core of this tour is visiting multiple wine estates and breweries. Expect to learn about how fine wines and craft beers are made, and to taste them at each stop. Guests rave about the variety of tastings — from traditional wines to more experimental brews — and appreciate guides like Pete and Gary who share stories behind each drink.

One reviewer, Sally_S, mentions the guide’s entertaining style and deep regional knowledge, which makes the tasting sessions more meaningful. You might find yourself trying a range of varietals, from crisp whites to robust reds, along with craft beers that highlight local brewing talent. The small group size, often around a dozen people, helps create an intimate environment perfect for chatting and making new friends.

The Bush Tucker and Gourmet Lunch

Midday, everyone gathers for the highlight meal — a gourmet lunch at a winery estate. Guests consistently describe this as a variety of bush tucker foods, including kangaroo, emu, and other local delicacies, served in a picnic style. While some reviews, like that from Elleka_M, suggest that the lunch might not be “gourmet” in the traditional sense—more like a well-prepared bush tucker picnic—most find it a fun, unique experience.

The lunch is a good way to refuel after several tastings, and the setting adds to the experience. Many reviewers mention enjoying the atmosphere and the chance to try Australian wild foods firsthand.

Cheese, Chocolate, and Additional Tastings

After lunch, the tour continues with visits to cheese and chocolate shops, offering more tasting opportunities. Guests love sampling locally made cheeses and chocolates, further emphasizing the region’s reputation as a gourmet food hub. This part of the day is relaxed, giving everyone time to savor treats and snap photos.

The Final Stops: More Wineries and a Craft Brewery

As the day winds down, your guide will lead you to one or two additional wineries and finish at a craft brewery. This last stop offers a chance to try a different style of beer and reflect on the day’s experiences. Many reviews mention the enjoyable, laid-back vibe of the final stop, especially if you’re a beer enthusiast.

Return Home

Your guide will coordinate the return trip, dropping you off at your accommodation. The whole experience lasts around 7 hours, providing plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Excels

The high praise from hundreds of reviews centers on the guides’ expertise, the quality of tastings, and the well-planned itinerary. Guests often remark that guides like Adam, Rhys, and Pete are not only knowledgeable but also entertaining, making the day feel like a fun, educational adventure rather than just a series of tastings.

The scenery of Margaret River is an added bonus — vineyards, forests, and rolling hills provide a stunning backdrop. The transport is comfortable and climate-controlled, which is essential given the long day.

Many travelers comment on the great value for money. For about $157.79, you get multiple stops, tastings, a substantial lunch, and all transportation included. Some reviews mention the variety of the experience, with guests feeling it’s a good balance of education, tasting, and sightseeing.

Considerations and Drawbacks

While most guests are very happy, some reviews touch on certain limitations. For instance, the description of the lunch as “gourmet” can be misleading — some found it more like a picnic with Tupperware containers than a high-end meal. If you’re expecting a fancy sit-down restaurant, you might be surprised.

A few reviews mention that the itinerary can be quite packed, with tasting stops back-to-back. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a little rushed, especially if you want to linger at each site.

Also, note that this tour is geared towards adults, with a focus on wine, beer, and Australian wild foods. Families with children or those seeking a more family-friendly or non-alcoholic experience might find it less suitable.

Lastly, some guests have pointed out that the tour is non-refundable and requires good weather — so if you’re traveling during uncertain weather periods, keep that in mind.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy wine, beer, and local foods, and who appreciate a well-organized, informative day out. It’s perfect if you’re keen on tasting a variety of beverages and trying unique Australian bush tucker. The small group size and friendly guides create an intimate atmosphere, great for making new friends or enjoying a social outing.

If you prefer a slow, unhurried experience or have young children, you might want to consider other options. But for those wanting a comprehensive, fun-filled day of tastings, scenic drives, and good company, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off within Margaret River, Busselton, and Dunsborough areas. Be sure to confirm your pickup time with the operator.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving plenty of time to explore multiple stops and enjoy the food and drink tastings.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers all tastings (wine, beer, cheese, chocolates), a gourmet bush tucker lunch, professional guide, and transportation.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Are children allowed?
Most reviews indicate this is an adult-focused experience, with the emphasis on wine, beer, and gourmet foods. It’s not particularly suited for children.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
The primary focus is on wine and beer tasting, complemented by Australian wild foods and gourmet treats, with some cultural insights along the way.

Final Thoughts

This Margaret River winery and brewery tour with a gourmet lunch offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for those who love sampling local drinks and foods while taking in stunning scenery. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, the stops are diverse, and the overall value for money makes it a popular choice.

While it’s not for everyone — especially those looking for a more relaxed or family-friendly outing — it’s an excellent pick for adults eager to explore Margaret River’s rich food and drink scene in a fun, engaging way.

If you’re keen on a day filled with tastings, scenic views, and a touch of Australian bush tucker, this tour could be just the ticket. Just remember to go in with the right expectations and an appreciation for good company, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere.