Red White & Brew – Wine, Gin & Beer Tour with Tastings from Adelaide

Exploring the Red White & Brew Tour: An Honest Look at a Flavorful Day Out in Adelaide

If you’re eyeing a day of tasting everything from award-winning wines to intriguing gins and craft beers in South Australia’s famed Barossa Valley, the Red White & Brew Tour might just be what you’re after. We’ve looked into what makes this tour a popular choice and what travelers are saying, so you can decide if it matches your expectations.

What we love: the variety of tastings and the small-group experience make this tour stand out. Plus, having a professional driver means you can truly relax and enjoy the day without worrying about driving. One thing to consider is that with a busy itinerary, some stops might feel a little rushed, or the timing may not suit everyone.

This tour is ideal if you enjoy a mix of wine, spirits, craft beers, and regional foods wrapped into one seamless day. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative outing that balances tasting with a bit of local exploration. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a gin lover, or just curious to sample South Australia’s best, this experience offers a tasty and authentic look into the region’s offerings.

Key Points

• Diverse Tastings: Experience wines, gins, and beers at top local producers.
• Small Group: An intimate setting with a maximum of 21 travelers, led by engaging guides.
• All-Inclusive: Lunch, tastings, and transport are covered, offering great value.
• Relaxed Pace: Stops are planned but flexible, with plenty of room for extra visits if time allows.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Dave and Tom are praised for their knowledge and humor.
• Convenience: Pickup included from Adelaide CBD makes it easy to join in.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Start at Kies Family Wines

Your day begins in the heart of the Barossa at Kies Family Wines. It’s a small, award-winning winery where family members serve up the tastings. Travelers appreciate the informal, welcoming vibe, with one reviewer describing it as “the taste of happiness.” It’s a lovely way to kick off, experiencing genuine hospitality and discovering wines that have a relaxed, friendly character. Expect about 45 minutes here, plenty of time to enjoy the wines and ask questions.

Pindarie Winery and the Lunch Experience

Next up is Pindarie Winery, set on a working farm in a charming, restored barn. Here, guided tastings of award-winning wines are accompanied by regional cheeses, highlighting the handcrafted quality of South Australian wines. The shared platter lunch, described as “top notch” by many, is generous and made with local produce, giving you a real taste of the region’s culinary scene.

Reviewers often mention how much they enjoyed the lunch and the relaxed atmosphere, with one saying, “the lunch at Pindarie was lovely,” and another noting that the winery’s setting makes it a standout. This stop lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving ample time to relax, chat, and savor the flavors.

Exploring Tanunda

After lunch, the tour offers a short 30-minute free roam in Tanunda, one of the oldest towns in South Australia. The pace here is casual, with plenty of boutique shops and historic buildings to explore. It’s a great chance to stretch your legs and soak in the town’s character. A reviewer mentioned, “it was very nice but a bit short,” which is a fair point—if you love wandering old streets, you might wish for more time.

Gin Tasting at Seppeltsfield Road Distillers

The journey continues with a guided gin tasting at Seppeltsfield Road Distillers. You’ll sample three iconic gins crafted with regional botanicals, which adds a local twist to your spirits experience. Guests often comment on the quality of the gin, and many appreciate the chance to learn about the distillation process. One reviewer noted, “the gin tasting was a highlight,” emphasizing how unique and regional these spirits are.

Beer Tasting at Greenock Brewers

The final stop is Greenock Brewers, a family-owned brewery where you can walk through the brewing process and chat with the brewer. Here, tasting a range of beers becomes a social, fun experience. Many reviews highlight Ollie, the pub dog, and the friendly owners, adding a personal touch. This stop typically lasts 45 minutes, rounding out the day with a different kind of craft beverage.

End of the Day

The tour wraps up with a sunset view (depending on timing) and the comfort of knowing you’ve sampled some of South Australia’s best small producers—no need to worry about the drive home. The professional driver ensures everyone can indulge without stress, which is a big plus.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Local Venues: The focus on boutique, family-owned wineries, distilleries, and breweries sets this tour apart from the bigger, more commercial options. Many travelers note how personal and relaxed the venues are, with one saying, “Wineries are family which equals informal and comfy.”

Diverse Flavors: The combination of wine, gin, and beer, along with regional food, offers more variety than your typical wine-only tour. Several reviews specifically mention how refreshing it is to sample different types of beverages, with one saying, “nice to have variety of gin and beer too.”

Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Dave and Tom consistently receive praise for their humor, storytelling, and local insights. One reviewer called Dave “absolutely awesome, full of information and jokes,” which sounds like a good sign you’ll be entertained while learning.

Value for Money: At around $128 per person, including tastings, lunch, and transport, many see this as good value, especially considering the quality and variety of experiences packed into a single day.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is generally praised, some travelers mention that certain stops can feel rushed or that not all venues meet everyone’s expectations. For instance, one review pointed out that the gin tasting could be louder than ideal, and the beer brewery was considered “ordinary” by some.

Plus, the short stop in Tanunda might leave some wishing for more time to explore the town. Because the itinerary is quite full, it’s hard to please everyone with extra side visits, but if you’re a foodie craving longer at each stop, this may be a minor downside.

Some have noted that weather can impact outdoor seating—like Kies Family Wines’ outdoor setup—though this isn’t a fault of the tour but good to keep in mind depending on the season.

The Bottom Line: Who Is It Best For?

If you enjoy small-group tours with a relaxed pace and local flavor, this experience fits the bill. It’s perfect for wine lovers, spirits enthusiasts, and craft beer fans who want to sample some of South Australia’s best while learning about the region’s food and beverage scene. The tour’s small size, knowledgeable guides, and variety of stops make it ideal for those who want a well-rounded taste of the Barossa without the stress of self-driving.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, family-owned venues and are happy with a moderate pace will find this tour rewarding. It also suits those who enjoy light sightseeing combined with tastings, with enough flexibility to add a few extra stops if the group is interested.

However, if you prefer more structured, longer visits or are not a fan of rushing through stops, you might want to consider other options or plan some extra time in Tanunda afterward.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you a full day of tasting and exploring.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers all tastings, a guided tour at each venue, lunch featuring regional produce, and transportation with pickup from Adelaide CBD.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, tastings of wine, gin, and beer are included at each stop, and the professional driver allows everyone to indulge safely.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 21 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, full refund if canceled in time.

Will I have free time?
There’s about 30 minutes in Tanunda for personal exploration, but most of the day is structured around stops and tastings.

Are children allowed?
While not specifically mentioned, this tour is geared toward adults due to the tastings involved. It’s best suited for those of legal drinking age.

What if the weather is bad?
Most outdoor venues have covered areas, but weather can sometimes impact outdoor seating. The tour itinerary might be adjusted accordingly.

Is there a stop at Maggie Beers Farm or chocolate factory?
Additional stops like Maggie Beers and the chocolate factory are mentioned in reviews as possible bonus visits if time allows, but not part of the official itinerary.

All in all, the Red White & Brew Tour offers a well-balanced, approachable way to enjoy South Australia’s best small producers—whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just love exploring new tastes. It’s a day packed with variety, local charm, and good company, making it a memorable part of any Barossa Valley visit.