In recent years, Australia has established itself as a reliable choice in the wine world and has even become one of the world’s leading exporters. In this vast country (14 times the size of France), Australia has a wide variety of wine styles to offer. Historically, the first Australian vineyards were established in New South Wales in the 1780s before spreading to the states of Victoria and South Australia. We’ll introduce you to producers from these two regions, who will share their expertise through tastings. This tour is designed for wine connoisseurs, but we’ll also take you to some of Australia’s must-see tourist destinations, including the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, and Sydney…
Day 1: Melbourne
Meet your English-speaking guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free. You’ll spend the night at the Alto on Bourke hotel in Melbourne.
Day 2: Melbourne
Depart from your hotel for a day of exploring Melbourne, followed by your first introduction to Australian wine.
Through its narrow streets and arcades, Melbourne the Marvelous will reveal its charm and secrets. A few must-see attractions, such as the State Library of Victoria, will unveil a unique history and provide you with the historical and cultural context to fully appreciate your journey through the Land Down Under. Lunch will be served at one of the city’s oldest pubs. The day will culminate with your first introduction to Australian wine: David Lawler, president of the Australian Sommelier Association, will welcome you to his new establishment, “Comptoir.” Of course, a wine tasting is on the agenda, accompanied by some light bites. You’ll spend the night at the Alto on Bourke hotel in Melbourne.
Day 3: Melbourne
Depart from your hotel for a day exploring the Yarra Valley.
Its history began in 1838 when the two Scottish Ryrie brothers planted the first vines on the Yering Station estate.
You’ll meet two people, the first being Dominique Portet: born into the wine industry (his father, André, was the estate manager at Château Lafite-Rothschild), he’ll welcome you to his estate. He has extensive and well-recognized experience in Australia, not to mention his deep-rooted Bordeaux heritage.
Next, we’ll stop at one of the valley’s many restaurants to sample Australian cuisine, which has been shaped by waves of immigration. The Debortoli estate will welcome us, and you won’t want to miss tasting their famous “Noble One,” which has outshone some of our Sauternes wines in international competitions.
Finally, the day will conclude with Garry Mills of Jamsheed Winery; his approach and philosophy embody the latest Australian trend. He draws inspiration from the Yarra Valley, but he’ll take you on a journey through many other Victorian terroirs. You’ll spend the night at the Alto on Bourke hotel in Melbourne.
Day 4: Melbourne
Depart from your hotel for a day exploring the Mornington Peninsula.
With its signature grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this vineyard—nestled between two seas—is situated in a magnificent location.
Your first point of contact, George Mihaly, will welcome you to Paradigm Hill. This Francophile owner will take you on a journey in search of the perfect wine. He is regarded as the region’s new master; for those with a discerning eye, be sure to look at the photos of his estate to discover the essence of French Pinot Noir.
Lunch will take us to a typical local bistro; perhaps the luckiest among us will meet one of its regulars: Kate Blanchette
The afternoon will be all about the ladies, featuring a meeting with the “queen” of Pinot Gris: Kathleen Quealy, who will welcome you to her estate. Of course, her talent extends far beyond a single grape variety… so there are a few pleasant surprises in store.
Finally, you’ll finish with a visit to the region’s flagship winery, Main Ridge—the first estate to establish itself here in 1975 and considered one of Australia’s finest producers of Pinot Noir. You’ll spend the night at the Alto on Bourke hotel in Melbourne.
Day 5: Melbourne
Off to the Great Ocean Road. Here’s your chance to explore Victoria’s legendary road.
On the itinerary: Bells Beach, the Mecca of Australian surfing, and its neighbors, the eastern gray kangaroos.
The temperate rainforest at Maits Rest and the world’s tallest flowering plant: the eucalyptus ‘mountain ash’. A little further along, on the road to Cape Otway Lighthouse, you’ll come across the region’s native inhabitants: koalas.
Of course, next up is the Twelve Apostles and all their splendor… Lunch in Apollo Bay at “La Bimba”—simply the best restaurant in the area, serving seafood sourced directly from local fishermen. You’ll spend the night at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld.
Day 6: Coonawarra
Departure for Adelaide.
Your trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without a road trip. As you drive along the open roads, the vast landscapes unfold before you, allowing you to truly appreciate the immensity of this continent. Of course, the famous “red soil” of Coonawarra lies along the way, so a wine tasting at one of this small region’s classic wineries—Hollick—is a must.
Its secret lies in the combination of its “terra rossa” with the limestone in the soil and a source of pure groundwater, but we won’t say any more than that.
Lunch will be served at the Ottelia Estate, the region’s newest culinary sensation.
Adelaide is known for its churches, but above all as a wine region home to some of the oldest grapevines in the world…. To kick things off, the renowned Tim White (South Australia’s equivalent of Robert Parker) will welcome you to his restaurant for a tasting of local wines, all paired with regional specialties. You’ll spend the night at the Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide.
Day 7: Adelaide
Off to the Barossa Valley.
Its history is rich and dates back almost to the dawn of English colonization, as it began in 1836. Its name derives from the British victory at Barrosa against our citizens during the Napoleonic era, and it has often been compared to the Côtes du Rhône.
A visit here is a must: Yalumba has been a family-owned winery since 1849—a true celebration of terroir and tradition!
Lunch will always reflect the region’s theme, with “Harvest Kitchen” serving up dishes that will have you eating like a true local. This choice is no coincidence: just next door, you’ll find six independent winemakers, each with their own distinct style.
The afternoon will conclude with a visit to a unique winery that blends tradition with sustainable practices; Damien Tsharke will welcome you to his estate. You’ll spend the night at the Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide.
by car via the Franschhoek Pass.
Overnight stay at De Zalze Lodge in a standard room.
De Zalze Lodge, located in Stellenbosch, offers breathtaking views of the mountains and overlooks lush vineyards. To make the most of your stay, you can enjoy activities such as wine tasting, cycling along the trails, or relaxing by the pool.
Day 8: Adelaide
3-DAY KANGAROO ISLAND TOUR IN A SMALL GROUP WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE
Depart by bus from your hotel in Adelaide. You’ll travel across the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis, where you’ll board the ferry connecting the mainland to Kangaroo Island (approximately a 45-minute crossing).
Your guide will be waiting for you, and you’ll head to Seal Bay, home to a permanent colony of about 500 Australian sea lions. You’ll be able to watch them from the beach and learn how they withstand the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean.
After a picnic lunch on private property, you’ll take a walk in search of koalas perched in their eucalyptus trees and echidnas. You’ll then continue exploring the island to discover its rich wildlife, and you’ll have the chance to spot black cockatoos, kangaroos, and other wallabies… You will then head to the beaches of the north coast, which are perfect for a stroll, with their crystal-clear waters and pristine sand. You will then return to your accommodation. You will spend the night at the Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote.
Day 9: Kangaroo Island
Depart from your accommodation for Flinders Chase National Park. Here, kangaroos and Cape Barren geese lounge peacefully. The park is a sanctuary for many endangered species, some of which were imported from the mainland in the 1920s, such as platypuses and koalas. At Admirals Arch, a limestone formation along the ocean, you can observe a colony of New Zealand fur seals.
At Cape Couedic, you can admire a lighthouse dating back to 1909. You’ll then continue on to Remarkable Rock, which, shaped by time, water, and erosion, resembles a work of contemporary art. A picnic lunch will be served in a quiet spot.
With a special permit, you’ll be able to enter Kelly Hill Park to see kangaroos and other native animals. If time permits, you’ll then head to Vivonne Bay, considered one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Finally, you’ll return to your accommodation. You’ll spend the night at the Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote.
Day 10: Kangaroo Island
An early morning departure to Penneshaw, where you’ll take the ferry back to Adelaide.
Notes:
– Tours in French on Tuesdays and Fridays (subject to availability); daily tours in English
– Group tour for 2 to 12 people
– Luggage limited to 15 kg FREE TIME IN ADELAIDE:
Adelaide is a peaceful city with its museums, small restaurants, and Central Market... Its green spaces are ideal in the summer, as they offer everyone a chance to find some shade and cope with the region’s high temperatures. Adelaide is also the starting point for excursions to various wine regions: Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale... During this day, you’ll have the freedom to explore South Australia’s capital at your leisure. You’ll spend the night at the Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide.
Day 11: Adelaide
Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from your accommodation to Adelaide Airport. Domestic flight from Adelaide to Sydney (not included; to be booked by you or as an optional extra). Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Sydney Airport to your accommodation. WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE.
Get ready for a quick tasting of six glasses that will take you on a journey across Australia, including four regional selections (classics, everyday wines) and two Collection wines (premium).
Explore the aromas, structure, and mouthfeel of each wine while enjoying a small piece of cheese.
Duration: 1 hour You will spend the night at the QT Sydney hotel.
Day 12: Sydney
GUIDED TOUR OF THE HUNTER VALLEY WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE:
After being picked up at your hotel, you’ll make your first stop with your guide at Reptile Park, where you can see some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Wine and fine dining enthusiasts, the Hunter Valley vineyards are sure to charm you! Among the oldest vineyards in Australia (1828), they are renowned worldwide for their Semillon and Syrah grape varieties. You’ll visit a renowned winery where you’ll taste the wines.
We will then take you to another winery, Leogate Estate, where you will enjoy another tasting paired with local cheese. Afterward, you will have lunch at the estate’s restaurant (a two-course meal with a glass of wine).
In the afternoon, you’ll head to the village in the Hunter Valley, where you can visit the chocolate workshop and enjoy one last wine tasting.
In short, a day for food lovers!
Notes: – Groups of 2 to 17 people
– Operates Monday through Friday from September to April
– Returns to Sydney around 6:00 PM
– Lunch included. You will spend the night at the QT Sydney hotel.
Day 13: Tour of Sydney and the Opera House
Your English-speaking guide will meet you at the Queen Victoria Building, where you’ll begin your tour of Sydney.
Learn about the city’s fascinating history and how Sydney has transformed into a thriving metropolis over the course of 200 years; you’ll see the imposing and elegant Victorian-era buildings that perfectly define Sydney’s architectural heritage.
Join him on a journey back in time as you explore the historic Rocks district. This is where Sydney was born: your guide will share the stories and legends of this place with you and show you its hidden alleyways and architecture.
The French-language tour of the Opera House is available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Over the course of about an hour, your guide will take you to the heart of the Sydney Opera House, an icon not only of the city but of all of Australia. You’ll explore the interior of the building and its various halls on foot, and learn more about its eventful history and the architectural challenges of its construction.
Take this opportunity to explore Sydney at your own pace. We can recommend excursions or tours you can do on your own. You’ll spend the night at the QT Sydney hotel.
Day 14: Sydney
Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from your accommodation to Sydney Airport. Connect to your international flight.
Would you like to experience it or plan your own custom trip with our team?