When wine meets food in the right setting, it’s more than a meal - it’s a memory. Across Australia’s wine-producing regions, a new wave of curated culinary experiences is elevating the cellar door visit into a fully-fledged gourmet journey. From rustic chic paddock-to-plate menus to curated wine pairings with Chef-driven fare, these five standout venues know how to turn a wine tour into a proper occasion.
Whether you're venturing into the vines for a long lunch, a private tasting or a casual antipasto with friends, these destinations promise more than just a good drop - they deliver an experience.
Tahbilk Estate Restaurant – Nagambie,, Vic
Perched on the edge of the shimmering Tahbilk billabong, Tahbilk Estate Restaurant is where heritage winemaking meets contemporary cuisine in a breathtaking natural setting. The restaurant’s elevated position offers panoramic views across wetlands that shift with the seasons, creating an atmospheric backdrop for every meal. Whether you settle inside the sleek modern dining space or out on the expansive deck, the sense of connection to the land and its rhythms is unmistakable. Arrive early for a cellar door tasting or a stroll through the surrounding eco-walk before settling in for a leisurely lunch.
The menu by Head Chef Jonathon Mackeson showcases the region’s artisan bounty, championing produce that sings of the local terroir. Start with delicately crisp leek and Parmesan croquettes paired with a housemade truffle aioli, setting the tone for a menu that balances richness with fresh, vibrant accents. A standout is the char-grilled lamb backstrap, its smoky depth lifted by pumpkin purée, earthy lentils and a tangy pomegranate salsa. For those seeking classic comfort, the eye fillet served with golden fries and a red wine jus never disappoints. Don’t miss a pour of the historic 1860 Vines Shiraz - arguably the estate’s most iconic drop.
Plan ahead and book your table to enjoy a full day of dining and discovery.
Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Deli and Wine Tours – Pokolbin, NSW
Tucked into the rolling vine-covered landscape of Pokolbin, Two Fat Blokes is as cheeky and charismatic as the name suggests. More than just a deli or a wine tour company, this Hunter Valley institution blends gourmet indulgence with laid-back charm. The venue doubles as a tasting hub and a deli stocked with handpicked smallgoods, offering a casual yet curated approach to exploring the valley’s culinary treasures. On cooler days, the open fireplace invites lingering with a glass of local red, while the alfresco terrace is ideal for sun-drenched sips and slow grazing.
What truly sets this venue apart is its immersive cheese and wine pairing classes, which go beyond the basics to dive into the flavours and stories behind every selection. The daily tours are crafted not just for sightseeing but for meeting the passionate winemakers and producers that give the region its soul. Expect an ever-changing antipasto selection of cured meat, creamy cheese and pickled vegetables sourced from boutique suppliers. Every tour is tailored with at least one experience you won’t find anywhere else - designed for guests who want more than just another wine stop.
Secure your tasting session or tour slot early - this one books out fast.
d’Vine Wine Tours – Perth CBD, WA
If you believe wine is best enjoyed with a side of laughter and local insight, d’Vine Wine Tours might just be your perfect match. Operating out of Perth CBD, these expertly guided tours take guests deep into the heart of Swan Valley and Bickley Valley, weaving together food, wine and plenty of character along the way. The emphasis is firmly on quality and pace - no rushed itineraries here - just a curated progression of boutique wineries, craft breweries and local gourmet haunts that represent the best of the region.
Each stop is an introduction to the passionate people behind the produce, whether it’s a family-owned vineyard pouring the latest vintage or a chocolatier explaining cocoa blends. Between glasses of elegant Shiraz and floral Verdelho, you’ll sample everything from housemade pastries to artisan cheese and small-batch cider. The tour’s relaxed vibe means you'll actually have time to savour - not just sip - making it a refreshing change from the usual whistle-stop tours.
Grab your seat today and let the d’Vine team do the driving while you savour the experience.
Wined Bar @ The National Wine Centre – Adelaide CBD, SA
Tucked away at the edge of Adelaide’s lush Botanic Park, Wined Bar at the National Wine Centre offers a sleek, urbane contrast to the traditional cellar door. A modernist dream in blond wood, gleaming tiles and architectural detail, it’s a spot that invites you to taste, linger and explore more than 120 wines from every corner of the country - all housed in a space that feels equal parts laboratory and luxury lounge. It's the kind of venue where every element has been considered - from the bar design to the wine-preserving Enomatic systems behind the counter.
The food offering is no afterthought either. Menus are structured around the wine, with pairings that elevate each dish without overpowering. A standout starter of kingfish with buttermilk and leek ash balances elegance with bite, while mains like braised beef cheeks with celeriac purée hit all the right comfort notes. The handmade pappardelle with lamb ragu is pure indulgence, especially when paired with a structured Shiraz-Tempranillo blend. Finish with a dense, rich chocolate brownie and a bright cherry compote that mirrors your final sip.
Make a reservation and indulge in the perfect city wine escape.
Kersbrook Hill Wines – Kersbrook, SA
High in the Adelaide Hills, Kersbrook Hill Wines offers an unpretentious, heartwarming wine experience that feels like discovering a local secret. The setting is distinctly rustic - wine barrels under vine-draped pergolas, a café-style cellar door and rolling green hills as far as the eye can see. It’s the kind of place where time slows and every glass is poured with a story. Whether you’re popping in for a casual tasting or celebrating something special, Kersbrook’s warm hospitality and thoughtful touches never miss a beat.
The menu is all about simplicity done right. Hand-tossed pizzas with toppings like wood-smoked BBQ chicken or classic Italian salami are the perfect match for a glass of estate Pinot Noir. The cheese and charcuterie platters showcase local producers, while desserts by a regional pâtissier add an elegant finale to your visit. A glass of apple cider on a Summer day under the canopy? Bliss.
Book your visit now to taste the Hills the way they’re meant to be experienced.
Wine tours have come a long way from simple tastings and souvenir bottles. These venues prove that when you blend local ingredients, exceptional wine and a sense of place, you create something truly memorable. Whether you're grazing through the Hunter, cruising wetlands in Nagambie or exploring city sophistication in Adelaide, there’s a wine tour experience that goes far beyond the glass.
