Watervale is a charming spot in South Australia, famous for its excellent wine, welcoming community, and scenic countryside. It’s a place where food, wine, and history blend seamlessly. What makes Watervale special for tours? Its proximity to Crabtree Winery means easy access to some of the best Riesling in the region. Plus, local farms like Penobscot Farm give visitors hands-on experiences that are authentic and memorable.
Among the options, we’re particularly fond of the Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef and 5-Course Lunch. It combines farm life with culinary skill, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where your food comes from and a delicious meal to match. For travelers seeking a more relaxed introduction, the Watervale Hotel 2-Course Dining with Riesling provides local farm-fresh dishes paired with superb wine, all in a cozy pub atmosphere. And if a stroll through town’s history sounds appealing, the Watervale: Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine offers a charming look at Watervale’s heritage, topped off with a picnic and tastings. Below, we explore each in detail.
1. Watervale Hotel : 2-Course Dining Experience with Riesling
At number one, this 2-course dining experience at Watervale Hotel is perfect for those who love good food paired with local wine. For $65 per person, you get a relaxed, two-hour meal featuring fresh produce from nearby Penobscot Farm. The menu includes shared entrees and individual main dishes, emphasizing seasonal ingredients.
What makes this tour special is the pairing with a bottle of Riesling from Crabtree Winery, just across the road. The hotel staff often encourage guests to explore the winery, making it a seamless experience. For an extra touch, there’s an optional upgrade to taste more wines at Crabtree, making this a fantastic value for wine lovers. The atmosphere is casual but lively, with friendly staff eager to share their local knowledge.
This experience suits travelers who appreciate simple, authentic food in a cozy setting and want to learn about the region’s wine culture without committing to a full day. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Watervale.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, delicious introduction to Watervale’s farm-fresh cuisine and wine. Ideal for those short on time but eager to savor local flavors.
$65 per person
2. Watervale: Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef and 5-Course Lunch
Coming in at second, this Penobscot Farm tour combined with a guided kitchen experience and 5-course lunch is a must for foodies and curious travelers. For $132, the three-hour experience begins with a guided walk through Penobscot Farm, where you’ll learn about the farm’s natural systems that nourish the soil and plants. It’s clear the farm values sustainable practices, and you’ll get to see firsthand how they grow the ingredients used in your meal.
Next, the chef takes you into the Watervale Hotel kitchen, where you help select fresh produce—making it a truly participatory experience. Watching your meal come together at the chef’s table is both educational and entertaining. The highlight is a 4-course lunch with two snacks, bread and butter, and a hot drink, served right in the kitchen’s intimate setting.
This tour is perfect for those who want more than just a meal—it’s a chance to understand farm-to-table cooking and the natural processes behind it. The reviews highlight the engaging guide and the quality of the food, with many noting this as a memorable, hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: An immersive farm and culinary experience that offers insight into sustainable farming and gourmet cooking, suitable for food lovers and curious travelers alike.
$132 per person
3. Watervale: Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine
Our third pick is the Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine. For just $40 per person, this leisurely walk explores Watervale’s historic buildings, including the General Store, the Watervale Hotel, and the local cemetery. The tour offers a window into the town’s past, with stories that bring the old buildings and streets to life.
A distinctive feature is the chance to sip a glass of Watervale Riesling at the Watervale Hotel, enriching the historical ambiance. After exploring, the tour includes a picnic lunch with a local wine, allowing you to relax and soak up the scenery. Visitors rave about the friendly atmosphere and the chance to combine sightseeing with tasting.
This tour is best suited for history buffs or travelers who enjoy a laid-back, cultural experience. It’s also a good option if you want an introduction to Watervale’s wine scene in a casual setting.
Bottom Line: A relaxed walking tour blending Watervale’s history with wine tasting and picnic delights—great for a low-key, educational outing.
$40 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Watervale Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a quick, tasty introduction to local food and wine, the Watervale Hotel 2-Course Dining is ideal. For those eager to dive deeper into farm life and gourmet cooking, the Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef offers a hands-on, educational experience. And if you’re more interested in local history and a relaxed walk, the Town History Walking Tour provides a charming cultural outing.
Think about your travel pace and what excites you most—food, wine, or history. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Watervale offers a diverse selection of tours to satisfy different interests and travel styles. For a quick taste of local flavors, the pub-style Watervale Hotel dining is perfect. If you want a more immersive experience, the Penobscot Farm Tour delivers hands-on farming and cooking lessons. And for a relaxing stroll through history with a wine stop, the Town History Walking Tour shines.
No matter your choice, Watervale’s tours are a wonderful way to enjoy the region’s rich flavors, heritage, and scenery. Booking in advance and choosing an experience that matches your interests will ensure a memorable visit.