Launceston is a fantastic base for exploring Tasmania’s renowned Tamar Valley, known for its cool-climate wines and lush vineyards. What sets Launceston apart is its proximity to this thriving wine region, making it easy to combine sightseeing with tasting sessions. One reason we particularly like the Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch is its intimate small-group setting, which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the gourmet lunch paired with premium Tamar Valley wines makes this tour a great way to enjoy Tasmania’s culinary and vinous delights without rushing.
If you’re after a flexible, private experience, the Private West Tamar Wine Tour offers full customization and the convenience of door-to-door service, perfect for those who want to tailor their day. For a slightly longer, more in-depth group experience, the Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch combines expert commentary and tastings that go beyond the basics. No matter your style, these tours give a true taste of Tasmania’s award-winning wines.
1. Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
This tour is a standout for its small-group format and excellent value. Over approximately 6.5 hours, you’ll visit 3 to 4 vineyards, sampling Tasmanian wines and enjoying a gourmet Tasmanian produce platter lunch paired with premium Tamar Valley wines. The experience is designed for intimacy, with round-trip transfers included from any Launceston location, making logistics hassle-free.
What really makes this tour shine is its focus on personalized service. Tour guide Terry, who receives rave reviews, shares insights into the region’s wine-making history and helps you become more confident in tasting notes. The stops include some of Tamar Valley’s top wineries, which are chosen for quality and atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the friendly guide, the excellent wine quality, and the relaxed pace. One reviewer called it “the best wine tour we have ever been on,” noting the perfect balance of wine, food, and scenery.
Bottom line: This tour offers great value, a small-group experience, and a delicious lunch — perfect if you want to maximize your tasting time without the crowds.
2. Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
For around $116, the Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch provides a full-day experience lasting about 7 hours, expertly balancing visits to diverse wineries with educational commentary from your guide. This tour emphasizes tasting Tasmanian wines at various cellar doors, many with the chance to meet vintners and learn about the heritage of wine-making in the region.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on wine knowledge, turning you into a sort of amateur wine judge by the end of the day. Guests love the opportunity to learn tasting notes and understand what makes Tasmania’s wines unique. The lunch, served at a winery or cellar door, pairs beautifully with the wines and offers a chance to relax and soak in the countryside views.
With rave reviews praising the guide’s friendliness and expertise, this tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a deeper understanding of Tasmanian wine culture without sacrificing comfort or social atmosphere.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, educational experience that’s perfect for those eager to learn more about Tasmania’s wine scene while enjoying excellent tastings and a nice meal.
3. Private West Tamar Wine Tour
At a higher price point, the Private West Tamar Wine Tour offers complete flexibility and exclusivity. Customizable to your tastes, this boutique experience is ideal for small groups of up to six people who want to craft their own wine adventure. The tour lasts about 6–7 hours, with your personal chauffeur guiding you through the West Tamar region, home to some of Tasmania’s most distinguished wineries.
The main draw is its customization — you work with your driver to select vineyards, breweries, farms, or any other spots you’re interested in. You only pay for tastings, meals, and tickets as you go, making this a very spontaneous and flexible choice. During your day, you might meet the winemakers directly, which offers a uniquely personal connection to the wine.
This tour is best suited for those who appreciate privacy, flexibility, and a bespoke experience. However, it’s important to note that there’s no included admission, so it requires a bit more planning.
Bottom line: Perfect for small groups wanting a tailored, private day that they control from start to finish, especially if you’re comfortable managing your own itinerary.
$283.36 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing among these options depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you prefer a social, all-inclusive group tour with a gourmet lunch, the Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch offers superb value and intimacy. For those eager to deepen their wine knowledge and enjoy a well-paced, educational experience, the Launceston Tamar Valley Tour is a strong pick. If privacy and flexibility top your list, the Private West Tamar Wine Tour allows you to craft your perfect day with a personal chauffeur.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and if you want a guided or private experience. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, since these tours tend to fill up.
Final Thoughts
Launceston offers a range of wine tours suited to different tastes and budgets. For a comprehensive, small-group experience with delicious food, the Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch is hard to beat. If you’re after a more educational or private experience, the other two tours shine in their own ways.
No matter your choice, remember that Tasmania’s Tamar Valley is one of Australia’s best wine regions, and booking your tour early will ensure you don’t miss out. Cheers to discovering Tasmania’s fine wines!