Behind The Scenes Tour with Food & Wine Pairing

Discover the Hidden World of Margaret River Winemaking with Cape Mentelle’s Behind The Scenes Tour

Imagine spending a couple of hours exploring one of Margaret River’s most renowned wineries, Cape Mentelle, where you’ll learn firsthand about the magic behind their award-winning wines. For just $74.70 per person, this 2-hour experience offers a fascinating look into the winery’s inner workings, combined with a delicious food and wine pairing that’s perfect for anyone interested in how top-tier wines are crafted and enjoyed. The tour is limited to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate setting where your guide can answer all your questions and share insights you won’t find on any label.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, the small-group size creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere—no overwhelming crowds here. Plus, the guided tour of the winery’s barrel cellar offers a rare peek into the modern winemaking technology that Cape Mentelle uses—something that delights anyone curious about the process. The pairing of six wines with local produce in the Cabernet Cellar is another highlight, elevating the tasting into a true culinary experience. One reviewer raves about the knowledgeable guides, and the delightful food pairing that made the wines even more memorable.

A potential consideration is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from the winery, which is conveniently located at 331 Wallcliffe Rd. Also, since the tour operates rain or shine, dressing appropriately for weather and wearing comfortable, closed-toe flat shoes is advisable. This experience is best suited for adults over 18 who are genuinely interested in wine, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just wine-curious.

If you love a mix of behind-the-scenes insight, expert guidance, and refined tasting experiences, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially ideal for those looking to deepen their appreciation of Western Australia’s distinctive wines, coupled with a chance to savor local foods in a setting that feels both exclusive and welcoming.

Key Points

• In-depth winery tour: Offers a behind-the-scenes look at Cape Mentelle’s modern winemaking facilities.
• Expert-guided tasting: Learn from knowledgeable guides about the wines and winemaking process.
• Food and wine pairing: Six wines matched with local produce, enhancing flavor understanding.
• Intimate group size: Max of 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• All-inclusive experience: Tasting fees, food, and entrance costs are included in the price.
• Weatherproof operation: The tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The initial stop at Cape Mentelle begins with a walk through the winery’s production area, where you’ll see the inner workings of this modern, technologically advanced operation. Our guide, Ben, was praised for his knowledge and patience, making the technical details accessible even for those new to wine. We loved the way the tour made us appreciate the precision and care involved in crafting wines at Cape Mentelle, from grape crush to fermentation tanks.

Following the walk, you move to the Cabernet Cellar, a cozy, climate-controlled space that’s perfect for tasting. Here, you’ll sample six different wines—a mix of reds and whites—each carefully paired with local foods. The food pairing is a highlight, as the delicious local produce accentuates the wine flavors, transforming the tasting into an engaging, sensory journey. One reviewer remarked, “the pairing really opened my eyes to the different types of wines and what I most enjoyed,” which speaks to how even casual drinkers can find new favorites.

The small group setting fosters a relaxed environment where you can ask questions freely. Whether you’re curious about specific grape varieties or the winery’s use of technological innovations, your guide is happy to share insights. The private tasting in the barrel cellar makes you feel like a VIP, and the intimate size ensures personalized attention.

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Margaret River’s world-class wines and the craftsmanship behind them. Reviewers frequently mention how the knowledgeable guides and delicious pairings made the experience memorable. One said, “The culmination of the tour was the wine tasting with food pairing which was superb,” confirming that the focus on quality and authenticity really hits the mark.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

While $74.70 might seem like a premium for a two-hour experience, it’s worth considering what’s included: six wine tastings, food pairings, guided insights, and entrance fees. Compared to other wine tours that might only offer tastings, this one provides a comprehensive look at the winemaking process with added culinary enjoyment. The small group size enhances the value by ensuring you get ample attention and meaningful interaction.

The booking window averages around 22 days in advance, which suggests this experience is popular among visitors who want a more in-depth, curated experience. For travelers keen on understanding the nuances of Western Australian wines and enjoying a relaxed, educational outing, this tour delivers both in quality and authenticity.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Cape Mentelle Wines

Your journey begins with a guided walk through the winery, where you learn about the modern techniques and sustainable practices that define Cape Mentelle. The guide’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through, making technical aspects accessible and engaging. This part of the tour is perfect for those wanting a deeper understanding of winemaking technology and viticulture.

Stop 2: The Barrel Cellar Tasting

Next, you’ll descend into the barrel cellar, a cool, atmospheric space that sets the scene for the best part of the tour—sampling wines directly from the source. Here, you’ll taste six carefully selected wines—red and white—each paired with locally sourced produce. The pairing elevates the tasting, highlighting how food enhances wine flavors and vice versa. The delicious local produce often includes cheeses, olives, and small bites, meticulously chosen to complement each wine.

The Guided Commentary

Throughout, your guide will share stories about the winery’s history, philosophy, and innovations. We loved how they demystified the wine tasting process, giving us the language to describe what we liked or didn’t. Reviewers appreciated the patience and depth of knowledge, mentioning that even those less familiar with wine learned a lot.

Final Reflection

The experience concludes back at the meeting point, leaving you with a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Many reviewers left feeling more confident in their wine choices and eager to explore Margaret River’s vineyards further.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts looking for an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at a top winery. It’s equally suited for food lovers who enjoy pairing local produce with wine. The small group size and guided format make it ideal for travelers who want an educational, personalized experience. If you’re visiting Margaret River and want to understand the region’s wines better, this tour offers a fantastic, value-packed opportunity.

FAQ

Is transportation included? No, transportation to and from the winery is not included, so plan accordingly. You’ll want your own car or arrange a local transfer.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts about 2 hours, giving enough time for the walk, tasting, and some relaxed conversation without feeling rushed.

What’s the group size? A maximum of 8 travelers, making it an intimate experience where your guide can give personalized attention.

Are food and drinks included? Yes, the wine tastings, food pairing, and entrance fees are all covered in the price.

Can I join if I’m new to wine? Absolutely. Several reviews mention that guides are patient and knowledgeable, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I wear? Dress in comfortable, closed-toe flat shoes and consider weather conditions—since it operates rain or shine, bring an umbrella or sun protection as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Behind The Scenes Tour with Food & Wine Pairing at Cape Mentelle offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that appeals to anyone eager to go beyond the standard tasting. It’s more than just sampling wine; it’s about understanding where it comes from, how it’s made, and how food can enhance the experience. The small-group atmosphere, expert guides, and focus on quality make it a standout choice for those visiting Margaret River.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, educational, and delicious outing that provides real insight into Western Australia’s wine culture, this tour is a perfect pick. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about the process, you’ll come away with new knowledge—and maybe a few new favorites.