South Australia is a haven for food and wine lovers, especially if you’re craving a memorable lunch experience amidst some of Australia’s most famous wine regions and charming villages. Its combination of top-notch wineries, scenic landscapes, and farm-fresh produce makes it an ideal destination for a midday indulgence. We’ve sampled everything from private wine tours with gourmet lunches to hands-on cooking classes at Maggie Beer’s farm—each offering a different flavor of local hospitality. For a truly luxurious day, the Private Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour With Lunch stands out, thanks to its plush transportation and exclusive tastings. Meanwhile, the Clare Valley Wine Tour offers a small-group, personal experience with local wineries and a delicious included lunch. Whether you prefer a private, guided day or a more interactive, hands-on experience, South Australia delivers.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of lunch-focused tours including private wine adventures, small-group tastings, farm-to-table experiences, and shore excursions. Each tour offers unique highlights, whether it’s tasting exclusive wines, enjoying scenic village visits, or learning to cook at Maggie Beer’s farm. For more details, check out the individual experiences like the Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour or the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Guided Tour.
1. Private Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour With Lunch
At number 1, the Private Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour With Lunch offers a luxurious way to explore one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. For about $220, you get around 6.5 hours of exclusive access to up to five cellar doors in a plush Mercedes-Benz V-Class, making it feel like a private chauffeur-driven adventure. The tour explores the famous “Terra Rossa” soils—perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon—and includes visits to top wineries like Parker Estate and Wynns Coonawarra Estate. The highlight is the opportunity to engage directly with passionate winemakers, enjoy private tastings, and sample award-winning wines.
A unique feature is the stop at Ottelia, which combines wine tasting with seasonal dishes made from garden-fresh vegetables and sourdough pizzas—a true farm-to-table experience. Guests consistently praise the tour for its comfort and personalized service, with comments like, “every winery had friendly staff and great wine,” and the lunch was “excellent.” This tour is excellent for those wanting a relaxed, curated day with high-end touches and plenty of time to savor both wine and food.
Bottom line: If you like a blend of luxury, exclusivity, and regional charm, this private tour delivers in style.
2. Clare Valley Wine Tour (Clare Valley pickup) includes lunch
Number 2 is the Clare Valley Wine Tour, perfect for small groups craving an intimate exploration of one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. For around $142, you’ll spend roughly 6.5 hours immersed in rolling vineyards, with a maximum group size of five. This tour emphasizes personalized experiences, including visits to historic wineries like Sevenhill Cellars, which dates back to 1851, and family-run operations such as Mitchell Wines.
The itinerary also includes a stop for lunch at a local winery, with tastings of variety and seasonal dishes. The tour includes stops at Auburn and Mintaro—a chance to explore quaint villages filled with history and great wines. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guide Charles and appreciate the relaxed, educational vibe. One said, “Charles has a good knowledge of wine and the local area,” making it a favorite for those seeking authentic, small-group insight.
Bottom line: This tour is suited for couples and small groups who want a personal, relaxed day with a focus on local history and wines.
3. Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour With Lunch
The Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour With Lunch is ideal if time is tight but you still want a taste of Coonawarra’s excellence. Priced at about $119, this 4.5-hour experience takes you through three iconic cellar doors, including Patrick of Coonawarra—famous for its full tasting and gourmet produce platter. You’ll also visit Wynns Coonawarra Estate, famous for its historic vineyard and flagship wines.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on quality over quantity, offering fully hosted tastings, personalized service, and a memorable lunch at Patrick’s. Guests love the balance of wine, food, and regional stories, with review comments like, “The wineries were top-notch with lovely tasting rooms and people.” The tour is perfect for those who want a concise but rich experience without sacrificing quality.
Bottom line: Well-suited for wine lovers short on time but eager to enjoy notable wineries and a tasty lunch.
4. Maggie Beer’s Farm Hands-on Cooking School and Lunch
Number 4 on our list is the Maggie Beer’s Farm Hands-on Cooking School and Lunch. For just $145, you get a 3.5-hour experience that combines learning to cook with seasonal ingredients at Maggie Beer’s farm, followed by a hearty farm-to-table lunch. The focus here is on fresh seasonal produce and sharing food in a relaxed, friendly setting that’s perfect for foodies and those wanting a personal connection to local ingredients.
What makes this experience special is the hands-on nature—participants aren’t just watching; they’re creating dishes like Maggie’s signature recipes, often featuring herbs and vegetables from her garden. It’s ideal for travelers who want to take home more than just memories—they leave with new skills and a sense of connection to regional food. Reviews highlight the intimate atmosphere and the quality of the lunch, with one saying, “The platter was great, and the experience felt authentic and personal.”
Bottom line: If you’re interested in cooking and want a authentic farm experience, this hands-on class offers delicious food and new skills.
5. Shore Excursion: Hahndorf & Barossa Valley including Lunch
Number 5 is a convenient shore excursion designed for cruise travelers, combining the scenic Barossa Valley with the German charm of Hahndorf. At around $146, it’s a full 8-hour day that includes visits to two wineries, a delicious lunch, and free time in Hahndorf to explore its shops and galleries. The tour is timed to match cruise schedules, making it stress-free.
The winery stops are carefully selected for quality, and the lunch is at a picturesque vineyard restaurant. Plus, you get free time in Hahndorf, a village full of craft shops, cafes, and history. Reviewers appreciate the smooth logistics and the chance to experience both wine and regional charm in one day. It’s perfect for those who want a well-organized, wine-focused day with a bit of village exploration.
Bottom line: Best suited for cruise passengers who want a hassle-free, well-rounded taste of the Barossa and Hahndorf.
$145.95 per person
6. Adelaide: Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Guided Tour with Lunch
Number 6 offers a guided day trip exploring the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf in comfort. For $162, you’ll enjoy a 8-hour tour with a 2-course lunch and local wine tastings. The tour features stops at Mt. Lofty Lookout for sweeping views, local cheese tastings at Woodside Cheese Wrights, and free time in Hahndorf to soak up the German village’s charm.
This option is good for travelers who like a mix of sightseeing, food, and wine without the fuss of planning. The guide provides context and entertainment, and the small group size ensures a personal experience. Visitors comment on the tasty lunch and the friendly, knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, informative day with regional food and wine in a guided format.
7. Adelaide: Clare Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
The Clare Valley Wine Tasting Tour is a longer, more in-depth journey—priced at $594 for up to four people over 10 hours—perfect for serious wine enthusiasts. It includes visits to 4 or 5 wineries, sampling exceptional Rieslings and other cool-climate wines, and a local lunch. The tour emphasizes quality and personal attention, with a maximum of 4 travelers, ensuring a tailored experience.
Guests love the focus on regional wines and the chance to discover hidden gems. The private nature of the tour makes it suitable for small groups or couples wanting an immersive, educational experience. It’s a great choice if you want to spend a full day exploring multiple wineries with expert guidance.
Bottom line: Best for dedicated wine lovers who want a comprehensive, private experience of one of Australia’s premier wine regions.
$594 per group up to 4
8. Adelaide Hills: Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Option
Finally, the Adelaide Hills Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch offers a full day of wine tasting at 4 to 5 wineries, combined with a delicious local lunch. For $396 per group, it’s an excellent choice for small groups wanting a balanced day of tasting, sightseeing, and regional food.
Tour highlights include learning about the winemaking process, sampling cool-climate wines, and enjoying local produce. The guided experience ensures you visit top wineries and gain insights into the region’s wine culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a relaxed but comprehensive wine day with regional food in a small-group setting.
$396 per group up to 4
How to Choose Your Perfect South Australia Lunch Experience
When selecting the best tour for your trip, consider your budget, time available, and whether you prefer a private experience or a small-group tour. For example, if luxury and exclusivity are your priorities, the Coonawarra private tour is unmatched. If you want an immersive, hands-on experience, the Maggie Beer farm offers the chance to learn regional recipes while enjoying a farm-fresh lunch.
Those on a tight schedule or arriving via cruise might prefer the Hahndorf & Barossa shore excursion, which combines sightseeing with wine tastings seamlessly. For a more detailed wine exploration, the Clare Valley tour or Adelaide Hills experience suit travelers looking for a full day of regional wine and food.
Booking early is especially wise for tours with limited availability, like the small-group Clare Valley or Maggie Beer’s farm, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
South Australia offers a fantastic array of lunch experiences—from luxurious private tours and historic winery visits to hands-on cooking classes and charming village adventures. If you’re after a luxury experience with exclusive tastings and gourmet food, the Coonawarra private tour is a standout. For those seeking intimacy and authenticity, the Clare Valley tour delivers a true taste of local life. Food lovers who want to learn to cook with seasonal ingredients should consider Maggie Beer’s farm experience.
Whatever your taste and budget, these tours promise memorable moments of regional flavor and fine wine. Booking early ensures you’ll secure your preferred date—so don’t wait too long. South Australia’s best lunch experiences are waiting to be savored.