Sunshine Coast isn’t just about beaches and surf; it’s also a surprisingly good spot for wine and food experiences. The region’s lush hinterland, with its rolling hills and farm-fresh produce, makes for some of Queensland’s best tasting adventures. We particularly like the Noosa: Maleny & Montville Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting for its blend of nature, artisan villages, and ocean-view wineries, giving you a well-rounded day out. For a shorter, more casual experience, the Sunshine Coast: Food and Wine Tour offers an immersive tasting of local spirits and craft beers. If you want to combine wine, cheese, and local spirits with a scenic drive and farm-to-table lunch, the Sunshine Coast Winery, Distillery, Brewery Tour with lunch stands out as a comprehensive option.
Below, we’ve summarized three of the best tours, each catering to different tastes and schedules, so you can pick the one that fits your trip perfectly.
1. Noosa: Maleny & Montville Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting
At number 1, this luxury all-inclusive day trip covers the best of Sunshine Coast Hinterland in style. For around $191, you’ll experience a full 9-hour day that includes stunning views, artisan villages, and wine tastings. The tour begins with a stop at Mapleton Falls, where you can sip coffee or tea while taking in the breathtaking cascade. Next, the journey takes you to the charming Montville Artisan Village, filled with craft shops and cozy cafes, perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or two.
A highlight is lunch at a rustic cottage cafe, paired with a drink — think local wine or craft beer — in a setting that perfectly captures the hinterland’s relaxed charm. Afterward, you’ll walk through old-growth rainforest, a peaceful reminder of the region’s natural beauty. The final stop is at a favorite local winery, where ocean views serve as the backdrop for tastings of regional wines. Our reviewers love how this tour offers a comprehensive taste of hinterland life, with the right mix of nature, culture, and wine.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a luxurious, all-inclusive experience that combines scenery, gourmet food, and wine tasting, with a touch of artisan shopping.
2. Sunshine Coast: Food and Wine Tour
Coming in at number 2, this 5-hour guided tour offers a more focused, intimate look at local spirits and craft beers. For $191 per person, you’ll explore three secret local spots, each with its own specialty—gin, vodka, beer, and wine. The day kicks off with a visit to a distillery where you’ll learn how gin and vodka are made, then sample their products directly from the source.
Next, you’ll head to a brewery for a laid-back tour and a hearty lunch that pairs well with their craft beers. The afternoon includes an interactive wine tasting on a farm with spectacular views, perfect for relaxing with good company. This tour is ideal for travelers who love discovering hidden spots and want to sample a variety of local drinks in a short time.
While the reviews don’t specify ratings, the focus on craft spirits and the interactive nature of tastings make this an excellent choice for those craving a hands-on, tasting-focused experience. It’s particularly suited for visitors with a shorter window or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: If you want an engaging, small-group experience sampling local spirits and craft beers alongside wine, this tour offers great value and a fun, relaxed vibe.
$191 per person
3. Sunshine Coast Winery, Distillery, Brewery Tour with lunch
At number 3, this 6-hour tour offers a well-rounded day of tasting and learning, priced at $185. It takes you through Maleny and Montville, two towns known for their local produce and artisan products. The tour features handcrafted wine tastings, with a focus on Sunshine Coast wines, alongside a chance to sample Maleny’s famous creamy cheeses.
The highlight is a farm-to-table lunch at a craft brewery, where you can choose from a selection of wine, beer, sparkling, or cider, all made locally. Afterward, you’ll visit a boutique distillery to sip small-batch spirits, and learn about the region’s food and drink trails. This experience is perfect for travelers wanting to indulge in the region’s culinary scene without sacrificing the scenic drive.
Our reviewers praise this tour for its variety and quality, especially the cheese tasting and lunch, which add extra flavor to the day. Keep in mind that this is a good choice if you prefer combining wine with cheese and spirits, and enjoy learning about local produce.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a taste of everything—wine, cheese, spirits—and a relaxed farm-to-table lunch, making it a complete foodie experience.
$185 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Sunshine Coast Wine Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re after a luxury, all-day experience with panoramic views and artisan village strolls, the Noosa: Maleny & Montville Tour is your best bet. For a shorter, spirit-focused outing, the Food and Wine Tour delivers a lively tasting experience in just five hours. If you prefer a culinary journey combining wine, cheese, and spirits, the Winery, Distillery, Brewery Tour offers a balanced, farm-fresh adventure.
Think about your fitness level—the first tour involves some walking and rainforest visits, while the others are mostly seated tastings. Also, booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, as these popular experiences tend to fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
The Sunshine Coast offers a variety of wine-related experiences, from scenic vineyard visits to intimate tastings of craft spirits and cheese. For travelers wanting a luxurious day with scenic views and artisan shopping, the Noosa: Maleny & Montville Tour shines. If you prefer a shorter, more casual tasting of local spirits and beers, the Food and Wine Tour will suit you perfectly. For those craving a culinary adventure with a focus on local produce and spirits, the Winery, Distillery, Brewery Tour provides a comprehensive experience.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you secure a spot on these popular tours. Sunshine Coast’s wine and food scene is surprisingly rich—so take the opportunity to enjoy the region’s flavors and scenery. Cheers to a memorable trip!