Watervale offers a charming glimpse into South Australia’s renowned wine country, with a side of farm-fresh food, history, and local charm. What makes it stand out are the authentic experiences you can enjoy—whether it’s sharing a meal at a historic pub, helping pick produce at a farm, or wandering through the town’s historic sites. Our favorites include the Watervale Hotel 2-Course Dining with Riesling for its combination of good food and local wines, and the Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine for a taste of local life and history. These experiences showcase Watervale’s laid-back charm and genuine hospitality.
If you prefer a more hands-on, farm-to-table approach, the Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef and 5-Course Lunch offers an engaging look at sustainable farming paired with a delicious meal. Whether you’re into wine, food, or history, Watervale’s tours cover a range of interests with authentic experiences you won’t forget.
1. Watervale Hotel : 2-Course Dining Experience with Riesling
At number one on our list, the Watervale Hotel 2-Course Dining Experience with Riesling is a delightful way to enjoy local flavors. This tour lasts about 2.5 hours and offers a relaxed yet immersive experience in the heart of Watervale. You start with a farm-fresh 2-course meal at the historic hotel, where the emphasis is on locally sourced produce, including ingredients from nearby Penobscot Farm. The menu features a variety of shared entrees and individual main dishes, allowing you to sample the region’s freshest ingredients.
A highlight is the included bottle of Crabtree Winery’s Watervale Riesling, just across the road, which pairs beautifully with your meal. You can explore the winery and taste a selection of wines with an optional upgrade. Guests consistently praise the friendly service and the opportunity to learn about the region’s wine-making traditions firsthand. The experience is ideal for wine lovers and foodies alike who want a relaxed, authentic taste of Watervale’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a casual, delicious meal paired with top-quality Riesling in a historic setting.
2. Watervale: Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef and 5-Course Lunch
For those wanting a fully hands-on experience, the Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef and 5-Course Lunch delivers an engaging day. Over roughly three hours, you’ll join a local chef for a tour of Penobscot Farm, where you learn about sustainable farming practices and how nutrients are naturally delivered to plants through the farm’s system. This is not just a sightseeing tour; you’ll help the chef pick fresh produce for your upcoming lunch, adding a personal touch to your meal.
Back at the Watervale Hotel, you’ll watch your meal being prepared at the chef’s table in the kitchen—an intimate look at culinary craftsmanship. The lunch includes a four-course meal with two snacks, bread and butter, and a hot drink, emphasizing fresh, regional ingredients. Guests say the experience is as enriching as it is delicious, with many appreciating the chance to connect with the farm-to-table process directly.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies and curious travelers looking for a meaningful, participatory experience that combines farming insights with a gourmet lunch.
3. Watervale: Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine
If you’re into local history and small-town charm, the Watervale: Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine is a delightful choice. This tour takes about a few hours, walking through the town’s historic sites and along the Riesling Trail. You visit the Watervale General Store, the historic Watervale Hotel, and Crabtree Wines winery, with plenty of opportunities for photos and stories.
The tour culminates with a glass of Watervale Riesling at the Watervale Hotel, where you learn about the town’s past and its connection to the wine industry. You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch with a coffee or hot drink, supplied at the General Store, and have ample time to explore the town and its historic buildings and cemetery. This tour is ideal for history buffs and those wanting a relaxed, culturally rich experience.
Guests note that the tour offers a genuine look at Watervale’s roots, with friendly guides and a leisurely pace. It’s a great introduction to the town’s heritage and wine scene in one easy outing.
Bottom Line: For travelers interested in local history, charming town sights, and a wine-tasting finale, this tour offers a balanced, authentic experience.
How to Choose Your Watervale Experience
When selecting the best tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you love wine and want a relaxed meal, the Watervale Hotel 2-Course Dining offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy local Riesling with farm-fresh food. For a more interactive day focused on sustainable farming and cooking, the Penobscot Farm Tour with Chef and 5-Course Lunch is excellent and suited for those who like hands-on experiences. If you’re interested in history and local stories, the Town History Walking Tour with Picnic & Wine provides a relaxed way to soak in Watervale’s heritage.
Budget-wise, all these tours offer good value considering the local food, wine, and insights included. Think about how much time you want to dedicate—shorter tastings versus full-day farm excursions—and your personal interests, whether culinary, historical, or scenic.
Final Thoughts
Watervale’s tours showcase the town’s best features: excellent wines, fresh farm produce, and a welcoming community. For a relaxed, food-focused outing, the dining experience at Watervale Hotel is hard to beat. If you’re keen on hands-on learning and gourmet food, the Penobscot Farm experience is a standout. And for those who love history and small-town charm, the walking tour with picnic offers a wonderful, laid-back introduction.
To make the most of your stay, book early—these popular experiences fill up quickly, especially during peak wine harvest season in spring and fall. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or a history enthusiast, Watervale has an experience tailored just for you.