The Gold Coast isn’t just about beaches and theme parks; it’s also a surprising destination for wine lovers. With its lush hinterlands, boutique wineries, and scenic landscapes, the region offers more than just surf and sand. Whether you’re interested in tasting Queensland’s finest wines, floating above the vineyards in a hot air balloon, or enjoying a sunset sail, there’s something for every palate. We particularly love the Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast for its relaxed pace and friendly guides, or the Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast experience for a magical morning in the skies.
If you’re craving a comprehensive day of wine, food, and beautiful scenery, the Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour is a superb choice. For a romantic sunset cruise, the Gold Coast Sunset Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles offers a relaxing way to unwind. No matter your style, the list below covers a broad spectrum of options that showcase the region’s best wine-related experiences.
- 1. Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast
- 2. Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers
- 3. Gold Coast Sunset Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter
- 4. Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast
- 5. Gold Coast Sailing Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter
- 6. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch
- 7. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch
- 8. Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch
- 9. Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast
- 10. Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste + 2 Course Lunch
- 11. Deluxe Winery Tour to Tamborine Mountain (Mon-Tues)
- 12. Gold Coast: Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery
- 13. Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon Flight, Sparkling Wine & Photos
- 14. Sirromet Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
- 15. Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon, Winery Breakfast & iFly
- How to Choose Your Perfect Gold Coast Wine Tour
- Final Thoughts
1. Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast
At number 1, this highly-rated tour offers a full-day excursion through Queensland’s boutique wineries on Mount Tamborine. The small-group setting ensures a personal touch, with guided tastings of wines and spirits, plus snacks and water. The tour visits several wineries, including Honey Wine and Tawny varieties, making it ideal for those who want variety without the worry of driving. Guests praise Boris, the guide, who is both knowledgeable and entertaining. The included lunch is highly recommended, adding value to this approximately 8-hour experience.
This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed, educational day in a beautiful setting. The blend of tastings, scenic views, and a friendly group makes it a standout choice. While it’s a bit of a drive from the coast, the intimate experience and quality wineries make it well worth the trip.
Bottom Line: Personal, well-organized, and full of flavor, this tour is great for those who want a comprehensive look at Tamborine’s wineries with the convenience of pickup and drop-off.
2. Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers
For a truly memorable experience, the Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast combines a sunrise flight over the hinterland with a gourmet breakfast at a vineyard. Starting before dawn, you’ll ascend quietly in heavily insured, modern balloons with expert commentary, then toast your flight with sparkling wine upon landing. Afterward, enjoy a vineyard breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, with a glass of sparkling wine included.
Guests rave about the view and the serenity of floating above the Gold Coast. The combination of adventure and relaxation makes this tour stand out. The entire experience lasts around 4 hours and is ideal for adventurers and romantic couples who want a special morning.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a unique perspective on the landscape, blending adventure with good food and wine, perfect for those seeking a spectacular start to the day.
3. Gold Coast Sunset Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter
Watching the sunset on the water is a classic, and the Gold Coast Sunset Cruise delivers just that, with the added bonus of sparkling wine and delicious nibbles. This 2-hour sail aboard a luxury yacht passes landmarks like Marina Mirage and Wave Break Island, while the captain shares stories about Australia’s yacht races and local history.
Guests mention dolphins swimming nearby and the relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for romantic evenings or casual get-togethers. The small-group setting ensures personalized service, and the cruise is suitable for all ages.
Bottom Line: For a laid-back yet elegant way to unwind at the end of the day, this sunset sail offers stunning views and good company at a reasonable price.
4. Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast
This luxury small-group tour takes you on an 8-hour journey through Mount Tamborine’s best wineries. Expect a gourmet 2-course lunch, guided visits to boutique wineries, and the chance to try honey wine, tawny, and spirits. The tour emphasizes personalized attention and comfort, with scenic valleys and mountain views as the backdrop.
Few tours offer the same level of intimacy and quality, with guests praising the professional guides like Michelle for their knowledge and friendliness. If you’re seeking a luxurious day out with great food and wine, this is an excellent pick.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and wine connoisseurs who want a sophisticated experience with a relaxed pace and beautiful scenery.
5. Gold Coast Sailing Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter
Another sailing experience, this 2-hour luxury cruise on the Gold Coast Broadwater offers excellent views of landmarks like the Palazzo Versace and Sea World. The captain shares insights into the sailing scene, dolphins may swim alongside, and you can upgrade to include a seafood lunch.
Reviews highlight the friendly crew and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal romantic or family outing. The focus here is on a casual, pleasurable cruise with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and marine life.
Bottom Line: A short, relaxing cruise perfect for those wanting a taste of the water with good snacks and a chance to spot dolphins.
6. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch
This local winery tour explores three award-winning wineries on Tamborine Mountain, combined with a gourmet 2-course lunch. The trip is efficient, with pick-up from your Gold Coast accommodation and scenic views along the way. Guests enjoy guided tastings, including honey wines, ports, and spirits, as well as visits to local shops.
Guests appreciate the personalized service and the chance to try a broad range of wines, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a straightforward yet comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Good value for a full day of tastings, lunch, and scenic drives, suited for those who want an easy, well-rounded winery day.
7. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch
This tour combines visits to three top wineries with a two-course lunch and stops at Tamborine Mountain Distillery for spirits. The 8-hour trip includes tastings of 6-8 varieties at each winery, with a focus on both reds and whites, plus liqueurs. The tour offers multiple pickup and drop-off points for convenience.
Guests love the informative guides and the variety of tastings, noting the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff at each stop. The inclusion of spirits and a scenic mountain setting makes this a versatile choice.
Bottom Line: A great choice for wine and spirits lovers who want to explore different flavors in a day.
8. Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch
This half-day tour is perfect for those with limited time. It visits Witches Falls Winery and Cedar Creek Estate Winery, with tastings of six to eight varieties, plus a gourmet lunch. The tour includes scenic views and a chance to explore the village and local shops afterward.
Guests praise the fabulous guide Michelle and the quality of the lunch and tastings, making it a solid choice for foodies and casual wine fans. The tour’s shorter duration is great for combining with other activities.
Bottom Line: A good pick for shorter day trips that still deliver a satisfying wine experience.
9. Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast
Operating since 2000, Cork ’n Fork Winery Tours are known for their comprehensive itinerary and friendly guides. This full-day experience visits four wineries and distilleries, with tastings and a two-course lunch. The trip is suited for all ages and includes scenic views and behind-the-scenes look at local wineries.
Guests mention the knowledgeable guide Barry and the delicious lunch, making it a well-rounded, value-packed option. It’s ideal for serious wine enthusiasts and those wanting a relaxed, educational day.
Bottom Line: For a full experience with multiple stops and in-depth tastings, this tour is hard to beat.
10. Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste + 2 Course Lunch
On the outskirts of Brisbane, Sirromet Winery offers a 3-hour tour with a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking, plus tastings of six wines. Guests enjoy a 2-course lunch paired with wines, with vegetarian options available. The tour features state-of-the-art facilities and a relaxing atmosphere.
Reviewers highlight the generous tastings and delicious lunch as well as the friendly, informative guides. Perfect for those who want a shorter, high-quality experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for shorter, premium winery visits close to Brisbane.
11. Deluxe Winery Tour to Tamborine Mountain (Mon-Tues)
This deluxe tour explores Mount Tamborine’s scenic Wine Trail, including visits to Albert River Wines and Witches Falls Winery, plus a lunch with a view. The itinerary is flexible, with optional visits to local shops and lookouts. The tour offers personalized attention and a focus on award-winning wines, spirits, and liqueurs.
Guests appreciate the in-depth visits and the guide’s local knowledge, making it suitable for serious wine fans and those wanting a relaxed, high-end experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine connoisseurs who wish to indulge and explore in comfort.
12. Gold Coast: Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery
This luxury tour takes you through boutique wineries with a focus on local flavors and scenic scenery. It includes a gourmet 2-course lunch, visits to family-owned wineries, and a stop at the Tamborine Mountain Distillery. The door-to-door transportation makes it easy to relax and enjoy the day.
Guests note the professional guides and the chance to taste world-class liquors alongside local wines. It’s ideal for those who prefer a comfortable, all-inclusive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a luxury, all-in-one day tour with high-quality food, wine, and spirits.
13. Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon Flight, Sparkling Wine & Photos
Offering a 4-hour adventure, this tour combines a hot air balloon ride with a bubbles-on-land celebration and professional photos. You’ll enjoy views of the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast Hinterland, with pickups from numerous locations.
The hot air balloon flight is the highlight, with guests describing it as breathtaking and peaceful. The included photo pack allows you to relive the experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventure seekers and romantics wanting a special, scenic experience.
14. Sirromet Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
This short but sweet experience visits Sirromet’s vineyards for a guided tour and tasting of six wines, including reds, whites, and sparklings. It’s perfect for visitors with limited time or those wanting a quick taste of Queensland’s premium wines.
Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed atmosphere. It’s a good option for first-timers or those looking to combine with other activities nearby.
Bottom Line: A quick, quality visit for wine novices and connoisseurs alike.
15. Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon, Winery Breakfast & iFly
This full-day adventure combines a hot air balloon ride, a winery breakfast with sparkling wine, and the thrill of skydiving at iFly. It’s tailored for adventure lovers who want adrenaline and scenic beauty.
Guests love the early start and the variety of activities that keep the day exciting from sunrise to sunset. It’s best suited for active travelers with a sense of adventure and a day to spare.
Bottom Line: For those who want a high-energy, adrenaline-fueled day with spectacular views, this tour hits the mark.
How to Choose Your Perfect Gold Coast Wine Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and what kind of experience you want. For a full-day, all-in-one adventure, the Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine or the Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch offer comprehensive options. If you prefer something more relaxed or romantic, the Sunset Cruise or Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast might be better.
Don’t forget to check booking tips—especially for popular tours like the Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour—and plan ahead during peak seasons. Whether you want a scenic drive, up-close tasting, or adventure in the sky, the Gold Coast has a wine experience for you.
Final Thoughts
The Gold Coast isn’t just about sun and surf; it’s also about discovering local wines, scenic landscapes, and memorable experiences. If you’re into boutique wineries, the Mount Tamborine tours shine. For adventure seekers, hot air balloon rides and sailing cruises provide a thrilling twist. Families and casual visitors can enjoy shorter excursions like the Sirromet Winery Tour or Sunset Cruise.
Booking early is wise—these popular experiences fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the Gold Coast’s vibrant wine scene and stunning vistas. Cheers!
