Behind The Scenes Tour

When it comes to wine tours in Margaret River, Cape Mentelle’s Behind The Scenes experience consistently earns rave reviews for its knowledgeable guides, immersive approach, and authentic connection to the wine-making process. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing feedback and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a truly engaging experience that combines education, stunning scenery, and top-tier wines—all in a compact 1.5-hour window.

What we love about this tour is its focus on education and authenticity. First, the guides like Leann and Kate are praised for their enthusiasm and detailed knowledge, making even complex topics like terroir and fermentation accessible. Second, the opportunity to see the vineyard and cellar from a behind-the-scenes perspective is rare; many wine tours are purely tasting-based, but this one offers a real look at the work that goes into each bottle. Third, the structured tasting of current releases ensures you leave with a clear understanding of Cape Mentelle’s style and quality.

A minor consideration is that children under five aren’t allowed, which might be disappointing for families seeking a more inclusive experience. Plus, since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dressing appropriately is important—closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

This tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of winemaking, as well as visitors eager for a personalized, small-group experience. If you love learning about wine and want to see a winery with a reputation for excellence, this one is well worth the price.

• Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Access: You’ll see vineyards, cellars, and barrel halls, gaining insight into the wine production process.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Leann and Kate combine enthusiasm with extensive knowledge, elevating the experience.
• Structured Tasting: A curated tasting of current wines helps solidify your understanding of Cape Mentelle’s signature style.
• Small Group Intimacy: With a maximum of 10 guests, expect personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Good Value for Money: At $33.06 per person, considering the guided tour, cellar visit, and tastings, this is a solid deal.
• Preparation Matters: Dress appropriately for weather and wear closed-in shoes to enjoy the full experience.

Meeting at Cape Mentelle Vineyard

The tour begins at the winery’s main address, 331 Wallcliffe Rd. This central location is easy to find, and the start time of 10:30 AM fits well into a morning itinerary. The small group size, capped at 10, ensures an intimate experience—ideal if you value personalized interaction.

The Guided Tour: Vineyard and Cellar Insights

Led by a knowledgeable guide—like Leann, who garnered praise for her enthusiasm—the walk through the vineyard and winery is where the magic begins. Expect to hear about the history of Cape Mentelle, which is one of Margaret River’s original wineries, and about their unique approach to viticulture. Reviewers appreciated her ability to explain complex topics with passion, making the tour engaging rather than dry.

You’ll get to see the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, where the terroir is explained—an essential factor in understanding how the grapes develop distinctive flavors. Walks may include viewing the fermentation tanks, the oak barrel hall, and other key parts of the winemaking process. Some reviews mention a highlight: tasting wine directly from stainless steel vats and sampling grapes from different varietals, which adds a tangible, real-time feel to the tour.

Deep Dive into Winemaking Techniques

The tour doesn’t shy away from details. Expect insights into fermentation, oak aging, and blending, presented in an accessible way. Guests like Helen noted how the guide’s enthusiasm brought these elements to life, giving a true appreciation of the craft involved.

Tasting the Wines

Following the tour, the experience transitions seamlessly into a structured tasting session. This isn’t just a free-for-all; it’s curated to showcase Cape Mentelle’s current releases. Expect to sample a variety of wines, with the guide explaining tasting notes, tannins, and how terroir influences flavor profiles.

Reviewers consistently mention how this enhances their understanding of the wines. For example, Kate was praised for her knowledge of the winery’s blend of traditional techniques and modern technology, which she illustrated during tastings.

End of Tour and Additional Options

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving plenty of time to either purchase wines or continue exploring Cape Mentelle’s offerings. Some guests have expressed interest in extending their experience with add-ons like food and wine pairings or attending summer movie nights, which could be worthwhile if you want to make a full day of it.

This experience offers a rare peek behind the curtain at a well-established Margaret River winery. It’s ideal for those who want to go beyond tasting and truly understand what makes Cape Mentelle’s wines special. The guides are praised for their expertise, and the tour’s small size fosters genuine conversation.

While $33.06 may seem modest, the value becomes clear when considering the quality of the guidance, the behind-the-scenes access, and the opportunity to sample current wines with context. It’s educational without feeling overwhelming, and the tasting session at the end cements your takeaway knowledge.

For families with children over five, the tour is suitable, but it’s best for adults or wine lovers sharing a genuine interest in the craft. The tour runs in all weather, so an umbrella or hat might be wise. And remember, booking 15 days in advance is common—so plan accordingly to secure your spot.

This tour stands out for its expert guides, authentic access to the winemaking process, and well-curated tasting experience. It’s a perfect pick for visitors who want to learn about wine as an art form, not just sampled liquids. Because of its limited group size, you’ll enjoy personalized insights and the chance to ask plenty of questions.

The tour’s value is amplified by the chance to see the vineyards and cellars up close, which many reviews highlight as a real highlight. If you’re after a genuine, educational experience that combines storytelling with tasting, this tour hits the mark.

It’s especially suitable for those with a keen interest in wine, or anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of Margaret River’s winemaking heritage. Even if you’re just curious about how wine is made, the engaging guides and hands-on elements make this a memorable stop on your Margaret River journey.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you enough time for an informative visit without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the guided visit to the vineyards and cellars, as well as a structured tasting of Cape Mentelle’s current wines, plus the guide’s expert insights.

Can children join the tour?
Children under five are not allowed, but ages five and above can participate when accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear?
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing and wear closed-toe, flat shoes, especially since parts of the tour involve walking through vineyards and cellar areas.

Is prior booking necessary?
Yes, booking approximately 15 days in advance is recommended, as the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 guests per booking.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions, so come prepared for rain or sun.

Are there any additional activities I can do after the tour?
Yes, you might consider exploring Cape Mentelle’s cellar door for more tastings, or joining optional food and wine pairings or summer movie nights, if available.

In summary, the Behind The Scenes Tour at Cape Mentelle offers a well-rounded, insightful look into Margaret River’s renowned winemaking world. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or just curious about the craft, this experience provides genuine value, expert guidance, and a memorable glimpse into the art of wine.