Discovery Tasting and Lunch

If you’re exploring New South Wales and love wine, this Discovery Tasting and Lunch at Rowlee Wines promises a delightful blend of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and mouthwatering food. While we haven’t personally done this experience, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear that this tour offers a genuine taste of Australia’s top-tier cool-climate wines, served with a side of stunning vineyard views.

What we love most about this experience are the personalized nature of the tour, the chance to sample award-winning boutique wines, and the exceptional food that pairs beautifully with each pour. It’s a perfect escape for couples or small groups wanting an intimate day out. The one potential consideration? The activity is designed for guests 18 and older, so it’s not suitable for families with younger children. This experience seems ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking a relaxed, high-quality outing in a scenic setting.

Contents show

Key Points

Intimate, private experience with only your group participating.
Expert-guided tastings showcasing award-winning cool-climate wines.
Scenic vineyard setting beneath Mount Canobolas, offering beautiful views.
Tasty shared lunch paired thoughtfully with Rowlee wines.
Flexible dietary options available upon booking.
Good value considering the quality, location, and personalized service.

An Introduction to Rowlee Wines’ Discovery Tasting and Lunch

This experience offers more than just a wine tasting; it’s a curated journey into Australia’s premier cool-climate wine region. Based in the scenic hills beneath Mount Canobolas, Rowlee Wines has built a reputation over 20 years for crafting boutique wines that reflect their unique land and climate.

The tour is crafted for both beginners eager to learn and seasoned wine lovers wanting a deeper appreciation. The inclusion of a private vineyard tour, a curated tasting of current releases, and a delicious shared meal makes this a well-rounded experience that balances education, flavor, and stunning scenery.

While the price of around $195 for two people might seem steep at first glance, it’s important to recognize the value of the personalized service, quality wines, and gourmet lunch included. You’re paying for an intimate, guided experience that’s more than just a tasting — it’s a chance to connect with the land, family legacy, and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in New South Wales

What to Expect from the Discovery Tasting and Lunch at Rowlee Wines

The Welcome and Meeting Point

Starting at Rowlee Wines on Lake Canobolas Road, you’ll begin your 3-hour journey at the designated time (11:00 am). The tour is exclusively private, meaning only your group will participate, which enhances the personalized feel.

The Vineyard and Cellar Door Experience

Guests are greeted by knowledgeable guides—many reviews highlight guides like Andrew or the team’s friendly, professional service—who lead you through the tales behind Rowlee’s award-winning wines. You’ll enjoy an expertly guided tasting of the winery’s current releases, which are crafted with care and showcase the different expressions of the cool-climate terroir.

Expect to learn how variety, site, and winemaking techniques influence the flavors you’ll be tasting. Reviewers mention the exceptional selection of wines—a testament to the winery’s craftsmanship. From the reviews, it’s clear that the staff’s passion and knowledge make the tasting experience especially engaging.

The Private Vineyard Tour

While not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the experience likely includes a private tour of the vineyards, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at where and how the grapes are grown. This view of the land adds context to the wines and helps deepen appreciation for what makes Rowlee’s offerings stand out in the region.

Hungry for more New South Wales flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

The Tasting Experience

You’ll sample a curated selection of wines, paired with insights into how each is made. Reviewers expressed particular admiration for the award-winning boutique wines, which are crafted at high altitude in a cool climate that lends itself to elegance and complexity. The tasting is designed to be accessible for beginners, yet sufficiently nuanced for those with more wine knowledge.

The Lunch: A Gourmet Shared Menu

After the tasting, you’ll sit down for a shared set menu lunch at Rowlee Dining and Bar. The reviews mention a mother dough flatbread with whipped house butter as a standout dish—”a gustatory experience” according to one reviewer. The food is described as tasty and thoughtfully paired, elevating the overall experience.

An excellent feature is that each guest receives a bottle of Rowlee wine to enjoy during lunch, allowing you to savor the flavors at a leisurely pace. The lunch setting offers a relaxed, convivial atmosphere complemented by scenic vineyard views, perfect for conversation and appreciation of the wines.

Additional Details and Considerations

Duration: Approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time for tasting, touring, and dining.
Price: At $195.08 per group (up to 2), this experience offers good value considering the quality of wines, food, and personalized attention.
Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, with dietary restrictions accommodated if indicated at booking.
Transport: Private transportation isn’t included, so plan to arrange your own way to and from Rowlee Wines.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Reviews

One reviewer from Sydney traveled specifically for Father’s Day, calling their visit “well worth the trip” and commendably describing it as “first class” with exceptional service and menu. The consistent praise for the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery suggests that the staff’s expertise truly elevates the experience.

Another reviewer describes it as “amazing,” highlighting the wine selection and the lunch’s quality. They specifically mentioned the flatbread and whipped butter as memorable, reinforcing how memorable the food pairing is.

Most reviews also emphasize the intimate, private nature of the tour, which allows for genuine engagement and tailored service. The fact that only your group participates means you can ask lots of questions and get a more personalized experience.

Why This Experience Stands Out

This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of Australia’s top cool-climate wine regions in a relaxed, intimate setting. The combination of award-winning wines, scenic vineyard views, and a delicious lunch makes it a worthwhile outing for those seeking more than just a tasting. The guides’ knowledge and the quality of the wines help justify the cost, especially for couples or small groups.

The scenic location beneath Mount Canobolas provides a beautiful backdrop, perfect for photo opportunities and just soaking in the land that influences each bottle. The inclusion of a bottle of wine to enjoy during lunch is a nice touch, making the experience feel even more indulgent and personalized.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about boutique wines in a scenic setting, as well as those looking for an intimate, guided experience. The shared lunch and private tour make it ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion or small groups wanting a memorable day out.

It’s also a great choice for anyone wanting an authentic, hands-on introduction to Australia’s cool-climate wine scene, especially given the positive reviews highlighting excellent service, beautiful views, and tasty food.

The Sum Up

The Discovery Tasting and Lunch at Rowlee Wines combines quality wine tasting, scenic beauty, and a gourmet meal into a compact, memorable experience. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Australian boutique wines in a private, relaxed setting, led by passionate guides who love sharing their land and craft.

Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle, the stunning vineyard views, and the delicious food pairing. When considering value, think of this experience as an all-in-one journey into the heart of NSW’s cool-climate wine scene—personal, educational, and utterly enjoyable.

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a private, authentic taste of Australia’s wine country. Do keep in mind that transport isn’t included, so plan accordingly to maximize your day of wine, food, and scenic relaxation.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for guests 18 years and older, primarily for tasting and adult conversation.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including tastings, a vineyard tour, and lunch.

What does the price include?
The cost covers the guided wine tasting, the shared lunch, and a bottle of Rowlee wine to enjoy during lunch.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, dietary needs can be requested at booking—be sure to specify your preferences.

Do I need private transportation?
Yes, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to and from Rowlee Wines.

Can I learn about the winemaking process?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and will share insights into how the region’s climate and land influence the wines.

Is this experience suitable for first-time wine tasters?
Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for beginners, with explanations suited to all levels of wine familiarity.

This private wine and lunch experience at Rowlee Wines offers a genuine taste of New South Wales’ cool-climate wines, paired with stunning scenery and a delicious meal. Whether celebrating a special day or simply indulging in a scenic wine escape, it promises a memorable, authentic journey into Australia’s wine heartland.