Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney

If you’re in Sydney and looking for an escape into Australia’s thriving wine scene, the Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour offers a well-organized, engaging way to explore this lesser-known but incredibly charming wine region. With a solid 5.0-star rating based on 20 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Sydney itinerary.

What we love about this experience is its convenience, small-group intimacy, and the insider access to some of the area’s top wineries—plus, a delicious lunch at Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn. The only potential hiccup might be the fixed timing and group size, which could be limiting for those wanting a more flexible or private experience. This tour suits wine lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, guided day outside the city.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation ensures you focus on wine, not parking or driving.
• Small-group format means more personalized attention from your guide.
• Inclusion of tastings and lunch provides great value for a full-day experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the understanding of local winemaking.
• Scenic vineyard visits offer authentic views and tasting opportunities.
• Effortless logistics with hotel pick-up and drop-off options.

An Introduction to this Wine Adventure

This full-day tour takes you out of Sydney and into the Southern Highlands, a region increasingly recognized for its cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. It’s a wonderful way to taste Australia’s rising wine stars without the stress of planning or driving.

What makes this tour shine is its focus on quality and accessibility. With a maximum of 11 travelers, you get a more relaxed, intimate experience—something larger tours often miss. Plus, the inclusion of a hearty lunch at Australia’s oldest licensed inn adds a touch of history and local flavor, making your day both delicious and educational.

While the fixed schedule might not suit spontaneous souls or those wanting more flexibility, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a well-organized, hassle-free day with plenty of opportunities to sample wines, learn about the region, and enjoy the scenery.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

Starting Point and Timing

Meet at 30 Pitt St, Sydney at 8:30am. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, so you’ll be back in the city by early evening. The early start allows plenty of time for relaxed vineyard visits without feeling rushed.

Vineyard Visits and Tastings

Your guide will take you to three of the highest-rated wineries in the Southern Highlands. Based on reviews, these wineries are carefully chosen not only for their wine quality but also for their welcoming atmosphere. You’ll enjoy guided tastings, which mean you’ll learn about the wines—such as pinot noir, chardonnay, and riesling—while also sampling several varieties.

According to one reviewer, the guide, Steve, received praise for his knowledge and friendliness, making the tastings more engaging. Expect a mix of informative commentary and personal insights that enhance your understanding of the region’s winemaking.

The Lunch Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is the lunch at Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn. The hearty meal offers a break from tastings, plus a chance to soak in some local history and charm. Many reviews mention the quality of this meal and the town stop as a perfect complement to the day’s wine pursuits.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

Aside from the vineyards, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere of the Southern Highlands—think quaint towns, historic buildings, and lush countryside. The tour provides a taste of both the landscape and the local culture, making it a well-rounded day trip.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $163.07 per person, the tour packs in a lot of meaningful experiences. Included are transportation, guided tastings, and a substantial lunch, which, taken together, make this a good bang for your buck. Unlike DIY trips, the hassle-free organization, expert guidance, and small group size make it a more enjoyable and educational experience.

Authenticity and Quality

Based on reviews, guests often mention the knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere as standout features. One reviewer, Andy_P, noted, “Great guide, great group of people, and some great wines,” highlighting how much the guide’s personality and expertise add to the experience.

Small Group Experience

With a cap of only 11 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personalized journey. This intimate setting allows for questions, interaction, and a more relaxed pace—important factors when visiting multiple wineries.

The Journey: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Hassle-free transportation means no worries about driving or parking.
• Expert-guided tastings help you understand the nuances of each wine.
• The small group size ensures more attention and a personalized experience.
• The lunch and visits to top wineries provide excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of tastings.
• The scenic drive through the Southern Highlands offers beautiful countryside views, making the whole trip more memorable.

Considerations

• The fixed schedule and group size might not appeal to travelers seeking a private or more flexible experience.
• The tour’s focus on three wineries, while enough for most, might leave some wanting more variety.
• The early start could be a challenge for night owls or those who prefer sleeping in.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect if you’re interested in learning about wine in a relaxed setting, appreciate guided experiences, and want a convenient way to see the Southern Highlands. It suits wine enthusiasts, foodies, and curious travelers eager to explore Australian wines without the hassle of organizing transport or bookings.

It’s also ideal for those who value a small-group vibe, personalized attention, and a mix of wine, history, and scenic beauty—all wrapped in one memorable day.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour? Yes, transportation is provided, and it takes you directly from Sydney to the Southern Highlands, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What’s the duration of the tour? The full-day experience runs roughly 9 hours, starting at 8:30am and returning to the meeting point in Sydney by early evening.

Are the tastings and lunch included? Absolutely—your ticket covers guided tastings at three top wineries plus a hearty lunch at a historic inn.

How many people will be on the tour? The group is limited to a maximum of 11 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

Is this suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions? The tour is primarily wine-focused, but the lunch may offer some options. It’s best to contact the provider if you have specific needs.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking at vineyards are recommended. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, providing some peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The Sip n Savour Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour offers an excellent balance of guided expertise, scenic beauty, and authentic wine tasting. For those who want to escape the city and explore a charming wine region with minimal fuss, this tour hits the mark. Its value, intimate size, and inclusive approach make it a standout choice for a full-day, enriching experience outside Sydney.

Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned sipper, you’ll come away with new favorites, a deeper understanding of Australian cool-climate wines, and a memorable day in a stunning landscape. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized, and genuinely enjoyable wine tour, this outing deserves a top spot on your Sydney bucket list.

Note: Always check with the provider for the latest details and availability, especially if you have specific dietary or accessibility needs.