Offer ID
800-367-5348
Join Stewart Finlay-McLennan and Michelle McLennan of The Garagiste Wine Festival on a luxurious 10-day journey through South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, blending world-class tastings, coastal beauty, and immersive cultural experiences. Begin with a 3-night stay in Adelaide where you’ll explore the acclaimed McLaren Vale wth exclusive winery visits, beachfront dining, and behind-the scenes access to innovative winemakers. Continue to the picturesque Adelaide Hills for boutique wine tastings, artisan food experiences, and a stay at the award-winning Mount Lofty House overlooking rolling hills.
Your journey culminates in the iconic Barossa Valley, where you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to both historic estates and pioneering “garagiste” winemakers shaping the future of Australian wine. Throughout the tour indulge in exceptional dining from open-flame restaurants to vineyard lunches. Engage in enriching experiences including wildlife encounters and an insightful Aboriginal art tour. With luxury accommodations, curated tastings, and a seamless blend of guided experiences and leisure time, this journey offers an elevated and authentic exploration of South Australia’s food, wine, and culture.
Co-Founder, Garagiste Wine Festival
Garagiste Wine Festival
NOTE: The below itinerary is abbreviated. Click here to review the full brochure and detailed day-by-day itinerary.
Accommodation at the luxury 5-star Mayfair Hotel (or similar). Historic art-deco property in the heart of the city.
Time at leisure to explore some of Adelaide’s highlights: Central Market (food hall with 70+ vendors offers immersive tasting experience), art galleries, botanical gardens, Adelaide Oval (iconic sports venue), Gleneig beach, many parks scattered throughout the city.
Welcome dinner at Arkhé restaurant – Adelaide’s first open flame restaurant by former head chef of Michelin-star restaurant.
Morning winery visit, tasting and tour at Yangarra Estate.
Lunch at iconic beachside Pearl Aldinga Restaurant.
Afternoon winery visit and tasting at Brash Higgins, capturing the essence of McLaren Vale through natural winemaking with minimal intervention.
(overnight at Mayfair Hotel)
Wine tasting and sustainability masterclass at Inkwell Wines. Learn about sustainability from Australia’s only regenerative organic certified vineyard, powered by sun and rainwater.
Lunch at Star of Greece Hotel with fresh caught seafood and views of St. Vincent Gulf.
Free time at Maslin Beach.
Dinner at Salopian Inn with masterclass on wines of the region.
Check out of Mayfair Hotel and drive to Adelaide Hills.
Guided visit to Cleland Wildlife Park. Home to South Australia’s most iconic inhabitants with free roaming animals and more than 130 native species to discover.
Enjoy a light lunch at the Summit Cafe on the top of Mount Lofy, Adelaide’s highest peak.
Check into the 5-star Mount Lofty House, Australia’s most awarded hotel with sweeping views of Piccadilly Valley.
Evening at leisure to enjoy the lush 30-acre property.
Cheese tasting at Udder Delights artisan cheese.
Winery visit and tasting at Shaw + Smith, one of Adelaide’s most recognized producers known for its premium Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Lunch at Thelma Picadilly (subject to change).
Winery visit and vineyard tour at Ashton Hills Vineyard, producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Casual dinner at Crafters Hotel, a historic pub established in 1839. Enjoy a bistro dinner with refreshing ale.
(overnight at Mount Lofty House)
Check out of Mount Lofty House.
Wine tasting with focus on Adelaide Hills at Longview Vineyard.
Free time in historic village of Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills. Established in 1839, Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia.
Depart for Barossa Valley. Arrive and check in at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, with a spa and golf course the property is nestled among vineyards.
Dinner tonight at the resort’s Cellar Kitchen Restaurant will be an intimate dining experience with a local winemaker, blending regional flavors and exceptional wines for an immersive Barossa experience.
(overnight at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort)
Tour and tasting at The Barossa Cellar, hosted by Louisa Rose, winemaker and Grand Master of the Barons of Barossa, and Jane Ferrari, Baron of the Barossa and Storyteller.
Tasting and vineyard visit to Cirillo Estate featuring the oldest grenache and shiraz vines in the world.
Lunch at FINO at Seppeltsfield, finished with tasting of Seppeltsfield rare 100-year old plus fortified wines.
Visit the artisans at Seppeltsfield – Jam Factory, knife maker, art gallery, and more.
Winery visit with Massena (old vines) and Massena Winemaker, Jaysen Collin.
Winery visit with Vanguardist and winemakers from ‘Avant-Garde Barossa’ movement followed by lunch.
Afternoon and evening free time.
Winery and farm visit at Shobbrook Wines.
Aboriginal art tour and presentation at the South Australian Museum.
Lunch at the Lambert Estate.
Return to Adelaide and check into the 5-star Mayfair Hotel.
Casual farewell dinner at Exeter Hotel.
Your fascinating wine journey concludes with a private transfer to Adelaide International Airport.
A sanctuary of opulence awaits when you step inside this vibrant luxury accommodation in the heart of Adelaide CBD, Mayfair Hotel Adelaide. Nestled within the beautifully preserved and heritage-listed CML Building façade, this art deco inspired retreat blends timeless elegance with modern CBD accommodation and refreshing five-star personal touches.
Unique in Australia, the adults-only retreat Mount Lofty House & Estate established 175 years ago is a destination defined by Service from a Bygone Era & Experiences to Indulge. Set above the Adelaide Hills within 35 acres of Manicured English Gardens and Vineyards the Estate is the gateway to some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
The Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is centrally located overlooking the vines of Jacob’s Creek and the Barossa Valley Ranges. With 140 accommodations rooms all featuring balconies you will be immersed in a beautiful regional setting. Adjacent to the Tanunda Pines Golf Course and near the Barossa Cycling Trail, there is plenty of outdoor activity to enjoy while in the Barossa Valley.
THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND CANCELLATION POLICY PLEASE REFER TO THE PROGRAM REGISTRATION PAGE LINK.
Tour price is based on current exchange rates and minimum participation. Tour price may increase with significant change in exchange rate or if minimum participation is not met. F&WT reserves the right to change hotels, accommodations and venues without notice based on unforeseen circumstances. Program includes meals as described, all tours and entrance fees where applicable, transportation on deluxe AC motorcoach with bottled water, and all local taxes. NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, airport transfers, visas (if applicable), gratuities for the guides and drivers, hotel upgrades, additional hotel nights and all items of personal nature. Local city accommodations tax, such tax shall be payable by Program Participant to hotel upon departure. F&WT highly encourages purchasing travel insurance, protecting your travel investment in case of an emergency requiring you to cancel your trip.