Margaret River: Winery Tour with Lunch and Brewery Visit

The best thing about this Margaret River day is its range. You move from three boutique wineries to a barrel tasting, Grove Distillery, chocolate and nougat, a brewery lunch, and even a driving range. It feels less like a single-purpose wine run and more like a guided introduction to the region’s food, drink, and local character.

I like the small-boutique winery focus, where the tastings feel relaxed rather than factory-like. I also like the guides’ role: Chris is praised for his local history and easy manner, while Olivier, Jason, Andi, and Arto have all helped create a fun day. The main consideration is the packed schedule, which may feel busy if you want long, quiet afternoons at one estate.

Key points at a glance

• Three boutique wineries: Enjoy tutored tastings, a cheese and cracker platter, and a behind-the-scenes barrel tasting.
• A full food-and-drink mix: The day adds craft beer, wine, spirits, chocolate, nougat, and lunch.
• Grove Distillery stop: Sample local gourmet treats and enjoy a change of pace from the winery visits.
• Local guides matter: Chris, Olivier, Jason, Andi, and Arto have each been praised for friendly commentary and good driving.
• Pickup across the Margaret River Community: Collection is available in Margaret River, Prevelly, Gnarabup, Witchcliffe, Cowaramup, Gracetown, Rosa Brook, and the Grove Distillery car park.
• Bring sun protection: Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and water will serve you well.

A 7.5-hour introduction to Margaret River wine country

This is a full-day tour lasting 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. That length gives you time to visit several types of producers without having to plan a route, drive after tasting, or work out which cellar doors welcome drop-in visitors.

I see the tour as a useful first look at Margaret River rather than a deep study of one wine estate. You get several stops, each with a different purpose, and your guide fills in the story between them with music, commentary, and local background.

The pace has received strong praise, with the day described as well organised and not rushed. Still, you should expect movement. Three wineries, a distillery, lunch, treats, a driving range, and a final wine lesson add up to a busy program. That variety is the appeal, but it also means you will not spend hours lingering at one property.

Pickup is offered from places within the defined Margaret River Community. The bus is easy to identify, with full-body wraps and the Cheers logo. Pickup times are sent to the mobile number used for booking, so use an Australian-working number and keep an eye on your messages.

One detail needs checking before you pay: the information supplied lists hotel pickup and drop-off under both included and not included items. The more specific pickup notes say Cheers offers complimentary collection and return within the named Margaret River Community. If your accommodation is outside those areas, text Chris at 0474721836 before booking.

Three boutique wineries with room to taste properly

The winery visits are the backbone of the day. At each of the three boutique estates, you can expect tutored wine tastings, with the guide helping you understand what is in the glass rather than simply handing you a flight and moving on.

That teaching element matters if you are new to Margaret River wine. You can ask questions as you go, compare styles from one stop to the next, and learn how tasting works without needing specialist knowledge. The day finishes with a Wine Tasting 101 session, so the tour builds toward a clearer understanding of the basics.

One of the stops includes a cheese and cracker platter. It is a modest touch, but a useful one on a day of tasting. Food helps refresh your palate and keeps the experience from becoming a string of small sips on an empty stomach.

A highlight for many people will be the behind-the-scenes winery visit and barrel tasting. Tasting wine from a barrel gives you a look at an earlier stage of production, before the finished bottle reaches the tasting room. It also makes the winery visit more than a retail stop. You see part of the process and gain a better sense of how wine changes over time.

The itinerary does not identify the three wineries in advance. That may be a plus if you enjoy discovering less familiar places, but it is worth noting if you have a particular estate in mind. One especially well-liked stop is Jarvis Estate, which received specific praise as a tasting highlight. It may be included on your date, but the supplied details do not promise it.

The wineries are also said to offer bottles for purchase without pressuring people to buy. That is good news if you want to taste first and decide later. The included Cheers wine bonus buy offer may add value for purchases, though you should ask your guide or the venue for the current terms.

Grove Distillery and the sweeter side of the region

The Grove Distillery provides a welcome change after the wine stops. Here you taste local gourmet treats including chocolate and nougat, with the distillery adding a spirits-oriented note to the day.

This stop works well for people who want more than wine. Margaret River is often associated first with vineyards, but a food and drink tour should include other local products too. Chocolate and nougat also give your palate a break from wine and offer easy gifts to take home.

The supplied details call Grove Distillery award-winning, but they do not specify which spirits or products you will taste. I would treat this as a tasting stop with a gourmet focus, not as a full distillery production tour unless the guide says otherwise.

If you are using the Grove Distillery car park as your accommodation pickup point, confirm the meeting details in advance. It is listed among the collection locations, but the bus pickup system depends on the mobile number supplied during booking.

Lunch at a craft brewery, plus a driving range stop

Lunch takes place at a craft brewery and includes a glass of wine or beer. That is a sensible middle point in a day built around tastings. The setting changes, the meal gives you time to sit down, and you can choose between a wine or beer with lunch.

The menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or a guaranteed tasting menu. The useful promise is the combination of a proper lunch, one included drink, and a brewery setting. One direct account calls the lunch very nice, and the overall timing has been described as comfortable.

The tour also includes access to a golf driving range. This is an unusual addition to a winery tour, and it helps break up the seated tasting sessions. You do not need to be a golfer to enjoy taking a few swings, though people with back problems should consider the physical demand.

The driving range is best viewed as a light activity rather than a golf lesson. The details promise access, not instruction or a full round of golf. Wear shoes and clothes that let you move comfortably, especially if you plan to take part.

Guides, music, and the feel of the bus

The guide can shape this day as much as the wineries do. The named guides include Chris, Olivier, Jason, Andi, and Arto. Chris is noted for explaining the region and its history, Olivier for handling a lively group with patience, and Jason for combining friendly hosting with useful information. Andi and Arto are also praised as a strong driver and guide team.

You can expect live commentary in English, along with music during the drive. This is not a silent transfer between cellar doors. The guide gives the day a social feel and helps connect the stops to Margaret River’s culture and past.

The atmosphere can vary with the group. One account describes a cheerful mix of Irish, Swedish, and Australian people, while another mentions a rowdy group handled with good patience. That tells me the tour suits people who like meeting others and sharing a laugh. If you want a quiet private outing, a custom vehicle booking would likely suit you better, but no private upgrade is described here.

Transport also removes a major concern. You will not need to taste and then drive yourself between venues. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other drinks are not allowed on the bus, in line with Western Australian rules. Bottled spring water is provided, and you should still carry water if you prefer having your own bottle.

What the $130 price really covers

At $130 per person, this tour offers a lot of included pieces: pickup and drop-off within the stated area, lunch at the brewery, driving range access, tastings at three wineries, a barrel tasting, Grove Distillery, local treats, cheese and crackers, a final wine lesson, guide commentary, and bottled water.

The value is strongest if you plan to visit several producers anyway. Separate tasting fees, fuel, parking, lunch, and a designated driver can quickly add up. The tour also saves you the work of planning a route across a large wine region.

I would not choose it purely for the amount of alcohol included. The appeal is the broad day out, with food, education, scenery, and a range of producers. You also avoid the poor idea of driving after tastings.

The price is less compelling if you want a luxury wine experience built around one or two premium estates. The wineries are boutique, but no private tastings, premium food pairing, or exclusive vintage selection is promised. This is a friendly, varied regional tour, not a high-end sommelier day.

The high overall score, 5 out of 5 from 32 ratings, fits the tour’s strongest qualities: reliable pickup, good pacing, friendly guides, and a useful mix of stops. One four-star rating still points to an excellent day, while reminding you that group atmosphere and venue choices can affect the experience.

Who should book this day

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a practical introduction to Margaret River without renting a car. It also suits couples, solo visitors, and small groups who enjoy tasting several products and do not mind sharing a bus.

Wine beginners should get plenty from the tutored format and Wine Tasting 101 session. You do not need to arrive with a trained palate. The guide’s job is to explain, compare, and keep the day moving.

Food-minded visitors will appreciate the cheese and crackers, chocolate, nougat, brewery lunch, and drink choice. People interested in the area itself will benefit from the history and cultural commentary, especially with Chris or another guide who takes time to explain the region.

I would think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, or use a wheelchair, since the tour is specifically listed as unsuitable for those groups. Comfortable shoes are important, and a hat and sunscreen are wise for outdoor portions. The schedule also makes this less suitable for anyone who dislikes changing venues or wants a slow, unstructured day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Margaret River plans are still shifting, but check the exact pickup arrangement before finalising the booking.

Should you book the Cheers Margaret River tour?

Book it if you want variety, transport, and an easy social day. The mix of three wineries, barrel tasting, Grove Distillery, brewery lunch, local treats, and driving range access gives you a broad taste of the region for $130.

I would choose this over self-driving if you want to taste freely and hear local context along the way. I would choose a slower private wine itinerary instead if your priority is spending half a day at one estate or pursuing a very specific bottle list.

Before booking, confirm that your accommodation is inside the pickup area and check the current pickup and drop-off wording, since the supplied details conflict on that point. If it is, this is a well-priced, well-paced way to get your bearings in Margaret River while leaving the driving to someone else.

FAQ

How long does the Margaret River winery tour last?

The tour lasts 450 minutes, which is about seven and a half hours.

What does the tour include?

It includes pickup and drop-off within the stated Margaret River Community, lunch at a craft brewery, access to a golf driving range, tutored tastings at three boutique wineries, a barrel tasting, a Grove Distillery visit, gourmet treats, cheese and crackers, a Wine Tasting 101 session, guide commentary, and bottled spring water.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided at a craft brewery and includes a glass of wine or beer.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is offered in Margaret River Township, Prevelly, Gnarabup, Witchcliffe, Cowaramup, Gracetown, Rosa Brook, and the Grove Distillery car park. Pickup times are sent by text, so the mobile number supplied during booking must work in Australia.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and water. Bottled water is also available on the bus.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.