Wine and lunch, in a tight schedule.

This Coal River Valley tour is interesting because it’s built around comfort and hospitality: luxury Mercedes transport plus a chef-prepared lunch that’s included in the price. You also get tasting tickets along the way, so the day stays easy to manage.

I like that it mixes winemaker-led or owner-led tastings with shorter stops like cheese, so the pace doesn’t feel like one long drinking blur. One thing to think about is that the cellar-door lineup can change weekly, so if you have must-hit wineries, make your requests early.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, up to 11 people (and 18+ only): you get real conversation time.
• Chef-prepared lunch is included: it’s the anchor meal for the day.
• Admissions/tasting tickets are included at every stop: fewer surprise add-ons.
• Winemaker/owner guided moments: Brinktop, Glaetzer Dixon Family Winemakers, and Uplands are led by the people behind the wines.
• A mix of experiences, not just wine: Wicked Cheese Co. adds a quick contrast stop.

Pickup, timing, and group size you’ll actually enjoy

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours and starts at 9:30am from Elizabeth Street & Davey Street in Hobart. You come back to Elizabeth Street & Davey Street as well, with the option to be dropped at your Hobart CBD accommodation (or closer if you’re staying further out).

The biggest practical win here is the group size cap of 11 travelers. That matters because wine days can turn into a cattle line: pick up a glass, rush the tasting, move on. With a small group, you’re more likely to ask questions, linger when you want, and actually hear what the staff are saying.

Also note: this is strictly 18+. If you’re traveling as a group that includes anyone under 18, this one won’t work.

What you’re paying for: luxury transport, admissions, and a chef-prepared lunch

Price is listed at $161.38 per person. The “value” part isn’t the sticker—it’s what’s included and how the day avoids extras.

From what’s provided, you get:

• Luxury Mercedes vehicles for the day
• No hidden extra costs
• Chef-prepared lunch included
• Admission/tasting tickets included at each scheduled stop

That last bullet is quietly important. A lot of wine tours advertise tastings, then you end up paying for admissions one way or another. Here, the plan explicitly includes the ticketed parts at every stop you’re scheduled for.

So if you’re the type who wants wine country without the math and friction, this is a strong fit. You pay once, then you just show up and enjoy the day.

A relaxed tasting order designed for both newbies and collectors

This tour is positioned as relaxed, comfortable, and easy-going. It also specifically calls out that you don’t need to be a wine expert. In practice, that usually translates to staff who can explain without talking down, and a schedule that leaves you time to reset between tastings.

The structure helps. You’re not spending all day in one cellar door, then repeating the same thing. Instead, you get:

• A longer start with wine and a proper meal
• A quick cheese tasting break
• Several wine tastings, including winemaker-led and owner-led moments
• A final run of shorter tastings toward the end

If you like variety, you’ll enjoy this. If you’re a total wine beginner, the guided formats give you a chance to learn what you’re tasting and how to choose what you actually like.

Riversdale Estate to Puddleduck: what each stop feels like

Here’s the day as it’s laid out, with what each stop is for and the small downsides to consider.

Stop 1: Riversdale Estate Winery (wine tasting + French bistro lunch)

Plan for about 1 hour 30 minutes here, including wine tasting and lunch at the winery’s Cellar Door & French Bistro. Admission ticket is included.

Why this stop matters: it’s your meal anchor. A lunch that’s handled for you means you’re not hunting for food mid-tour or trying to eat fast while you’re still deciding what wines you like.

Possible drawback: because this is the longest stop early on, you’ll want to be comfortable with a fuller start to the day. If you prefer very short tastings only, you might find this one runs a bit long—though the lunch tends to soften that.

Stop 2: The Wicked Cheese Co. (cheese tasting)

This one is shorter—20 minutes—focused on cheese tasting, with the admission ticket included.

Why it’s a good palate reset: cheese helps you compare flavors. It also breaks up the wine rhythm so you’re not just repeating the same tasting pattern.

Possible drawback: if you dislike cheese or have a hard time with dairy, you may want to pace yourself. The stop is brief, so you’re not trapped there.

Stop 3: Brinktop Wines (guided tasting by the winemaker)

Expect about 50 minutes, with a wine tasting guided by the winemaker. Admission ticket included.

This is one of the “ask questions” stops. When the winemaker is leading, you usually get more direct answers about the style choices, not just the marketing version.

Possible drawback: guided tastings can be more conversational, so if you just want to sit and silently sip, you might find yourself pulled into discussion. Still, with a small group, that’s usually manageable.

Stop 4: Pooley Wines

This is another wine tasting stop for about 50 minutes with ticket included.

What to expect: a solid tasting window where you can compare what you liked earlier and see whether the later wineries match your preferences.

Possible drawback: after a longer guided start, another long tasting can start to feel like “two hours later than you planned.” Hydration and pacing matter here.

Stop 5: Caledon Estate Vineyard

A tasting of about 45 minutes, with admission included.

This is a mid-day “settle in and decide” kind of stop. By now, you’ve likely figured out whether you lean toward the styles you want to take home.

Possible drawback: if you’ve been sampling more freely than you meant to, you may hit a mild fatigue point. Take your time, sip slowly, and use the breaks between tastings.

Stop 6: Pressing Matters

Plan about 50 minutes for a wine tasting here, with ticket included.

The name suggests a focus on process, and in a tour format like this, that often means you’ll hear more about how the wine comes together. Even without extra details listed, a longer tasting slot usually allows for explanation beyond just basic pours.

Possible drawback: similar timing to the other wine stops. The schedule works, but it is a “real day,” not a quick half-day.

Stop 7: Frogmore Creek Cellar Door & Restaurant

This one is about 30 minutes. It’s listed as a cellar door with restaurant, and you get wine tasting with ticket included.

Why it’s a smart transition: it’s shorter than the earlier wine blocks, so it helps you avoid the “everything runs long” feeling.

Possible drawback: 30 minutes can feel quick if you find a wine you really want to study. That said, the shorter timing helps keep the day comfortable.

Stop 8: Uplands Vineyard (wine tasting with the owners)

Here you get about 45 minutes for wine tasting with the owners, admission ticket included.

This tends to be one of the most personal styles of tasting, because owners often speak from day-to-day perspective rather than third-hand summaries. If you value “why this wine exists,” this is a great slot.

Possible drawback: owners-led moments can run a little more conversational. If you’re tired, you’ll still be able to enjoy it—just plan to listen for the highlights and don’t feel pressured to memorize everything.

Stop 9: Glaetzer Dixon Family Winemakers (guided by the winemaker)

Another guided slot at about 40 minutes, with tasting guided by the winemaker. Admission ticket included.

This gives you a second winemaker-led viewpoint, which is handy if you like comparing how different producers talk about their wines and craft decisions.

Possible drawback: at this point, you’re late enough in the day that preferences may be sharper than your palate. Sip slowly and focus on what tastes best to you now, not what sounded best in theory.

Stop 10: Puddleduck Wines (final tasting)

Finish with about 30 minutes of wine tasting, ticket included.

This is where you’re most likely thinking about what to take home. It’s a short capstone that keeps the tour from dragging.

Possible drawback: if you fall in love with something here, you might wish there were more time. But that’s true of any final stop, and the shorter schedule helps you get back to Hobart without turning the day into an all-day marathon.

Making requests: how you can tailor the day

The tour information says the cellar-door selection varies weekly, and they take requests. Translation: the wineries you see on one date might not match another date.

If you’re picky—like you want to hit a specific producer or you’re trying to build a “best of” list—reach out with your requests as soon as you can. The tour is set up to accommodate that style of planning.

Also, since the day includes cheese and multiple tastings (not just one big cellar-door block), your request can shape the wine style mix you end up with, even if the schedule still follows the same overall rhythm.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different option)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A comfortable day trip from Hobart without driving
• Included lunch as part of the price
• Small-group interaction so tastings feel more human
• A schedule that works for both beginners and people shopping for bottles

Based on the tour description, it also suits people who want to explore beyond just one type of wine. The variety of stops—wine plus cheese, and several guided experiences—makes it easier to find what you genuinely like.

If you’re the type who wants only one or two wineries and then free time to explore, you might find a structured day too tight. But if you like having a plan, this tour is built for that.

Should you book this Coal River Valley Wine Tour?

I’d book it if you care about value through inclusion: luxury transport, admission tickets, and a chef-prepared lunch all wrapped into one price. The small-group size and the presence of winemaker/owner-led tastings make it more than a checklist tour.

I’d hesitate only if you already know you’re chasing a specific winery that may not be on your day’s lineup. Because the cellar-door list can change weekly, your best move is to plan your requests early.

If you want an easygoing wine day in Hobart with real conversation and a proper lunch, this one is built for you.

FAQ

What time does the Coal River Valley Wine Tour start?

It starts at 9:30am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Elizabeth Street & Davey Street in Hobart (Elizabeth St & Davey St, TAS 7000).

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 7 to 8 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The tour includes a chef-prepared lunch and admission tickets for the scheduled tastings. Wine tasting and cheese tasting stops are all ticketed as part of the plan.

Is the tour for adults only?

Yes. The tour is strictly 18+ years of age.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it isn’t refunded.