Wine tasting is strictly an adults only affair, but that does not mean the kids have to miss out on wine country. From cellar doors with their own junior tasting menus to paddlesteamer cruises where the little ones can take the wheel, Australia's best wine regions have found plenty of ways to keep every generation happy while the grown ups swirl and sip. Here is where to start planning a family trip through Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, the Murray River or the Barossa.
A tasting menu for every age, Hunter Valley
The Hunter Heroes Tasting and Grazing Board at Tulloch Wines is one of the most genuinely family friendly cellar door experiences going, with a proper Junior Tasting of soft drinks and snacks for kids aged 3 to 12, and a Teenager Kombucha Tasting with a local produce cheese box for ages 13 to 17. The grown ups get 6 Tulloch wines including a museum aged drop alongside a generous charcuterie board, all in Australia's oldest wine region.
Steer the boat to the winery, Murray River
The Wharf to Winery Cruise with Lunch Package departs Echuca aboard the historic PS Canberra Paddlesteamer, with kids welcome to join the captain and have a go steering the boat on the way to Morrisons Riverside Winery. Once docked, families enjoy a 2 course lunch together while the adults take on a guided wine tasting and a complimentary glass.
A scenic day out, Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley Winery Tour with Lunch heads out from Melbourne on a comfortable coach through rolling vineyards just 45 minutes from the CBD. A child rate applies for ages 5 to 15, and while kids are welcome along for the scenery, lunch and the drive through this gorgeous valley, the wine tastings themselves are for adults only.
Chocolate and cellar doors, Barossa Valley
The Adelaide Sightseeing Barossa Food and Wine Experience is a full day out from Adelaide, taking in Pindarie Wines and Lambert Estate plus a stop at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, a welcome detour for anyone in the family who is not quite old enough for the cellar door. A 2 course lunch is included along the way, with the coach returning to Adelaide by early evening.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids join winery tours in Australia?
Yes, kids are generally welcome on the coach and at lunch, though wine tastings themselves are restricted to adults 18 and over on every tour listed here.
Is there anything for kids to actually taste?
Yes, Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley offers a dedicated Junior Tasting for ages 3 to 12 and a Teenager Kombucha Tasting for ages 13 to 17, alongside the adult wine tasting.
What age rate applies on the Yarra Valley tour?
A child rate applies for ages 5 to 15 on the Yarra Valley Winery Tour with Lunch, with the tour itself suited to a mixed age family group.
Is there a non wine activity for kids on these tours?
Yes, kids can help steer the paddlesteamer on the Wharf to Winery Cruise, and the Barossa tour includes a stop at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company as a sweet alternative to the cellar door.
Do these tours include lunch?
Yes, all four tours include a lunch or grazing board as part of the day, so the family eats well whether or not everyone is old enough for the wine.
Local tip: book the Hunter Valley or Murray River options first if the kids are younger, both have a genuine activity built in for them rather than just a long wait at the cellar door.
Book your family friendly winery tour above and let the grown ups taste the region while the kids get in on the fun too.
