5 winery tours with a twist

From a paddlesteamer tour of the Murray River wine region to a helicopter flight over the vineyards of the Grampians and Pyrenees, there is more than one way to peel a grape and gain an appreciation for Victoria’s diverse wine producers.

1. Pedals Australia is a new service offering drop off and pick up of fully equipped mountain or trail bikes anywhere in the Yarra Valley or Dandenong Ranges. Perfect for exploring the many wineries and farm gates in the Valley at one’s own leisure. Riders can set their own location for bike drop off and pick up, or go on a self-guided tour. Whether it’s a long lunch of local produce or a physical mountain bike challenge – two wheels is an ideal mode of transport to explore the hills, valleys, wine and produce of the region.
2. For a special occasion, or just a great way to explore more than one wine region with little time, Grampians Helicopters offers a series of daily wine and food tours from the air, giving visitors a full appreciation of one of Victoria’s most impressive natural assets. This April, to coincide with the Grampians Grape Escape food and wine event, Grampians Helicopters is offering three Escape special packages. Ranging from one and a half hours to four and a half hours, the three different tours cater for everyone from those looking for a quick sample of the region, to wine connoisseurs.
3. Wine tasting and segways might not seem like a natural fit at first, but at Rochford Wines Yarra Valley, experienced segway instructors provide full training and instructions before groups set off gliding among the vineyards and exploring the winery at leisure. A fit for purpose ‘off-road’ track provides the thrills of mastering this unique form of transport before guests demount and relax at the newly transformed Rochford Restaurant for a meal and wine tasting.
4. The Wharf to Winery tour on an historic Murray River paddlesteamer combines two of the region’s most popular and iconic experiences. Passengers board PS Canberra or Pride of the Murray at the historic wharf in Echuca and cruise down the river to Morrisons Winery. With a balcony overlooking the river and surrounded by bush and nature, the winery offers a scenic two-course lunch and wine tasting before guests re-embark for their return trip to the wharf.
5. Horse lovers can saddle up with Horseback Winery Tours and sample some of Mornington Peninsula’s best drops from the lofty heights of theses awesome animals. Horseback Winery Tours classic three-hour tour meanders safely through lush hinterland landscape before visiting two of the region’s wineries – T’Gallant and Manton’s Creek or Green Olive and Mock Orchards.