Private Southern Highlands Luxury Wine Indulgence Tour

Planning a day trip from Sydney that combines the pleasures of wine tasting, scenic countryside, and a taste of colonial history? This private tour by Escape Scenes offers a refined experience of the Southern Highlands, just about 90 minutes away. It’s designed for those who want to escape the crowds, indulge in boutique wines, and enjoy a personalized journey in a luxurious vehicle.

What really sets this tour apart? We love the private, small-group setting and the personal driver in a Mercedes V-Class, ensuring a relaxed, tailored experience. Plus, the carefully curated stops at boutique cold climate wineries and historic villages make it a well-balanced day. On the downside, some might find the price point of around $491 per person a bit steep, but the intimate service and exclusive access could well justify the cost for wine lovers seeking comfort and authenticity.

This tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or friends who appreciate a leisurely pace, quality wines, and a touch of history without the hassle of self-driving. If you value personalized service and a luxury vehicle, this experience might be just what you need for a memorable day out.

Key Points

• Private, luxury experience in a Mercedes V-Class with just your group
• Includes two wine tastings at boutique cold climate wineries
• Visit historic Berrima with colonial charm and optional beer tasting
• Flexible itinerary with optional lunch and additional tastings
• Ideal for small groups seeking comfort, authenticity, and a curated experience
• Free cancellation gives peace of mind for planning

Exploring the Southern Highlands in Style

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet refined way to explore one of New South Wales’ most picturesque regions, this tour ticks many boxes. The Southern Highlands, with its rolling hills, historic towns, and cool climate vineyards, offers a different side of Australia—less about beaches and more about lush landscapes and boutique experiences. The choice of a luxury Mercedes V-Class ensures you’ll travel comfortably, with ample space and a professional driver at the wheel, letting you focus on the scenery and your tastings.

We appreciated that the tour’s duration of about 10 hours strikes a good balance—ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The pickup offered makes it convenient, especially if you’re staying in Sydney’s city center.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Boutique Cold Climate Wineries

The tour kicks off with visits to two boutique wineries located at about 600 meters above sea level, ensuring a distinct taste profile—think crisp, refreshing whites and elegant reds. Each stop lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to savor the wines and ask questions. If you’re hungry, there’s an option to stay for lunch at the first winery, which many guests find enhances the experience.

This part of the tour is where you really get to appreciate the craft of boutique winemaking. The intimate setting, paired with knowledgeable staff, helps you understand what makes these wines special—whether it’s the cool climate or the small-scale production. As one reviewer put it, the guide “knows all the right spots to stop and is very flexible,” which means your experience will be tailored to your interests.

Stop 2: Historic Berrima

Next, you’ll visit Berrima, a colonial village founded in the 1830s, with well-preserved architecture and a charming atmosphere. Here, you’ll enjoy another wine tasting, and if time permits, a beer tasting at a local pub. This stop offers a delightful contrast to the vineyards, immersing you in Australia’s colonial past and small-town vibe. Guests often enjoy strolling through the streets, browsing boutique shops or simply soaking up the relaxed pace.

Stop 3: Bowral

The tour continues to Bowral, the largest town in the region and a hub of commerce and culture. Known for its elegant shops, cafes, and antique centers, it’s the perfect spot for retail therapy or afternoon tea. The stop here lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to soak in the local charm and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.

Stop 4: Bendooley Estate Book Barn

For book lovers, the Bendooley Estate Book Barn offers a cozy, unique setting—stacked with both new and pre-loved books alongside a café and wine tasting. It’s a lovely, contemplative spot where you can browse literary treasures and enjoy a glass of wine, should you decide to indulge further. This optional tasting is ideal for those wanting a quieter, more literary experience.

Stop 5: Mittagong & Optional Beer Tasting

Finally, depending on the day and time, you’ll visit Mittagong, with an optional stop at a boutique brewery. Here, if time allows, you can sample a broad range of craft beers and spirits to cap off your day. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a beer lover, this flexibility adds a personal touch to your experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water, two wine tastings, and a private driver in a luxurious Mercedes—a real plus for comfort and convenience. The wine tastings are included for all guests over 18, ensuring you can relax and enjoy.

However, lunch and snacks are not included, giving you flexibility—perhaps to dine at your winery of choice or explore local eateries. An optional beer tasting is available, but it’s not part of the base cost.

The Experience and Its Value

The cost of around $491 per person reflects the private, small-group nature of this tour, as well as the high-quality vehicle and personalized service. For travelers who value comfort, exclusivity, and a curated itinerary, this price point can be justified. Plus, the free cancellation policy adds reassurance, especially for planning trips during uncertain times.

The reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and flexibility as standout features. One reviewer described the tour as “really nice,” emphasizing how well the guide knows the stops and adapts to guest preferences. The intimate group setting means you’ll likely have a more personal, relaxed experience compared to larger tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for small groups, couples, or friends who want a luxurious, no-rush day exploring the Southern Highlands. It’s perfect if you’re seeking boutique wineries, charming villages, and a touch of history—all without the stress of driving or crowded tours. If you’re a wine enthusiast or a history buff, the curated stops and knowledgeable guide will make your day memorable.

However, if your priority is a budget-friendly experience or a more flexible, spontaneous day, you might prefer self-guided options or larger group tours that cost less.

Final Thoughts on the Luxury Wine Tour

This private Southern Highlands experience offers a high-end, relaxed exploration of one of NSW’s finest regions. The combination of boutique wineries, historic towns, and optional beer tastings makes it a versatile choice for those wanting variety in their day. The luxury vehicle and personal driver ensure comfort, while the curated stops guarantee a genuine taste of the region’s character.

If you’re looking for a special day out that balances indulgence and authenticity—and are willing to invest a bit more for personalized service—this tour can be a highlight of your Australian trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the departure time for the tour?

The tour begins at 8:00am, ideal for a full day of exploring.

• Is this a group or private tour?

It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring intimacy and tailored attention.

• Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your planning.

• Are snacks or lunch included?

No, lunch is optional and not included, giving you the freedom to choose where and what to eat.

• What is the tour duration?

Approximately 10 hours, providing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.

• Is this suitable for all travelers?

Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and wine tasting.

• Are the wine tastings included?

Yes, two wine tastings are included for guests over 18 at boutique wineries.

• What transportation is used?

A luxury Mercedes V-Class with a private driver, offering comfort and style throughout the day.

• Are other activities included?

The tour has optional stops like beer tasting and lunch, which can be added based on your preferences.

• Where does the tour start?

The pickup is offered in Sydney city, making it convenient for most travelers.

In short, this private Southern Highlands tour provides a luxurious, authentic, and relaxed way to experience one of Australia’s most charming regions. Perfect for those who want quality over quantity and enjoy personalized service.