Seven hours of wine, tunes, and dogs. This private day trip around the Coal River Valley mixes included tastings with a rare extra: Car-A-Oke fun on the road, plus a classic Richmond Bridge photo stop. I love the relaxed pacing and the door-to-door setup, because it turns a long driving day into a smooth, social outing. I also like that you can shape part of the itinerary with your own choice of the final wineries.

One thing to plan for: lunch is not included, and the extra tastings at two additional wineries or a distillery are paid directly during the day.

Key highlights you should care about

• Car-A-Oke between tastings keeps the day playful, not stiff
• Two included cellar tastings at Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard
• Richmond Bridge photo stop at Australia’s oldest bridge (about 5 minutes)
• You choose the final 2 tastings from options like Coal Valley, Frogmore Creek, Pooleys, and more
• Air-conditioned private transport plus pickup offered for a door-to-door feel

A wine-and-music day that doesn’t feel scripted

If you like your tours with a little looseness, this one makes sense. You’re based out of Hobart, then head into the Coal River Valley for a full day of cool-climate wine tastings, built around two handpicked cellar stops with a fun twist: you can sing along during the drive.

The day has an easy rhythm. You’ll spend real time tasting at two wineries, then you break things up with a quick Richmond Bridge photo stop. After that, the last stretch stays flexible with up to two more tastings at wineries or a distillery, depending on what you want most that day.

For me, the best part is the balance. It’s not a sprint through a bunch of places. It’s also not a single-winery snooze-fest. You get variety, time to talk, and enough structure that you don’t have to think too hard.

Price of $179.89: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

At $179.89 per person for about 7 hours, you’re paying for private transport and included tastings at two wineries, not a full-on all-inclusive meal package.

Here’s the value picture in plain terms:

• You get wine tastings included at Nocton Vineyard (about 1 hour) and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard (about 45 minutes).
• You also get private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup offered.
• You do get a Richmond Bridge photostop included in the tour price.
• What’s not included: lunch (they can help arrange reservations on your behalf), and additional tastings at the final two wineries or a distillery (you pay directly on the day).

So if you love wine but also want control over how much you drink and where, this setup is good. If you want every last cost wrapped up in advance, you may want to budget for the extra tastings and any food you choose to add.

One more practical point: this tour tends to be booked a bit ahead (on average around a month). If your dates are fixed, it’s smart to lock it in early.

How the day runs from Hobart: pickup, timing, and Car-A-Oke energy

Start time is 9:30 am, and the tour is designed to feel like a complete day with transport handled for you. Pickup is offered, and that matters more than people think. On winery days, driving is the boring part. Here, you skip the hassle and focus on the fun bits.

Once you’re in the vehicle, the vibe changes. The Car-A-Oke element means singing your favorite tunes is part of the experience between tastings. It’s a playful rhythm that helps you shake off the “we’re doing this like a field trip” feeling. Instead, it feels like a road trip with planned wine stops.

Also keep the timing in mind. Since Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog each get dedicated tasting time, you won’t feel like you’re being rushed out the door. Then the Richmond Bridge stop is brief—just long enough for photos and a quick reset before the final tastings.

Stop 1 at Nocton Vineyard: a long tasting with big views

Your first winery stop is Nocton Vineyard, with about 1 hour on-site. The pitch here is pretty clear: settle in, taste through their selection, and enjoy the setting.

You can expect:

• An extensive tasting experience (this is your longer cellar stop)
• Stunning views, which make it easier to slow down and actually enjoy the wine
• A chance you might meet Lily, the vineyard canine, which adds a light, memorable moment (the tour description says you might be lucky)

The drawback to a stop like this is also predictable: if you’re the type who needs very firm structure, a longer tasting might feel like it takes time before you get to the next place. But if you like learning how the wines compare and talking with staff at a slower pace, Nocton is a strong opener.

Stop 2 at Every Man and His Dog Vineyard: quick, friendly, and chocolate on the side

Next up is Every Man and His Dog Vineyard, with about 45 minutes. This stop keeps the day moving while still giving you enough time to taste properly.

What makes this one feel different:

• Friendly hospitality
• Cute dog energy (the tour concept leans hard into the dog theme)
• A chance to try artisan chocolates

That chocolate detail matters for a couple reasons. First, it gives you an easy snack pairing while you taste. Second, it keeps the mood relaxed, especially if you’re traveling with people who aren’t wine nerds 24/7.

Compared with Nocton, the shorter stop means you’ll likely taste a focused selection rather than a marathon. That’s a good thing for a 7-hour day. You’ll save your energy for the final two tastings, where you get to choose what you want most.

Richmond Bridge in historic Richmond: a short break that changes the feel

After the winery tasting momentum, you get a quick Richmond Bridge photostop. This is timed at about 5 minutes, and it’s included.

The appeal is simple:

• It’s a photo you can’t exactly replicate later
• It’s at Australia’s oldest bridge
• It breaks up the tasting day so you don’t feel stuck in a tasting room for hours

There’s also a food option here. The experience includes a chance to try the famous scallop curry pie from the local bakery. Since the tour data frames it as a chance to try, you should assume it’s something you’d buy separately if you want it.

This kind of brief, authentic stop is great for groups. Someone gets a quick photo. Someone else grabs a snack. Everyone resets without wasting time.

Choosing the final two tastings: make it your own adventure

The best part for people who don’t want a one-size-fits-all day is the flexibility after your first two wineries. You’ll do additional tastings at 2 wineries and/or a distillery of your choice.

You can go DIY-style with your preferences, or you can let your driver/guide decide for you. Either way, the goal is to keep it fun and match your taste.

Suggested options include:

• Domaine A
• Coal Valley Vineyard
• Frogmore Creek
• Pooleys Vineyard
• and more

Two practical tips here:

• If you’re a lighter drinker, you can still enjoy the experience by choosing tastings that interest you while pacing yourself.
• If you’re traveling with mixed wine tastes (some love whites, others like darker styles), use this final choice to make sure everyone gets a win.

Because these final tastings aren’t included in the price, this is where your budget can change. If you want lots of wine later, you’ll pay more. If you want a couple of focused tastings, it can stay reasonable.

Lunch planning: how to stay comfortable on a 7-hour day

Lunch is not included, but they can help arrange reservations on your behalf. That’s a big deal because winery days can turn into “where do we eat now” stress if you don’t plan ahead.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• Decide whether you want a sit-down lunch or something quicker.
• If you prefer a specific time, ask for help arranging it early rather than waiting.
• Pack basic comfort items in your day bag. Even with an air-conditioned vehicle, a long tour day is still a long tour day.

Also, if you try the scallop curry pie in Richmond, that can work as a light lunch alternative. Just don’t assume it will replace everything. If you’re someone who likes real meal energy midday, plan a proper lunch too.

What private transport really buys you in wine country

Private means more than “just your group.” It changes the day. You’re not stuck waiting for strangers to finish a photo. You’re not losing time to someone else’s schedule. The whole flow is built around you.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and that matters in Tasmania where weather can shift. Even if it’s mild, sitting in a comfortable vehicle makes tastings feel easier.

And because pickup is offered, you’re not starting the day with your own car logistics. That’s a hidden cost saver in both time and stress.

Who this tour is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private day trip with included tastings
• A fun vibe that includes Car-A-Oke, not just quiet wine sipping
• Enough structure to know you’ll get meaningful tasting time at two wineries
• Flexibility at the end to shape the last part of the tour

It’s also a good choice for a small group where people have different levels of wine interest. You can go deeper in the included tastings, then choose the final stops based on what you actually want.

One more note: service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. If you’re traveling with accessibility needs, it’s still worth checking details with the operator, but the tour is positioned as broadly suitable.

A word about the guide vibe (it can make or break the day)

The day is only as good as the energy in the car and the ease of the schedule. A guide like Alicia is a huge asset here. She’s described as fun and informative, and the big practical win is that she stays flexible with the experience. On a tour where the last tastings can change based on what you choose, that flexibility helps the day feel effortless.

When you get a guide who can explain the wines clearly and keep the pace comfortable, you’ll taste more, enjoy more, and remember more.

Should you book this Private Winery Tour from Hobart?

Book it if you want a well-paced day with two included cellar tastings, private pickup and transport, and a fun, music-forward drive. The Car-A-Oke angle is a real differentiator, not just a marketing line. If your group likes to laugh while you travel, you’ll likely have a good time.

I’d think twice if you’re the kind of traveler who wants lunch and every tasting fully included in the upfront price. Since extra tastings at the final two stops are paid directly, your cost can rise depending on how many you do and what you choose.

Bottom line: if you’re ready for a friendly, flexible wine day out of Hobart—with Car-A-Oke and classic Richmond Bridge photos—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 7 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $179.89 per person.

Is pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour includes private transportation.

Are the tastings included?

Wine tastings are included at Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard. You’ll pay directly for tastings at up to 2 additional wineries and/or a distillery.

Do I get to choose where we go for the extra tastings?

Yes. You can choose two additional wineries and/or a distillery, or you can let the guide decide for you.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but lunch reservations can be made on your behalf.

Is there a stop in Richmond?

Yes. You’ll have a photo stop at Richmond Bridge, about 5 minutes, and it’s included.

Can I try food in Richmond?

The experience includes a chance to try the famous scallop curry pie from the local bakery.

What if my plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Cancellation is free.