Wine days are better with a soundtrack.

This private tour in Hobart’s Coal River Valley blends two included winery tastings with a totally different kind of fun: Car-A-Oke sing-alongs on the ride between stops. I also like the flexibility built in, because you can add extra tastings at two more wineries or a distillery based on your taste. One thing to consider is that only the first two tastings are included—those extra choices are paid directly on the day.

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with door-to-door pickup, and it’s set up so your group stays together the whole time. The schedule is relaxed enough to breathe between tastings, but it still runs about 7 hours, so it’s a solid chunk of your day.

What really sold me on this experience is how it turns the drive into part of the event. Stop for tastings, then belt out your favorites in the car, then hit a classic photo moment at Richmond Bridge, before finishing with more tastings of your choosing.

Key highlights at a glance

• Car-A-Oke in the vehicle during the day, not just at one stop
• Included tastings at two wineries: Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard
• Richmond Bridge photo stop at Australia’s oldest bridge
• Pick your own extra vineyards (up to two more wineries and/or a distillery)
• Guide-led flexibility that adapts to your pace and preferences

A private Coal River Valley day with Car-A-Oke on the ride

This is a private winery tour, so it’s only your group—no mingling with strangers, no waiting around for everyone else’s preferences. Starting at 9:30am, you’ll get pickup and then settle into a full day that’s equal parts wine tasting and fun.

The big twist is the Car-A-Oke concept. Instead of making the transport part feel like dead time, you get music time between tastings. It’s the kind of detail that changes the tone of the day: you arrive at each winery a bit more upbeat, and the whole itinerary feels like a planned outing instead of a checklist.

Price and what you get for $179.89 per person

At $179.89 per person for a tour that lasts about 7 hours, this sits in the “worth it if you’ll actually use the inclusions” category. The reason: you’re not just paying for driving between wineries. You get two included winery tastings (Nocton and Every Man and His Dog), plus the Richmond Bridge photo stop.

Where the math can change is the extra tasting portion. You’ll be taken to two additional wineries of your choice and/or a distillery, but tastings there are paid directly. If you pick options that fit your style—and you go in with a plan for what you want to taste—you’ll feel like the day was tailored, not templated.

Nocton Vineyard: a full tasting with views and vineyard canine Lily

Nocton Vineyard is your first tasting stop, with about 1 hour on the schedule and an admission ticket included. This is your “set the pace” winery—longer than the next stop—so you’ll have time to taste through the selection rather than rushing to the finish line.

The vibe here is described as stunning, with vineyard views as part of the experience. There’s also a fun extra: the possibility of meeting Lily, the vineyard canine. Even if Lily is busy and you don’t catch her, the point is clear—the tour is built to feel personal and light, not stiff.

Tip for your tasting mindset: when you have multiple wineries lined up, pace yourself early. A longer first tasting makes it easier to get into the day without feeling behind.

Every Man and His Dog Vineyard: shorter tasting, friendly hosts, and chocolate

Next comes Every Man and His Dog Vineyard, with a 45-minute stop and another included admission ticket. This is the stop that leans into warmth: friendly hospitality, cute dog energy, and views that help the winery feel more like a moment than just a transaction.

You’ll also have the chance to try artisan chocolates here. That matters because not every wine pairing moment needs to be complicated—sometimes the best “pairing” is a small treat that keeps your taste buds interested while the day moves along.

Compared to Nocton, this stop is shorter, which is exactly why it works. You get to enjoy the setting and hospitality without sacrificing time for the rest of your route.

Richmond Bridge photo stop: a quick break at Australia’s oldest bridge

Between tastings, you’ll get a photo stop at Richmond Bridge—about 5 minutes—and it’s included at no extra cost. This isn’t a long sightseeing detour; it’s a quick, satisfying pause to grab a classic image.

The bridge matters in the itinerary because it resets the day. You go from vineyard mood to a historic-town moment, without losing momentum or feeling like you’ve traded wine time for sightseeing time.

If you’re the type who likes to capture travel moments, this is the kind of stop that’s easy to miss on your own without planning.

Choosing up to two more wineries or a distillery (and how to decide fast)

After the two included wineries, the tour keeps things flexible. You’ll add extra tastings at two other wineries of your choice and/or a distillery. Options you can consider include Domaine A, Coal Valley Vineyard, Frogmore Creek, and Pooleys Vineyard, plus more choices.

Here’s how I’d think about picking them:

• Choose one “comfort pick” (a winery style you already like) so the day feels rewarding even if a particular tasting isn’t your favorite.
• Choose one “left-field pick” to broaden what you learn and taste.
• If you want variety beyond wine, select a distillery as one of the two add-ons so the day doesn’t repeat itself.

Because these additional tastings are paid directly, your choices can keep your budget predictable—just decide up front how many pours you want in the final stretch.

How the timing works in a 7-hour private itinerary

The day is planned around a smooth rhythm: longer tasting first, a shorter tasting next, a quick photo stop, then finishing with your two chosen add-ons. That structure makes sense for a private tour because you can actually stay in the flow instead of constantly checking your watch.

Your pickup and transport matter too. You’re in an air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation, which is a simple comfort upgrade when you’re spending hours on the move.

And the Car-A-Oke element fills the gaps between stops. It’s not just a fun gimmick; it helps the ride feel like part of the tour experience, especially since the day is built around multiple tasting moments.

The guide makes it work: Alicia’s flexibility and energy

One of the best clues to whether a tour feels smooth is the guide. In this case, the guide name you’ll hear is Alicia, and the praise is very consistent: she’s described as amazing, fun, and informative, with a real knack for keeping the experience flexible.

That flexibility matters because wine tours can go one of two ways: either you feel rushed, or you feel like the day is being guided to your preferences. With Alicia, the impression is that she’ll work with your pacing rather than forcing a rigid script.

A good sign is the way the tour can expand beyond the base stops. In one example, people did three wineries and a distillery, which suggests the day has room to adapt within the overall framework.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want something else)

I think this is a great match if you want:

• a private day out of Hobart,
• at least two included tastings (so you’re not paying for every pour),
• and a bit of playful energy, especially if music in the car sounds like your kind of fun.

It also suits small groups who like the idea of choosing where the day goes after the first two wineries. If you’re traveling with friends who have different tastes, that flexibility helps.

Who might not love it: if you want a fully pre-paid, no-decisions tour where every tasting cost is included and nothing extra happens, the additional wineries option might feel like an extra step since those tastings are paid directly.

Quick value check: the best way to get your money’s worth

Here’s how to maximize the value of what you’re paying:

• Treat the included stops as your “core tastings,” and decide your extra two add-ons as your “bonus round.”
• Use the guide’s flexibility to keep the day enjoyable rather than frantic.
• Plan your budget for the additional tastings ahead of time, since those are direct payments.

At $179.89 per person, this works best when you’re open to the idea that the tour includes the structure and the key tastings, and you personalize the ending.

Should you book this private winery tour from Hobart?

If you want a winery day that doesn’t feel like a standard bus tour, I’d book it. The mix of included tastings at Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard, the included Richmond Bridge photo stop, and the distinctive Car-A-Oke transport experience makes it feel like a real outing, not just a route.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re traveling in a small group and you like the idea of choosing two extra tasting stops based on your mood. If you’re picky about what you want to taste and you’re okay paying directly for the add-ons, you’ll probably feel like the day was built around you.

If you’d rather have everything fully settled with no additional tasting costs, then look for a more all-inclusive wine package. But if you like fun plus flexibility, this one is easy to get excited about.

FAQ

How long is the Private Winery Tour from Hobart?

The tour runs for about 7 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

Wine tastings are included at Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard, plus transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a photo stop at Richmond Bridge.

Do I get picked up from Hobart?

Yes, pickup is offered, and door-to-door transport is included.

Are lunch and additional tastings included?

Lunch is not included. Lunch reservations can be made on your behalf. Tastings at two additional wineries and/or a distillery are not included and must be paid directly.

Which wineries are included in the main itinerary?

The tour includes Nocton Vineyard and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard, with tastings at both.

What is Car-A-Oke?

It’s the Car-A-Oke experience where you can sing along with your favorite tunes between tastings during the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.