This boutique Atherton Tablelands small-group food and wine tasting tour from Cairns is a masterclass in flavors, textures, and traditions. With expert guides and a carefully curated 10-hour itinerary, travelers indulge in tropical breakfast, handcrafted chocolates, gourmet cheese platters, and award-winning spirits. The region’s unique volcanic soil, diverse climate, and rich history shape the local culinary landscape, which is expertly uncovered by passionate farmers, artisans, and guides. As they savor each dish and drink, travelers will discover the nuances of locally grown coffee and tea, and uncover the secrets of this picturesque region – and there’s much more to uncover as they explore further.
Key Points
• Explore the Atherton Tablelands on a 10-hour food and wine tasting tour from Cairns, featuring local culinary secrets and hidden gems.
• Savor a tropical breakfast, gourmet cheese platter, handcrafted chocolates, and award-winning spirits, all made with love by local artisans.
• Enjoy a leisurely pace, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection on this small-group tour, allowing for ample time to savor each dish and drink.
• Support small local businesses and inject life into the regional economy, as this tour partners with family-owned wineries, breweries, and farmers.
• Benefit from expert guides with extensive local knowledge and insider expertise, curating an unforgettable culinary journey with stories of history, geology, and cultural heritage.
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Tour Highlights and Inclusions
This 10-hour food and wine tasting tour from Cairns is packed with a range of mouth-watering inclusions, showcasing the best of the Atherton Tablelands’ local produce and artisanal delights.
From the delicious tropical breakfast to the handcrafted chocolates, every culinary experience is carefully curated to delight the senses.
Savor a gourmet cheese platter with artisanal condiments, paired with wine and tropical mocktails, followed by a buffet lunch featuring local specialties like crocodile, kangaroo, and red claw.
The tour also includes a spirit tasting with award-winning gin, whiskey, vodka, and rum, and a seasonal tropical fruit platter with local nuts.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, and all tastings and meals included, this tour is an epicurean’s dream come true.
Exploring the Atherton Tablelands
As the tour ventures into the picturesque Atherton Tablelands, the region’s unique volcanic soil takes center stage, its rich history and distinct characteristics shaping the flavors and ingredients that define the local culinary landscape.
This fertile ground is where the region’s passionate farmers and artisans cultivate their craft, coaxing out the best from the land.
The Tablelands’ diverse climate and geography create a melting pot of micro-regions, each with its own unique terroir.
From the misty mountains to the lush valleys, every inch of this land is steeped in history and character, waiting to be uncovered.
As travelers explore this stunning region, they’ll discover the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and local charm.
Food and Wine Tasting Experience
The region’s unique terroir and micro-regions influence the flavors and ingredients that define the local culinary landscape, and what secrets will the expert guides uncover during this 10-hour food and wine tasting extravaganza?
The Atherton Tablelands‘ volcanic soil, tropical climate, and rich biodiversity create a distinctive culinary identity. From artisanal condiments to handcrafted chocolates, every bite and sip reveals the region’s character.
Discover the nuances of locally grown coffee and tea.
Savor the rich flavors of award-winning spirits.
Indulge in fresh, seasonal fruits and nuts.
Explore the art of food pairing with expertly curated wine tastings.
Uncover the region’s hidden gems, from boutique producers to family-owned farms.
Meet Your Expert Guides
Bridget, Brett, Chris, and Tom, the tour’s expert guides, bring a wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to the table, having spent years cultivating relationships with local farmers, producers, and artisans.
Their insider expertise allows them to curate an unforgettable culinary journey, introducing travelers to hidden gems and exclusive experiences.
With their extensive local knowledge, they’ll regale you with stories of the region’s history, geology, and cultural heritage, adding depth and context to each tasting.
As passionate ambassadors of the Atherton Tablelands, they’re dedicated to showcasing the region’s best-kept secrets, from artisanal producers to boutique wineries.
Under their expert guidance, every bite and sip becomes a masterclass in flavors, textures, and traditions.
Reviews and Testimonials
Travelers rave about this exceptional food and wine tasting tour, with a staggering 246 reviews yielding a flawless 5.0 rating.
This impressive feat is a testament to the tour’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Reviewers praise the tour’s delectable food, exquisite drinks, and breathtaking scenic views.
Many commend the guides, including Bridget, Brett, Chris, and Tom, for their extensive knowledge and warm hospitality.
Some notable praises include:
- ‘The best food and wine tour I’ve ever been on!’
- ‘The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and made the tour so much fun!’
- ‘The variety of food and drinks was incredible, and the scenic views were stunning!’
- ‘I learned so much about the local produce and the region’s history.’
- ‘This tour was the highlight of my trip to Cairns – don’t miss it!’
Itinerary and Schedule
From delicious tropical breakfasts to decadent handcrafted chocolates, this 10-hour food and wine tasting tour is meticulously curated to showcase the region’s rich culinary diversity.
The day begins with a starter of gourmet cheese and artisanal condiments, paired with wine and tropical mocktail.
A buffet lunch featuring local produce, including crocodile, kangaroo, and red claw, is followed by a spirit tasting of award-winning gin, whiskey, vodka, and rum.
The tour also includes seasonal tropical fruits, Australian coffee with fresh scones, and handcrafted chocolates.
With a focus on supporting small local businesses, this tour offers a unique and indulgent experience that will leave travelers with a deeper appreciation for the Atherton Tablelands’ culinary scene.
What to Expect and Bring
What can guests anticipate when embarking on this 10-hour gastronomic adventure, and what essential items should they bring along to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience?
As they explore the Atherton Tablelands, they can expect a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to savor each dish and drink.
To make the most of this culinary journey, it’s crucial to pack wisely.
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring scenic stops
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) for outdoor segments
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings
- A water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
- A camera to capture the stunning landscapes and delectable dishes
Booking and Cancellation Policy
With their bags packed and cameras ready, guests can now focus on securing their spot on this gastronomic adventure by understanding the booking and cancellation policy that governs this tour.
Bretts Tours, the operator, has implemented a flexible policy that allows guests to cancel or modify their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
This provides ample time to adjust plans or respond to any unforeseen circumstances.
However, it’s essential to note that cancellations or changes made within the 24-hour window will incur penalties or even forfeit the entire booking fee.
Supporting Local Businesses
By partnering with small local businesses on the Atherton Tablelands, Bretts Tours injects life into the regional economy, fostering a sense of community and authenticity that permeates every aspect of this food and wine tasting tour.
This commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs not only benefits the economy but also ensures that guests experience the region’s unique character.
Fresh produce is sourced from local farmers and artisans.
Collaborations are made with family-owned wineries and breweries.
Partnerships are formed with small-batch food manufacturers.
Involvement is encouraged with local chefs and restaurateurs.
Investments are made in community-based projects and initiatives.
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Common questions
Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
She wonders if dietary restrictions will hinder her culinary adventure, and fortunately, the tour operator accommodates special requests, so she should advise of vegetarian or gluten-free needs prior to the tour to ensure suitable arrangements.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Tour?
During the tour, she can take advantage of opportunities to purchase local products and souvenirs, supporting small businesses, and bringing a tangible piece of the Atherton Tablelands experience back home.
Is Smoking Allowed During the Tour or at Any Stops?
She understands that smoking can be a sensitive topic, but unfortunately, it’s not allowed during the tour or at any stops, as the operator prioritizes providing a comfortable and healthy environment for all travelers.
Are There Restrooms Available on the Minivan or at All Stops?
Restrooms are typically available at each stop, but not on the minivan. Travelers can expect clean, well-maintained facilities at the various food and wine tasting venues, allowing for comfortable breaks throughout the 10-hour tour.
Can I Bring My Own Water Bottle or Refill It During the Tour?
She can indeed bring her own refillable water bottle on the tour, and it’s a great way to reduce waste; most stops will have water refill stations, allowing her to stay hydrated while being eco-friendly.
Not for you? Here's a few more great experiences in the region
- 6-Day Best of Cairns Including the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda and the Daintree Rainforest
- Fly to Moore Reef & Cruise Return
- Bungy Jump & Giant Swing Combo in Skypark Cairns Australia
- Private Boutique Tasting Tour in the Cairns Tablelands
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise From Cairns
- Cairns History Walking Tour
- Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, From Cairns
- Night at the Aquarium Tour
- Luxury Van, Private Transfer, Cairns Airport – Palm Cove.
- Private Waterfall and Rainforest Day Tour
Final Words
As the tour comes to a close, she’s left with a deep appreciation for the Atherton Tablelands‘ culinary richness and a newfound understanding of the region’s unique terroir.
With memories of artisanal delights and award-winning spirits lingering on her palate, she departs with a sense of satisfaction, already planning her next gastronomic adventure in this picturesque corner of Australia.