Cairns Wine Tours & Atherton Tablelands Experiences 2026

Cairns wine tours primarily visit the Atherton Tablelands wine region, located 90 minutes inland from Cairns. This high-altitude tropical region (600-900m elevation) produces unique wines including Shiraz, Verdelho, Chambourcin, and tropical fruit wines. Tours also explore Mareeba wineries and the surrounding coffee plantations, showcasing the region's diverse agricultural heritage that makes it unlike any other wine region in Australia.

The Atherton Tablelands is Australia's only tropical high-altitude wine region, combining volcanic soils, tropical climate, and cool mountain temperatures. This creates a unique terroir producing distinctive wines not found elsewhere - from intense volcanic-soil reds to crisp tropical-influenced whites. The region also produces world-class coffee, making it perfect for combined beverage tours showcasing both industries.

All tours include luxury air-conditioned transport from Cairns hotels, expert local guide with wine knowledge, tastings at 3-5 premium wineries (12-18+ wines total), coffee plantation visit with tastings, gourmet lunch featuring Tablelands produce, scenic stops including volcanic crater lakes or waterfalls, and all entry fees. Full-day tours also include morning tea and tropical fruit tastings.

Tours range from half-day experiences (5-6 hours, $89-$125) perfect for cruise passengers or time-limited visitors, to full-day adventures (8-10 hours, $165-$235) including multiple wineries, coffee plantations, and scenic attractions. The Atherton Tablelands is approximately 90 minutes from Cairns via a scenic mountain drive. All tours include hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off.

Absolutely! Our multi-experience tours combine wine tasting with coffee plantation tours, artisan chocolate factory visits, cheese farm experiences, waterfall photography stops, volcanic crater lake visits, wildlife spotting, and macadamia orchards. The Atherton Tablelands offers incredible diversity, making it perfect for comprehensive day trips that go beyond just wine.

Yes! We specialize in cruise-friendly tours with flexible timing to accommodate ship schedules. Our half-day tours (5 hours) are perfect for cruise passengers with limited time, while full-day tours suit those docked overnight. We guarantee on-time return to the cruise terminal and can arrange direct pickup from the port. Just provide your ship's departure time when booking.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, light jacket (Tablelands is 5-10°C cooler than Cairns), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera for stunning scenery, and spending money for wine purchases. We provide umbrellas if needed and bottled water throughout. The dress code is smart casual - most wineries welcome relaxed attire but closed-toe shoes are recommended for winery walks.

The region produces a diverse range including traditional grape wines (Shiraz, Verdelho, Tempranillo, Chambourcin, Chardonnay) and unique tropical fruit wines (mango, lychee, passionfruit). The volcanic soils create intense, mineral-driven reds, while the tropical influence produces aromatic, fruit-forward whites. Many wineries also craft dessert wines, ports, and innovative blends you won't find in traditional wine regions.

Yes! All wineries offer cellar door sales, often at prices better than retail. Many provide tour guest discounts ranging from 10-20% off. We safely store your purchases in our air-conditioned vehicle during the tour. Most wineries also offer Australia-wide shipping if you prefer not to carry bottles, perfect for interstate or international visitors.

Absolutely! We cater to all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other allergies or preferences. Simply notify us at booking (at least 48 hours advance notice), and we'll coordinate with our restaurant and food venue partners to ensure you enjoy delicious meals suited to your requirements throughout the tour.