The weather (too hot summers and cool, rainy winters) limits the time frame when this tour can operate. But the operator surmounts this by running during the spring and ( for us) the harvest, when winery tours are the most interesting. Additionally, there is actually not a lot of relaxed off- road and side -road cycling in the three superb wine areas covered by this tour. Of course, the professional cyclists of the Tour Down Under cover hundreds of kms in the same area each January, but beyond the reach of most recreational, touring cyclists— who are also into a few days of excellent wine and food. NOTE we did not push to do some of the optional winery rides high(er) up on the valley edges, but these are available. We had e-Bikes to give them a trial, but they are not needed for the basic valley routes along the named Barossa, Riesling and Shiraz Trails. The tour covers each of these, going up and then back on each trail with different stops along the way. That said, the Tour de Vines does the very best with what is available for cycling. Equipment excellent, instruction superb and attention to client/guest safety was a priority throughout. Our tour guide was 10+/10 —-and we were also favoured with the company owner/director riding the weekend with us. Peter (Foubs) was optimistic, full of (sometimes morbid) humour, highly knowledgable about cycling, about wines and about virtually every detail to be seen along the way. I am a plaque/information sign reader and they graciously indulged my (numerous) reading stops on every occasion. Attitude to guests/clients gets a very high rating and they were open to feedback and flexible throughout. The selection of wineries for tasting was first-rate and tailored to the interest and expertise of the guests. This was much appreciated. (It must said be said that this is not a regular occurrence on tours to other winery regions we have visited around the world.) There was never any pressure to drink or to purchase. Accommodation was first-rate and transfers of luggage were seamless. Dealing with the operator in booking was personalized and responsive. We felt the tour quality was well worth the tariff. The real purpose of these tours is a bit of gluttony, truth be told. Coffees and bakeries interspersed the wine tasting stops. And each of the winery lunches outdid the one from the day before. I have written separately about two of these with the highest praise. We are fully prepared to go on another tour with this company and recommend it most highly to anyone with an interest in good wine, good food and great company.
