What’s the difference between a private wine tour and a group tour?

A group wine tour follows a fixed itinerary with shared transport and set timings. A private wine tour is designed around your group, with a dedicated vehicle and driver, flexible timing, and stops tailored to your preferences.

Is a private wine tour worth it in Margaret River?

A private wine tour is often worth it if you value flexibility, privacy, and a more personal experience. It suits travellers who want to choose the wineries they visit, spend longer at favourites, and shape the day around what they enjoy.

Where can a private wine tour pick me up from?

Private wine tours can usually pick you up directly from your accommodation or preferred location. Common pick-up areas include Margaret River, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Busselton, and Augusta.

How many wineries should we visit in one day?

For most visitors, three wineries plus a relaxed lunch creates a great day without feeling rushed. Some groups may prefer fewer stops with more depth, depending on travel times and what you enjoy most.

Do private wine tours include tasting fees and lunch?

It depends on the provider. In many cases, tastings and lunch are paid directly by guests at the venues, while the private tour covers transport and service time. Always confirm inclusions when booking.

Are private wine tours suitable for couples and small groups?

Yes. Private wine tours are popular for couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed day together, flexible timing, and a comfortable way to explore Margaret River without coordinating a larger group.

What does chauffeur-only mean?

This service provides a private driver only. Guests manage their own itinerary and venue choices, with transport provided throughout the day. If you are seeking itinerary planning or venue recommendations, our Bespoke Itinerary & Private Driving service may be more suitable.

How is private driving charged?

Private driving is charged by the hour, with a minimum booking of four hours. The total duration is agreed in advance to ensure the service suits your plans.

What is included in the private driving fee?

The private driving fee includes the exclusive use of the vehicle, a private driver at your disposal for the booked duration, and complimentary bottled water. Any venue costs such as tastings, meals, purchases, or additional experiences are settled directly by guests with the venues on the day.

What happens if we finish earlier than the booked time?

If the service concludes earlier than the agreed booking duration, no refunds apply. The driver has been reserved exclusively for your service for the full booked period.

What if we go over the booked time?

If additional time is required, this can be discussed with the driver on the day. Extensions are subject to availability and are charged in 30-minute increments. Any additional time must be paid directly to the driver at the conclusion of the service.

Does submitting an enquiry mean my booking is confirmed?

No. Submitting an enquiry does not confirm a booking. Reservations are only confirmed once the required deposit has been received. This ensures availability is held exclusively for your service.

What are the payment and deposit requirements?

A 50% deposit is required at the time of reservation to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the service date. Bookings made within 14 days of the service date require full payment upfront.

What is the cancellation policy for this service?

14 days or more before the service date: full refund. Between 14 and 7 days before the service date: 50% refund. Within 7 days of the service date: non-refundable. No-shows are non-refundable. All timeframes are calculated from the scheduled service start time.

Private Wine Tour vs Group Tour: Which Is Right for You in Margaret River?

Bianchi
Jan 26
3 min read

When planning a wine day in Margaret River, one of the most common decisions visitors face is whether to join a group wine tour or book a private wine tour. Both options can be enjoyable and both have their place. The right choice depends on how you like to travel, who you’re travelling with, and what you want your day to feel like. This guide explains the differences in a clear, honest way to help you decide which option suits you best.

What Is a Group Wine Tour?

A group wine tour usually follows a fixed itinerary, visiting a set number of wineries with other guests in a shared vehicle.

Group wine tours can be a good fit if:

You’re travelling solo or enjoy meeting new people
You’re happy with a structured schedule
Budget is a key consideration
You want a simple, hands-off introduction to the region

What to expect on a group tour:

Shared transport with a larger group
Pre-selected wineries and lunch stops
Fixed arrival and departure times
A social, often lively atmosphere

Group tours work well for travellers who enjoy a communal experience and don’t mind following a set plan.

What Is a Private Wine Tour?

A private wine tour is designed entirely around your group. You have a dedicated vehicle, a dedicated driver, and an itinerary shaped around your interests rather than a preset route.

One of the biggest differences is convenience. With a private tour, you can be collected directly from your accommodation or preferred location — whether you’re staying in Margaret River, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Busselton, or Augusta and you get to decide what time. From there, the day is shaped around how you’d like to experience the region.

Private wine tours are often best suited to:

Couples, friends, and families
First-time visitors wanting guidance without pressure
Guests celebrating something special
Guests with very specific interests
Travellers who value flexibility, comfort, and privacy

What to expect on a private tour:

A private vehicle for your group only
Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation or chosen location
Flexible timing throughout the day
Winery choices tailored to your preferences
The ability to linger, skip a stop, or adjust plans

Rather than moving from place to place on a tight schedule, the day unfolds naturally.

Key Differences Between Private and Group Wine Tours in Margaret River

Pace

Group tours move according to a fixed timetable. Private tours allow the day to flow comfortably, with time to enjoy each stop.

Flexibility

Group tours follow a set route. Private tours can adapt if you’re enjoying a winery, running ahead of schedule, or decide to change plans.

Atmosphere

Group tours are social and energetic. Private tours are quieter, more relaxed, and focused on your group.

Experience

Private tours often allow for more thoughtful winery selection and better timing for tastings, lunch, and travel between locations.

How Many Wineries Will You Visit?

This is a difference many travellers don’t realise until the day itself.

Group tours often aim to fit in a higher number of stops. Private tours usually focus on quality over quantity. For many guests, visiting three wineries with a relaxed lunch creates a more enjoyable and memorable day than trying to see everything in one go.

Understanding distances and travel times in the region is a big part of making that work, which we explore further in our guide on why having a car or driver in Margaret River.

Which Option Is Right for You?

A More Considered Way to Experience Margaret River

At Oak Drive Co., we work with guests who want to experience Margaret River in a way that feels relaxed, personal, and well considered.

Our private driving and bespoke itinerary services are designed to give guests the freedom to enjoy the region without watching the clock or following a rigid schedule. Each day is shaped around your preferences, whether that means iconic wineries, smaller producers, a long lunch, or fewer stops with more depth.

Not Sure Which Option Suits Your Plans?

If you’re unsure whether a private wine tour or a group tour is right for your visit, we’re always happy to offer honest advice.

A quick conversation can often help clarify what will work best for your time in Margaret River, with no obligation, just local insight.