Recently featured in the NZ Herald
(Posted items from TotalTravel.com.au and Trip Advisor.com)
19 Feb 10"Catchy Title, Better Tour!"
Posted by Schugbear from Airlie Beach, Australia
As with most tours we have experienced, a guide can make or break the day. John, our guide, was knowledgeable, and engaged the group. It was a small and diverse group, we saw a good mix of vineyards, tasting some great wines. We also went to some local businesses including a chocolate factory, olive oil maker and brewery. It was a full day and great break from the beach.
17 Feb 10 "A way to taste what Margaret River has to offer"
Posted by Punkhead, Grimshaw
This was a great way to spend the day and see the area. I was in Dunsborough at the time where Wine for Dudes don't do pick-ups, but John sent a taxi to pick up us up and didn't charge us anything. He was very helpful in more ways than just wine, he knew the area, knew the companies really well and really enjoyed chatting with us. We even had a quick cricket match after lunch. The wineries were very welcoming and enjoyed telling us about their wines. The chocolate factory was a nice desert touch as well. Olive oil tasting and taking a look at the soap factory was something unique and was very enjoyable. Probably one of the most interesting things was mixing the wines and then testing them out. Sensational tour, great guide, heaps of fun and lots of samples! Must do when in Margaret River!
28 Nov 09 "Best wine tour"
Posted by James M from Sydney, Australia
We have been on a number of wine tours in countries across the world and this was one of the most relaxed and fun that we have been on. The service was great and we received friendly receptions at all of the wineries that we visited. It was my wife's birthday and John even bought a cake that was served whilst we were drinking the wine that we had mixed. The trip was also informative and provided an interesting overview of the wine region and wine making process.
14 Nov 09 "will remember for a long time"
Posted by Marilyn Corley
My husband and I had a great time on the wine tour, everything was so good and the lunch was beautiful. All the wineries that we went to the staff were all so friendly and made us welcome and we felt as if nothing was too much trouble. Thank you for a very enjoyable 30th wedding anniversary that my husband and I will remember for a long time.
9 Oct 09 A fun day exploring!
Posted by Krissyb from Hammond Park, Australia
If you're wanting to do a Margaret River winery tour do it with Wine for Dudes. You won't be disappointed! John was so helpful, knowledgeable and he went out of his way to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see. He even drove around and found some kangaroos that our overseas guests could take photos of! From pick-up to drop-off he was really wonderful and we all have no hesitation in recommending Wine for Dudes to anyone looking for a great day out. Thanks John!
29 Sep 09 Great Day, Great Company, Great Host!
Posted by Awarnach
John was a very knowledgeable and fun host, our group was small which made for a more personal experience and you don't feel like your lost in the crowd. Fantastic mix of wineries, cheese factory and brewery for the all over Margaret River experience!. Would definately recommend to anyone who wants a "down to earth" tour.
29 May 09 Great day full of fun
Posted by Coxy1710 from ajax
A group of us met in Perth (6) and decided that we would go on an adventure to Margaret River on my last weekend before heading back to Canada. We decided that after hearing nothing but great things that we would go on the wine for dudes tour and experience all that it had to offer. After a long adventure getting there we had a great time. John is an awsome guy and we greatly appreciate all that he did for us. He definitely helped out our weekend. We all 100% recommend going on this tour as even though it was a horrible stormy day we all had a great time and couldnt ask for a better way to finally start our weekend away. Thanks :)
26 May 09 Wonderful way to spend a day, drink, eat and play!
Posted by JulesRules1968
This was a fantastic day out for any one who enjoys a wine or beer now and then. The fun relaxed atmosphere was great. All of the people on our tour were enjoying the informal unpretentious setting. After a brief talk by John (our driver) we sampled our first wines - something for each different palate was on offer. Lunch was a serve yourself picnic style buffet; with gourmet options! Accompanied by a glass of red mixed by each person to their own personal preference. After this we visited 2 more wineries, 2 micro-breweries, a chocolate factory and an olive farm (not in this order). On the bus on the trip back to town there was a 5 question quiz about things we had seen or heard on the day. I highly recommend this trip to any age group. We had a great time.
26 May 09 A Magaret River must!
Posted by Olly from Seaham
An essential part of any trip to the Margaret River region is a tour with Wine for Dudes. A friendly atmosphere, very informative, put across in a down to earth way that makes you want to learn more. Lots of laughs and good craic with a young crowd. The wine blending is a lovely addition to the tour giving you a practical chance to see what goes on behind the scenes, after which the tour stops for an alfresco lunch which delicious food taking in the wonderful countryside. I enjoyed the experience so much I did it twice and John also took this into consideration mixing up the vineyards second time round, a brilliant day out that should be on everyone's itinerary.
2 May 09 Dad's 60th!
Posted by AussieNath
For my Dad's 60th I organised a wine tour through Wine For Dudes. It was all our family and alot of his friends, the age range was from 60 down to 20 and everyone had a great day especially the "dudes" as it wasn't all wines but ended with some beers.Shell drove us around but we met John, both have good personalities, you won't be disappointed...ah yeah, the wines were tops too. Thanks Shell.
2 Feb 09 It was a great day - well worth it!!
Posted by Carms from Dalyellup, Australia
Thanks Shell for taking us ladies out for a truly wonderful hens day!! We loved the wine, the food and the company. It was a day for all of us to look back on with fun memories and great laughs. Shell, thanks so much for your hospitality. We had so much fun with you and you are a great guide. We will recommend you to others definitely, and yes it was so worth the money!
18 Nov 08
Best wine tour in Western Australia...actually in Australia, Posted by SydneyNinja
I've never been one for wine tours out of fear of people telling that they can taste the honeysuckel bouquet with undertones of fresh, earthy maple (wine...kers)....ruining my day by not letting me discover for myself what it tastes of and whether i like it or not. This was a great mix of learning about the wines and having a relaxing day with people who quickly become you friends. John has got a great mix of wineries on the Tour and a nice touch of being able to blend you own wine for lunch that he prepares for you. He makes it fun, which is what a wine tour should be and you come out learning as much as you want. Don't look any further than here!
24 Oct 08
Thank You Letter From Jax, NZ
Thank you so much, I had the most fabulous time! I have some awesome photos and even better memories!
15 Oct 08 A True Highlight!
Posted by Ozmac from Joondalup, Australia
Hi John, I’d like to thank you so much for an incredible day (hosted by Erin). The wine blending was something totally unexpected and an absolute highlight of the day. I have to say though that the unscheduled trip to Moss Brothers was absolutely fascinating and overall the most enjoyable winery of the day thanks to a very informative speech, the tasting straight from the barrel and the amazing quality and range of all their wines. Erin was great. We couldn’t have wished for a better guide. I’m full of questions and she was full of answers. However, whenever she didn’t know the answer she’d immediately found it via a phone call etc rather than guessing which would have been a lot easier. We both really appreciated this and have come away from the experience far more knowledgeable, not to mention more excited about wine. This is the first wine tour I’ve been on and the 2nd that my wife has been on. It fulfilled every expectation and more and I will certainly be recommending the tour to friends and family. Thank you very much. Jamie & Sarah Macfarlane (Cave’s House guests – tour date 11/10/08). PS – we’re now back at home in Joondalup and currently enjoying a bottle of Hay Shed Hill SSB!
4 Sep 08 John's a Dude!
Posted by Matchett from Sydney, Australia
What a day! Couldn't ask for a better day out with great company, tour guide - in the form of John (the Dude) and excellent itinerary. John's choices were without exception on the money and we had a thoroughly enjoyable day. We also followed his suggestions for dining out on days following the tour and again confirmed his incredible knowledge and great tips for fine dining and wine selection throughout the Margaret River region. We would have no hesitation in recommending "Wine Tour for Dudes" to anyone and all age groups wanting a day of total entertainment while tasting some of Margaret River's finest. Mark, Cheryl, Lenn and Kerrie - Sydney
30 Jun 08
Thank You Letter From Liz Houston, Executive Assistant, Norilsk Nickel Australia Pty Ltd, West Perth
I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for the excellent day out for our wine tasting group last week. It was such a pleasure to deal with someone who was willing to be flexible with the schedule and where the only agenda appeared to be one of providing the customer with a great experience. From everything I have heard, everyone had a great time and really enjoyed the opportunity to do something a little different.
30 Jun 08
Congratulations Letter From Josie Hodgetts (& Roberto Trimboli), The WA Deaf Society, East Perth
We would like to congratulate Wine for Dudes for the whole package - prompt communications, friendly service, fun filled day, informative sessions and exceptional accessibility. We booked in for a group of 10 Deaf people for a birthday tour, Wine for Dudes were most accommodating and flexible in ensuring that access was provided for the participants. Notes were meticulously prepared and provided beforehand and copied for distribution on the day for everyone to read and fully participate in the wine tasting and blending sessions. Everyone had a ball and was most impressed with the provision of notes and the tour guide - Michelle, and her enthusiasm in mixing with the group, learning a sign or two along the way! We must also mention that the notes were comprehensive, not just brief and summarised information, but the whole lot - which was a major difference to us, as Deaf people and we certainly did appreciate the efforts made by Wine for Dudes. The birthday boy sure did enjoy the generous gesture made by Wine for Dudes, whereas he was delighted to have a yummy chocolate birthday cake and a birthday present! We will certainly recommend it to anyone who is visiting the Southwest and wanting to go on a winery tour, without hesitation.
20 Jun 08 Wine for Dudes is the Bomb!
Posted by Kel Bel from Beechboro, Australia
Wine for Dudes gave us (motley crew, plus Todd) a fantastic day out that made our Margaret River Wine Tour both interesting and fun, without being pretentious at all. John does a great job of providing information and an experience that is just what X and Y Generation folk want from a day out such as this.
I would never consider any other winery tour company in Marg’s other than Wine for Dudes. Watch out dudes! Cos we WILL be back!!
20 Jun 08 Great day out in MR
Posted by Maxwell's Silver Hammer from Perth, Australia
Wine for Dudes was a great day's entertainment. Being of the target gen x / y audience, we appreciated the relaxed look at wine but still knew that we were in knowledgeable hands and were trying some great wines. Well run, John was a great guide (and even managed to make it to the WFD after party), thoroughly recommended.
Only downfall is now other wine tours (such as in Swan Valley) fail miserably in comparison!
16 Jun 08 Come party with Todd! And John!
Posted by Tarsh from Yokine, Australia
I've done a few wine tours (quite a few...) and this is by far my favourite. No stuffy wine w*nkers here! It was all fun and interesting and John was so flexible as well. I've never felt so welcomed by the places we visited, they obviously have a lot of respect for John and his unique outlook on wine tours in the Margaret River region.
You know you had fun when almost everyone from the tour comes back to your house to keep partying! We will absolutely without a doubt be booking on the tour next time we are down - you should too!
14 Nov 07 Awesome day out!!!
Posted by holmes182 from Gold Coast, Australia
The winefordudes tour was excellent. The relaxed approach to the tour was great. Our tour guide was great fun, easy to get along with and very flexible. There was a certain winery myself and my friends wanted to visit so he changed around a couple of stops and made it possible for us to go there.
Even if you're not a big wine drinker you will be guaranteed a great day out on this tour, we visited about 4 wineries (I think!), a cheese factory, a chocolate factory, and a brewery, lots of free samples!!!
If you wanna do a tour that's not full of senior citizens and pompous wine tasting toffs, this is the one for you!!!
I give it 5 gold stars!!!
4 Nov 07 A great day out!
Posted by VandRob from Exeter, United Kingdom
We've been travelling for 10 months round the world and been on a few rubbish tours - this is NOT one of those! John was awesome, truly knowledgeable and interesting. making wine fun.
I am sometimes a bit embarrassed by the little I know about wine, but having spent the day with Wine for dudes I now know a lot more! Thanks John.
31 Oct 07 The only way to see the Margaret River wineries...
Posted by steverea from Perth, Australia
I have been on the tour twice now and can't recommend it highly enough. John has a great knowledge of wines and you can tell he really enjoys doing the tours which makes the day fun and educational.
This is the tour for people who want to have fun while learning about wine and meeting great new friends. If you are looking for a less pretentious way to see the Margaret River wine region then look no further...
13 Jun 07 No better way to spend a day at Margaret River!
Posted by a TotalTraveller from Qwerty, Australia
We had a fantastic time on this tour - learned a lot, saw a lot, (drank a lot....) and simply enjoyed ourselves. With no need to worry about driving or which wineries to choose, this is definitely THE way to experience the Margaret River wine region.
It doesn't matter how much you know about wine, you're guaranteed to learn something while you enjoy the beautiful Margaret River wineries, the chocolate factory and a brewery, not to mention an excellent gourmet picnic lunch! Enjoy!!
Response from Wine for Dudes
Wow! I guess that is why it is always a pleasure showing people around the 'gem of the South West', Margaret River. We are definately lucky to attract a funky younger crowd, out for a great day and you will definately get a hands on learning experience! Cheers... John
20 May 07 Cruise'n the coastline, drink'n wine & have'n a fun time!
Posted by a TotalTraveller from Sydney, Australia
Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Margaret River! A very relaxing & educational day out, learning a lot about the area & wines in an easy going & enjoyable way. By lunch we were sniffing & swirling with the best of 'em & poured our new found knowledge into practice with the wine blending experience & enjoyed our creations over a gourmet picnic lunch.
The driver was great (good tunes!) & the crew quickly mixed well, it felt like we were all friends cruising the coastline, drinking wine & having a fun time! Loved the day so much I booked again on my last trip! Just as fun, informative with a different itinerary including a chocolate factory & a brewery! The best of both a guys & a girls world!
Response from Wine for Dudes
"relaxing...enjoyable"...definitely the way the Margaret River (and wine) should be explored, thats what makes the job so fun!
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