The “Wine Tour of France with Scott McWilliam is a richly immersive 15-night journey, ideal for anyone who loves fine wine, food, culture and scenery. Led by sixth‑generation winemaker Scott McWilliam, the itinerary takes you through some of France’s most celebrated regions—Champagne, Burgundy, Lyon, the Rhône Valley, Marseille, Toulouse, and Bordeaux—visiting famous vineyards, meeting winemakers, and enjoying structured tastings along the way. Highlights include staying in charming towns, indulging in celebration dinners at Michelin‑starred restaurants, exploring the medieval stronghold of Carcassonne, wandering through the vineyards of St Emilion and Margaux, and savoring Syrah in the Rhône, among many other delights. The tour is a luxurious, in‑depth taste of France’s winemaking soul, especially appealing to anyone seeking both elegance and authenticity.
Scott is a sixth-generation winemaker, so it is fair to say that he was born into the Australian wine industry. Scott was only 14 when he began helping out at Hanwood Estate in the Riverina. After leaving school, Scott headed to the famous Bordeaux region in France, for his first full vintage within Entre deux Mers. Scott then completed a Bachelor of Science at the Australian National University and a Post Graduate degree in Oenology (Winemaking) at the University of Adelaide. Scott also gained enormous experience during his time working for the prestigious Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. In 2006 Scott moved to the Hunter Valley and rose to the level of Senior Winemaker and Winery Manager, in charge of making some of the most highly prized wines in Australia. His has a great knowledge of wine and of the vintages of Italy.
Surinah has 25 years experience as a flight attendant, ranging from Qatar Airways, to Australian Airlines and currently Qantas. Surinah's love for wine has flourished since taking part time roles within the Sydney hospitality industry, her current side hustle as a Sommelier at QT's highly-regarded Gowings restaurant. She has recently completed the Wine & Spirits Education Trust at level 3 and studied the Wine Scholar Guild - French Wine Scholar. Having recently been selected as a Qantas Wine Facilitator, she has had the opportunity to teach cabin crew as they complete their Sommelier in the Sky training. Surinah's wine journey has been inspiring.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Thursday September 10, 2026 Paris
This afternoon we meet to start the tour in Paris. This evening Scott McWilliam will host a Welcome Drinks Party before recommending interesting nearby restaurants for dinner.
DAY 2 Friday September 11, 2026 Reims
After breakfast the tour group will travel by private coach to Reims, the capital of the Champagne wine region, for a two-night stay at the four-star Holiday Inn Reims Centre. The tour will commence with visits to the vine-growing areas and to some of the very best producers. We will meet the winemakers and enjoy a series of tastings under the guidance of Scott McWilliam. We will travel to our tour hotel late-afternoon for check-in. Good quality local restaurants will be recommended for dinner.
DAY 3 Saturday September 12, 2026 Reims
After breakfast we will travel to Epernay and Ay for a full day of vineyard visits. We will drive through the vines along the picturesque 'Champagne Route' and visit two of the region's main producers. We will meet the winemakers and sample a range of the best crus. Local restaurants will be recommended for dinner.
DAY 4 Sunday September 13, 2026 Dijon
After breakfast the tour group will travel south to Dijon for two nights. Dijon is capital of the Burgundy wine region. The exploration will commence after lunch with a vineyard and cellar visit combined with a structured tasting led by Scott McWilliam.
DAY 5 Monday September 14, 2026 Dijon
This morning we will visit a prestige winery and enjoy tastings with Scott McWilliam. The afternoon will be free for wine bar exploration in this fabulous town, or a quiet rest. This evening we will enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant hosted by Scott McWilliam with superb wine and food from the region.
DAY 6 Tuesday September 15, 2026 Lyon
After breakfast the tour group will travel to Beaune, the delightful main town in the Burgundy wine region. There will be time for individual sightseeing before we continue south to visit the first oenology park in Europe, the Hameau Duboeuf. Hameau Duboeuf is a major producer of Beaujolais. We will have a tasting of Beaujolais here. Late afternoon, we travel on to Lyon, the second largest city in France, superbly located at the junction of the Saône and Rhône rivers. Late afternoon, we will check in for two nights at the four-star Hotel Carlton. Interesting restaurants will be recommended for dinner.
DAY 7 Wednesday September 16, 2026 Lyon
A full day of exploration in the Rhone Valley, where the familiar shiraz (syrah), so well-known in Australia, is the main variety. Famous names include Guigal, Chapoutier and Paul Jaboulet. We will visit some of the finest producers of this great variety. Good quality restaurants will be recommended for dinner in Lyon.
DAY 8 Thursday September 17, 2026 Marseille
Today we travel south along the Rhone Valley to Marseille for a two-night stay at the four-star Grand Hotel Beauvau, Vieux Port. We will visit wineries in the southern Rhone Chateau Neuf du Pape region and taste some distinctive and delicious grenache and syrah blends under Scott McWilliam's guidance. Restaurants and wine bars will be recommended for an evening at leisure.
DAY 9 Friday September 18, 2026 Marseille
A leisurely, free day to enjoy Marseille. Take a side trip to Aix en Provence or relax in nearby Cassis. This evening we will enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, at which Scott McWilliam will showcase the best wines from the regions we have visited.
DAY 10 Saturday September 19, 2026 Toulouse
After breakfast we will travel west to the modern city of Toulouse for a one night stay at the four- star Grand Hotel de l'Opera. We will enjoy a winery visit in the vast Languedoc wine-producing region, noted for high-volume production and rapidly improving quality. We will stop in the medieval town of Carcassonne for sightseeing at leisure.
DAY 11 Sunday September 20, 2026 Bordeaux
After breakfast, we travel west to the famous Bordeaux region. On the outskirts of Bordeaux we will visit the famous Chateau Climens First Growth Barsac winery before checking into our hotel for a five-night stay. This evening we will enjoy the Celebration Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, hosted by Scott McWilliam.
DAY 12 Monday September 21, 2026 Bordeaux
This morning we travel north to the left bank of the Gironde to spend a day of exploration in the Pauillac and St-Estèphe regions. Pauillac is the home of top rate producers such as Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Lynch-Bages and Pontet Canet. Cabernet Sauvignon is the prominent variety here, often blended with some Merlot and Cabernet Franc. We return to Bordeaux for an evening at leisure.
DAY 13 Tuesday September 22, 2026 Bordeaux
Today the tour group will return to the Medoc to visit wineries and taste wines in the southern regions of Margaux and St Julien. Scott McWilliam will lead the group on visits to a range of top-level producers and guide us through enjoyable and informative structured tastings. The regions are home to Chateau Margaux, Chateau Beychevelle, Palmer, Brane Cantenac and Chateau Talbot among others. We return to Bordeaux for an evening at leisure. Good quality restaurants will be recommended.
DAY 14 Wednesday September 23, 2026 Bordeaux
Today we will visit the right bank St Emilion and Pomerol regions to the east of Bordeaux. The regions are home to many fine producers that include Cheval Blanc, Troplong Mondot, Vieux Chateau Certan, Canon, Pavie, Petrus and Latour Pomerol. Their wines are based mainly on merlot, with cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon also involved. Scott McWilliam will introduce us to some of the most important producers and guide us through structured tasting sessions. There will be some free time in the delightful small town of St Emilion.
DAY 15 Thursday September 24, 2026 Bordeaux
A free day for relaxation or further exploration. We will come together for our Farewell Celebration Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, with local wines carefully selected by Scott McWilliam. We will celebrate the success and enjoyment of our time in France with Scott. It will be a most enjoyable evening.
DAY 16 Friday September 25, 2026 Departure
After breakfast the tour group will be transferred to Bordeaux airport and railway station for onwards connections. The tour concludes.
| Per person twin-share | Single fare |
|---|---|
| $12,495 | $15,110 |
The price for the 14-night tour, land only, is $12,495 per person twin-share.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd, (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, and accommodation costs at 1/9/25. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of the start of the tour.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,200 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 90 days before departure. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit card.
CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellations within 75 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 75 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of the deposit.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect of sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078, ATAS A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as agent for passengers in making arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of schedule, or any other events that are beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, terrorism, flood, fire. The contract between passenger and Travelrite International shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action is required to be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $1,200 per person to: Travelrite International Pty Ltd 423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103. Further information can be obtained by telephoning Toll free: 1800630343, Phone: (03) 8803 6868, Email: sales@travelrite.com.au, www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for more than 30 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has a fully licensed (ATAS No. 10538) office at Balwyn, which is accredited with IATA. As such we directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents - AFTA.
“One of the best tours we have ever done. Great program and lovely people.”
“Well organised tour that ran smoothly. Very impressed with Wayne Horsburgh, intelligent, talented and caring.”
