Above the VinesMount Pleasant Wines, Helicopter Flight & Premium LunchFrom Sydney
Hunter Valley NSW, Australia
9 hours
Duration
Operates
Thursday to Monday
2 – 4 People
Group Size
Language
English
About this tour
Your day begins with private hotel pickup from Sydney at 7:45am. Your guide drives you north through the outskirts of the city, past the Hawkesbury River and into the Hunter Valley, arriving at Mount Pleasant Estate at approximately 10:00am, one of Australia's most celebrated wineries and the starting point for a day unlike any other.
At Mount Pleasant, a welcome glass sets the tone before your group boards a private helicopter operated by Hunter Valley Helicopters, a Robinson R44 for groups of two or a Bell 206 JetRanger for three or four, and lifts over the estate and the valley below. A scenic flight that puts the patchwork of vines, ridgelines and river flats into a perspective no road can offer. Back on the ground, your group settles into the Icons Premium tasting experience, hosted by a member of the Mount Pleasant team: a seated tasting of current and museum wines including the estate's O'Shea Shiraz and Rare Fortified Tawny, paired with cheese and charcuterie.
Lunch is at Bistro Molines, Robert Molines' acclaimed Hunter Valley restaurant offering French technique applied to local produce in a garden setting that has no equivalent in the valley. The afternoon returns you to Sydney at approximately 5:00pm. The tour operates Thursday to Monday only; Tuesday and Wednesday are not available.
Tour Photos
A Sample of Your Bespoke Itinerary
7:45 AM
Sydney Hotel Pickup
Your private guide meets you at your hotel. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the drive north.
10:00 AM
Arrive Mount Pleasant Wines
Welcome wine on arrival, followed by a private tour of the estate with one of the winery team.
10:45 AM
Helicopter Flight
Board your private helicopter: R44 for 2–3 guests, Bell 206 JetRanger for 4. Operated by Hunter Valley Helicopters. Scenic flight over the valley, vineyards and ridgelines.
11:30 AM
Premium Wine Tasting
Seated tasting: Icons Premium tasting experience with cheese and charcuterie board.
12:50 PM
Depart for Bistro Molines
Short drive from Mount Pleasant to Robert Molines' restaurant.
1:00 PM
Lunch at Bistro Molines
Acclaimed Hunter Valley dining, French technique, local produce, garden setting. Unhurried.
2:30 PM
Depart Hunter Valley
Begin the return journey south to Sydney.
5:00 PM
Approximate arrival time
Drop-off at your hotel or preferred Sydney location.
Highlights
- Private helicopter flight over the Hunter Valley with Mount Pleasant wine host (or wine maker - optional extra)
- Mount Pleasant Wines — private vineyard tour and welcome wine
- Icons Premium wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie
- Two course Lunch including wine at Bistro Molines — acclaimed Hunter Valley restaurant
- Door-to-door private vehicle from Sydney hotel or private residence
- Maximum 4 guests — fully exclusive to your group
Included
- Private vehicle and driver/guide (Sydney to Hunter Valley and return)
- Private helicopter flight over the Hunter Valley with wine host (or wine maker - addition cost)
- Icons premium wine tasting with cheese & charcuterie at Mount Pleasant Wines
- 2 course lunch including wine at Bistro Molines
- Bottled water
- Umbrellas
Excluded
- Additional wine purchases
- Gratuities
In partnership with
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the helicopter can't fly due to weather?
In the event of unsuitable flying weather, Hunter Valley Helicopters will advise us as early as possible. In place of the flight, your group will enjoy a private winery tour with barrel and tank tasting at Mount Pleasant, hosted by your allocated team member. Mount Pleasant will also gift a bottle of Lovedale Semillon to take home. A refund of $250 per person will be applied to your booking.
Is there a weight limit for the helicopter?
Yes. Both the Robinson R44 and the Bell 206 JetRanger have individual and combined passenger weight limits that must be met for safe aircraft weight and balance compliance. Guest weights are collected at the time of booking. Hunter Valley Helicopters will confirm capacity based on the specific aircraft and your group's weight manifest. If weight limits cannot be accommodated, Todd Tours will contact you before the tour date to discuss options.
Which helicopter will my group fly in?
Groups of 2 guests fly in a Robinson R44: a four-seat piston helicopter carrying your group of 2, a Mount Pleasant representative, and the pilot. Groups of 3 or 4 guests fly in a Bell 206 JetRanger: a turbine-powered helicopter with a larger cabin, accommodating your group, the Mount Pleasant representative, and the pilot. Both aircraft are operated by Hunter Valley Helicopters under their own aviation licence and insurance. Todd Tours arranges and coordinates the flight as part of the full-day experience.
What days does this tour operate?
Thursday to Monday only. The tour is not available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays due to venue and operator scheduling.
Is lunch at Bistro Molines included?
Yes, lunch at Bistro Molines is included in the tour price. Beverages beyond still water are at your own expense. Please advise of any dietary requirements at booking so we can confirm with the restaurant in advance.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 96 hours before your scheduled departure are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 96 hours of departure are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, please contact us as early as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you.