A cooking class with a Barossa drink. At Maggie Beer’s FarmShop in the Barossa Valley, you get a hands-on seasonal cook-along in the studio kitchen of The Cook and the Chef, then move straight into a guided tasting of Pheasant Farm wines and Maggie’s Orchard gin. It’s a fun format, but it’s not a walk-and-weave all-day tour, and there’s no hotel pickup—so plan your own getting there.

I like how intimate it feels. The group is limited to 10 people, and the FarmShop team runs the show with a relaxed, chatty pace—plus you start with Maggie’s non-alcoholic sparkling drink. One highlight for me is the chance to learn practical uses for Maggie’s range, not just sample it and move on.

One more heads-up: this experience is hosted by the FarmShop team, not Maggie Beer personally. Still, with the studio kitchen setup and the tasting room time, you’re in the right place for food, drink, and that Barossa “slow down” mood.

Key moments worth centering

• Studio kitchen cooking demo where you follow a seasonal recipe using Maggie’s products, and you taste what you helped make
• Welcome drink from Maggie’s non-alcoholic sparkling range, so everyone starts the same way
• Pheasant Farm Wines + Maggie’s Orchard Gin guided tasting in a structured, friendly format
• Lunch platter on the Dam that keeps the day feeling like an agritourism outing, not a classroom
• Small-group limit (10 people) for better interaction and a more personal pace
• Photo opportunity in the studio kitchen, because yes, you’ll want a souvenir

Where this fits in the Barossa: more than a tasting room stop

If you’re doing the Barossa, you’ll see the usual menu: cellar tours, tastings, and long drives between stops. This FarmShop experience gives you a different flavor of the same region—food first, then wine and gin, all in one guided package.

The setting matters. You’re at Maggie Beer’s FarmShop, and you’re not stuck behind a rope looking at shelves. You move into the studio kitchen of The Cook and the Chef. That change—hands on, not just watching—turns the whole visit into something you can actually carry home: a few simple recipes, a better understanding of what you’re tasting, and a practical sense of how Maggie’s range fits into real meals.

You’re also not forced to be super formal about it. Even the tasting part feels like a guided hangout with purpose. And because it’s a small group, you’re not competing for attention.

The 150-minute flow: cooking, tastings, lunch, and time to breathe

The timing is tight enough to feel full, but not so packed that you’re rushing. You’re there for about 150 minutes, and the sequence goes like this:

First, you check in at Maggie Beer’s Farmshop. Then the team welcomes you with a drink from Maggie’s non-alcoholic sparkling range. This is a smart opener because it sets the tone without making the day about alcohol on an empty stomach.

Next comes the studio kitchen portion. You get a guided demo that includes the history of the farm and Maggie Beer (with the important detail that the experience is hosted by the team). You’ll also get a seasonal cooking demonstration using fresh produce and products from Maggie’s exclusive range. The best part: there’s tasting of what’s being prepared during the session.

After that, you transition to the tasting room. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting of Pheasant Farm Wines and Maggie’s Orchard Gin. This is also where you’ll likely learn the “why” behind the flavors, not just what you’re supposed to like.

Then lunch happens. You get an included grazing board-style lunch platter on the Dam, plus a glass of Pheasant Farm wine. Depending on your group and energy, there’s often time to wander the on-site trails of the Barossa Valley area—just don’t count on extra time if your group is ready to head out.

If you need a photo, there’s an option to have your picture taken in the studio kitchen during the cook session.

Studio kitchen: The Cook and the Chef demo (and why it’s practical)

The studio kitchen is the heart of the day. You’re not just learning about Maggie’s products—you’re seeing how they work in a real, seasonal recipe. That’s where this experience becomes more useful than a standard tasting.

You’ll follow a cooking demonstration using fresh produce along with Maggie’s FarmShop items. The way it’s described is hands-on, but still guided, so you’re not expected to be an expert chef. What matters is that you get hints and tips on how to use Maggie’s range at home, with easy to follow recipes.

That’s the kind of souvenir I actually want. A jar of product is fine, but an idea for how to use it is what makes you come back to it after the trip.

Also, the studio kitchen setup makes for a fun memory. You’ll have a chance for a photo in the kitchen area, and it’s a good moment to slow down and take in the room instead of treating it like a quick stop.

One thing to keep in mind: you’re sitting and standing around a kitchen workflow for part of the session. If you prefer lots of roaming instead of a kitchen format, this may feel less like a roam day and more like a structured food experience.

The tasting room: Pheasant Farm Wines and Orchard Gin

This is where the FarmShop turns into a guided drink lesson. You’ll taste from Pheasant Farm Wines and Maggie’s Orchard Gin, hosted in the tasting room with a guided explanation.

What I appreciate most is the structure. This isn’t just handing you a flight and hoping you figure it out. You get hints for tasting and context around what you’re drinking, so you can make sense of the flavors rather than guessing.

The experience also includes a glass of Pheasant Farm wine with lunch. So the day doesn’t feel like you’re only sampling in tiny sips. You get at least one more satisfying glass to go with the platter.

And if gin and wine are your kind of thing, this part is consistently praised. People point out that the hosts are friendly, and the tasting is both enjoyable and informative in a way that keeps moving.

A smart tip for drivers: ask about non-alcoholic options

If you’re the driver for the day, you’re not left out. One review noted that while companions enjoy tastings, drivers are offered non-alcoholic wine and mocktails. If you’re in that situation, it’s worth mentioning you’ll be driving when you check in—so your drink plan is sorted early.

Lunch on the Dam: grazing board comfort, not a formal sit-down

Lunch here is an included platter on the Dam. Think grazing board style: cheese, pate, salami, crackers, dried fruit, and more of that easy-to-grab mix that works well after cooking and tasting.

This setup is practical. After the demo, you’re not faced with a menu decision. You can eat at your pace, and the platter style keeps it casual. And since you’ll also have a glass of Pheasant Farm wine, it feels like a real break instead of an extended snack.

One nice detail: people describe the platter as generous and a real part of the experience, not something tossed in at the last second. If you’re the type who likes to taste everything but hates waiting around, this format usually fits.

If dietary requirements are a concern, the experience can work. One review specifically mentioned flexibility with dietary requests, so if you have needs, tell the team during booking or on arrival and ask how they’ll handle it.

The FarmShop experience vibe: small group, big attention

The small group limit of 10 people is a big deal here. It keeps the kitchen teaching personal. It also means you can ask questions without feeling like you’re interrupting.

A couple of reviews highlighted the staff’s attention and generosity with time, and that shows in the design of the experience: you’re given guided tasting and cooking help, plus the chance to interact rather than just watch.

Names that came up in feedback include Kylie and Maryanne (spelled in one review as Maryann/Maryanne). That matters because it signals real staff involvement, not a scripted pass-through.

Also, if you like meeting new people, the group size helps. You’ll likely share a few laughs with the people around you, and the day can turn social without being noisy.

Price and value: $88 for food, drink, and a reusable skill

At $88 per person, this isn’t the cheapest wine-and-gin stop. But it’s also not a bare-bones tasting. You’re getting a bundled experience that includes:

• a small-group cooking demonstration in the studio kitchen
• tasting linked directly to the food you helped make
• a guided tasting of Pheasant Farm Wines and Maggie’s Orchard Gin
• a full platter lunch on the Dam
• a glass of Pheasant Farm wine
• plus a welcome drink from Maggie’s non-alcoholic sparkling range

When you break it down, you’re paying for three things at once: instruction, guided tasting, and a meal. That’s why the price can make sense compared with buying each piece separately.

One more value angle: you leave with ideas. The experience includes hints and tips, plus easy recipes. If you actually cook after your trip, that’s the long-term payoff that makes the day feel worth it.

The main value consideration is travel logistics. Since there’s no hotel pickup and you have to check in on-site, make sure you’re not losing time and money on transport. If you’re already positioned nearby, the $88 feels like a fair “everything included” deal for the Barossa.

Getting there and planning your day

This experience meets at Maggie Beer’s Farmshop. No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll want your own transport.

Also, minimum guest numbers apply for a confirmed experience. That means it’s worth booking for your planned date rather than assuming it will run regardless.

You should also factor in the 150-minute duration. It’s not a “drop in and browse for an hour” kind of thing. Plan a block of time before and after for travel and settling in.

If you’re building a Barossa day, consider pairing this with one or two nearby cellar stops rather than stacking three big tours back-to-back. This FarmShop experience already has cooking, tastings, and lunch energy.

Who should book this (and who might want a different style)

I think this is a great fit if you want:

• a mix of food education and drink tasting, all in one place
• a small-group experience (max 10 people) with real interaction
• practical recipes and product tips, not just a scenic stop
• a fun group activity that still feels grounded and local

It might be less ideal if you:

• dislike structured sessions and prefer wandering freely all day
• want a long outdoor walk as the main event
• are allergic to the idea of wine and gin being part of the day (there are non-alcoholic options, but the theme is still alcohol-focused)

If you’re celebrating something, this also works well as a gift-style experience because it feels special without being stuffy.

So, should you book Maggie Beer’s FarmShop?

If you’re visiting the Barossa and you want something that feels like the region’s food culture—rather than another generic tasting room—this is an easy yes. The studio kitchen cooking demo gives you a skill you can use at home, and the guided Pheasant Farm wines plus Maggie’s Orchard gin tasting gives you context for what you’re enjoying. Add the included lunch platter on the Dam, and you’ve got a complete experience in about 150 minutes.

Book it if you’re happy to spend your time in one focused place, learn a few simple recipes, and taste your way through the FarmShop’s signature products. Pass if you want pure outdoor exploration or you’d rather keep your day entirely alcohol-free.

FAQ

How long does the Maggie Beer’s FarmShop experience last?

The experience runs for 150 minutes.

What group size is it?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

Is Maggie Beer personally hosting this experience?

No. The experience is hosted by the FarmShop team, not Maggie Beer personally.

What’s included in the tour?

It includes a small group cooking demonstration in the studio kitchen, a fully guided tasting of Pheasant Farm Wines and Maggie’s Orchard Gin, a full platter lunch, and a glass of Pheasant Farm wine. You’re also welcomed with a drink from Maggie’s non-alcoholic Sparkling range.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

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