Yarra Valley Food Wine and Gin Tour Departing From Melbourne

Experience the Yarra Valley Food, Wine, and Gin Tour from Melbourne

Imagine spending a day in Australia’s celebrated Yarra Valley, just a short trip from Melbourne, exploring vineyards, tasting chocolates, enjoying fresh fruit, and even sampling some gin. For around $98, this full-day tour offers a fantastic mix of scenic drives, delicious food, and world-class wines. Led by knowledgeable guides, often with great reviews about their friendliness and expertise, this tour lasts about 8 hours and is perfect for those who love good food, good wine, and authentic local experiences.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances variety and authenticity. You get to visit three different wineries, each offering unique wines and atmospheres, and there’s a definite focus on local produce—from strawberries at the farm to chocolates at the famous Chocolaterie. Plus, the included complimentary bottle of wine to take home adds a nice touch of value. The modern, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially on busy Melbourne days.

A possible consideration is that gin tastings are optional and at an extra cost—$25 for four gins—so if gin isn’t your thing, you might want to skip that. Also, some reviews mention that, due to the tour’s size, guides might sometimes rush through experiences. But overall, the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides make up for it.

This tour suits food and wine enthusiasts, those interested in scenic drives, and travelers looking for a fun, full-day experience outside Melbourne. If you’re after a well-rounded, value-packed day with plenty of tasting opportunities and friendly guidance, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-inclusive wine tastings at three distinct vineyards offer excellent value.
• Scenic drive to and from Melbourne provides beautiful views of the Yarra and Dandenong ranges.
• Chocolate and fruit tastings add a sweet and fresh local flavor to the day.
• Flexible options for lunch—either included gourmet or à la carte—cater to different tastes.
• Informative guides like Bernie and Rick receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Tour size is limited to 20 travelers, which helps maintain a personal touch.

In-Depth Look at the Yarra Valley Food, Wine & Gin Tour

What to Expect at the Beginning of Your Day

The tour starts early at 8:15 am at Federation Square in Melbourne, a convenient central location. From there, you’ll board a modern, air-conditioned vehicle that promises a comfortable ride. As you leave the city behind, your guide will share interesting commentary about Melbourne’s suburbs and the stunning landscapes of the Yarra and Dandenong ranges, setting the tone for a day full of visual delights.

Traveling in a small group—up to 20 people—you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience compared to larger tours. Many reviewers have highlighted guides like Bernie, Rick, and Victor for their friendly attitude, local knowledge, and sense of humor. One reviewer noted that Rick even included a brief historical tour of Melbourne on the way, which adds a nice touch of context and making the journey feel more engaging.

The First Stop: Yarra Farm Fresh

The first destination is a local fruit farm offering a guided strawberry and fruit tasting. This part takes about 25 minutes and is completely free. It’s a delightful chance to sample fresh, local produce and appreciate the farm-to-table ethos that runs through the region. Many travelers mention how much they enjoyed the hands-on experience and the delicious samples, which set a relaxed, upbeat tone for the day.

Vineyard Visit 1: Hubert Estate

Next, you’ll visit Hubert Estate, one of the most informative stops. Here, you’ll sample 4 distinct Yarra Valley wines—a great chance to taste the region’s signature varieties—and learn about the differences between them from knowledgeable staff. Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of wine to take home, a generous gesture that many reviews mention as a highlight.

One reviewer expressed that Hubert Estate’s wine tasting was well-organized and appreciated the friendly staff. The 1-hour and 15-minute stop allows enough time to savor the wines and snap some photos of the picturesque vineyard.

Lunch at Rochford Wines

The tour’s lunch stop is at Rochford Wines, an iconic winery known not only for its award-winning wines but also for hosting some of the world’s biggest musical acts. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided wine tasting followed by a gourmet lunch—possibly a gourmet platter or set menu depending on the day.

Many guests rave about the quality of the food, describing it as delicious and well-presented. The 2-hour duration gives enough time to relax, soak in the views, and chat with others. Several reviews mention that the lunch was a highlight, with one noting that the lunch was good value and nicely paired with the wine tasting.

Chocolate and Ice Cream Delight

A visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery provides a sweet break. You’ll witness chocolate chefs at work, with award-winning chocolates to observe and sample. The guided chocolate tasting includes 12 uniquely Australian chocolates, many of which are highly praised for their flavor and quality.

Reviewers describe this as a fun and tasty experience, with one noting that the chocolates are fantastic and the ice creams are delicious. The hour-long stop is perfect for indulging your sweet tooth and picking up some souvenirs.

Optional Gin Tasting

At Rochford, there’s also an optional gin tasting—for an extra $25, you get to sample 4 gins. While not included in the basic price, this add-on is popular among gin lovers, though some reviews suggest it’s best for those who really enjoy spirits.

Final Moments and Return

The tour wraps up after the chocolate stop, with a return to Melbourne in the late afternoon. With snacks and bottled water provided, as well as the wine to take home, many guests leave feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

How Does It All Come Together?

This tour delivers a well-rounded experience. The scenic drives offer plenty of photo opportunities, especially with views of the Yarra and Dandenong ranges. The stops are timed just right—not rushed, but not overly long—keeping a comfortable pace that suits most travelers. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and insights, making the experience engaging rather than just a series of tasting stops.

The value for money is hard to beat, especially with all wine tastings included and the complimentary bottle. The optional gourmet lunch is seen as a worthwhile upgrade, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy quality food with your wine.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews mention that, due to the size of the tour group, experiences can sometimes feel a bit rushed. Guides might need to move quickly through tastings or explanations. Also, the gin tasting isn’t included in the base price, which could feel like an extra expense, especially if you’re more interested in wine and chocolate.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a foodie, wine lover, or curious about local produce, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who want a full day of tasting and sightseeing without the hassle of planning. The small group size and friendly guides make it ideal for travelers wanting a more personal experience, and the scenery and local food offer a glimpse of the authentic Yarra Valley.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the tour is only for those over 18 for alcohol tastings. It’s family-friendly in terms of scenery and food, but alcohol consumption is restricted.

What is included in the price?
All wine tastings at the three vineyards, bottled water, snacks at the strawberry farm, and a complimentary bottle of wine to take home are included. Gin tastings are not included but available as an optional extra.

Can I buy additional wine or souvenirs?
Yes, you can purchase extra wine, chocolates, or other souvenirs at each stop, but these are not included in the tour price.

What about lunch?
You can upgrade to a gourmet winery lunch with a glass of wine or choose from the venue’s à la carte menu. The included lunch option is not specified but is generally well-reviewed.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from 25 minutes at the farm, to 1 hour and 15 minutes at Hubert Estate, and 2 hours at Rochford Wines, allowing ample time to taste, take photos, and relax.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride through scenic countryside.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour requires a minimum number of travelers; if not met, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for Melbourne visitors wanting a complete day of food, wine, and fun without the stress of organizing it themselves. It’s great for wine enthusiasts, chocolate lovers, or anyone curious about the local flavors of the Yarra Valley. If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized day with friendly guides, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

In summary, the Yarra Valley Food, Wine, and Gin Tour from Melbourne offers a delightful combination of scenic beauty, delicious tastings, and engaging guides. Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for a few days or seeking a day trip that combines relaxation, education, and indulgence, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate authentic local experiences, quality wines, and friendly service—all at a reasonable price.