Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch

Experience the Best of Yarra Valley’s Wineries in One Day

If you’re looking for a way to escape Melbourne’s bustling cityscape and dive into some of Australia’s finest wines, this full-day Yarra Valley wine tour might just be your ticket. For around $119, you’ll spend approximately eight hours exploring four top wineries, sampling a broad range of wines, and enjoying a delicious winery lunch with a view. The tour departs from Melbourne early in the morning and promises a relaxed, informative, and scenic experience.

Two things we particularly love about this tour are the carefully curated winery visits and the knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and educational. You’ll get to taste wines from small-batch boutique wineries to larger, well-established estates—each with its own unique character. Plus, the scenery along the way is stunning, with rolling hills and vineyards that change with each season.

A possible consideration is the group size—though limted to 24 people, the maximum per booking is 8, which is good for a more intimate experience. Also, the itinerary might change without notice, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for anyone who enjoys good wine, scenic drives, and authentic Australian winery experiences, especially if you appreciate expert guidance and value a well-organized day without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Comprehensive winery visits: Four top wineries, including boutique and premium estates.
• In-depth tastings: Educated guides lead tutored tastings, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts.
• Beautiful scenery: Vivid views of rolling hills and vineyard landscapes.
• Gourmet lunch included: Enjoy a meal with a glass of wine at a winery restaurant.
• Small group feel: Limited to 24 participants, offering a more personal experience.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Overview of the Yarra Valley Full-Day Wine Tour

Let’s look at what makes this tour tick. We’ll explore the itinerary, the stops, what you’ll taste, and why it might be a smart choice for your trip to Melbourne.

How the Day Begins: Pickup and Departure

The tour kicks off early at the Immigration Museum at 09:20 AM. From there, you’ll hop on a comfortable bus with a small group—usually no more than 24 people. This limited size makes for a friendly, chatty atmosphere and better opportunities to ask questions or get personalized attention from your guides.

The transportation is reliable and designed for comfort, letting you relax during the hour-long drive into the Yarra Valley’s rolling vineyards. The entire day is structured to balance sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing, with no long stretches of waiting or rushing.

First Stop: Greenstone Wines

Your first visit is to Greenstone, located at the base of Christmas Hills. Here, instead of just blindly tasting wines, your guide will teach you the art of swirling, sniffing, and slurping—a small but fun detail that makes wine tastings more engaging. You’ll sample a variety of wines right at the cellar door, gaining insight into what makes each one special.

From reviews, we know that many travelers, like Karin from Japan, found the wines at Greenstone to be “great,” and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. The setting itself is beautiful, with lush greenery and a relaxed vibe that primes you for the day ahead.

Second Stop: Balgownie Estate for Lunch

Next up is Balgownie Estate, a stylish winery known for its excellent restaurant and breathtaking views. Here, you’ll enjoy a 1-course lunch paired with a glass of the estate’s wine—an experience that many reviews call “superb” and “delicious.” The food quality is consistently praised, and the ambiance helps you unwind amid the vines.

This stop is not just about eating—it’s a chance to experience winemaking hospitality and see how a larger, well-established winery operates. It’s also an ideal moment to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and savor the scenery.

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Afternoon Stops: Yering Farm and Soumah

Post-lunch, the journey continues through scenic countryside to Yering Farm, a boutique winery famed for traditional wine-making methods. Here, you’ll see antique copper equipment, which offers a glimpse into the early days of Australian winemaking. Tastings include some of the pioneer wines of the region, making this stop both educational and enjoyable.

Later, you’ll visit Soumah, which specializes in styles typical of northern Italy and southeastern France—think Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These wines are a highlight for many, especially because they often win awards and are considered some of the best in the valley. Reviewers like Laura and James mention their appreciation for the quality and variety of wines, as well as the beautiful setting.

The Final Stop and Return to Melbourne

The last winery is Soumah, where you can sample some award-winning wines and appreciate the cool climate’s influence on the taste and style. After a generous tasting, the bus heads back to Melbourne, arriving around 5:30 PM—making it a long but fulfilling day.

Throughout, the guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to keep the group engaged without rushing. Many reviews highlight the entertaining and informative commentary as a key aspect of what makes this tour memorable.

What Makes This Tour a Great Choice?

One standout feature is the balance between structured tastings and scenic downtime. You’ll get a good variety of winery styles, from larger estates to smaller boutique producers, ensuring a well-rounded experience. The inclusion of lunch with a glass of wine at Balgownie adds fantastic value, elevating this beyond a simple tasting trip.

The small group size enhances the experience, making it easier to interact with guides and fellow travelers. Many have praised the guides, like Sandy and Tony, for their expertise, humor, and local insights—a real bonus.

Pinpointing value, we’ve found that many travelers think the price point of $119 is reasonable given the number of tastings, the quality of the lunch, and the scenic journey. Plus, the flexibility of free cancellation makes it a risk-free choice for travelers unsure of their plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits anyone who loves wine, scenic drives, and relaxed group experiences. It’s perfect for beginners wanting to learn more about wine, as the guides are skilled educators, but it also appeals to seasoned enthusiasts looking for a curated selection of Yarra Valley’s best.

If you prefer private or small-group tours, the limited group size makes this a comfortable choice. Families with children over age 5 can also join, but beware that very young kids might find the full-day schedule a bit long.

In-depth Look at Each Winery

Greenstone is the perfect first stop. Located at the Christmas Hills, it offers a fantastic introduction to the region’s wines. The emphasis on cellar door tastings allows you to learn and savor at your own pace. Many reviews mention the friendly staff and the great variety of wines, making it an ideal starting point.

Balgownie Estate provides a more polished experience, with a stylish restaurant and spectacular views of the vineyards. Reviewers highlight the high standard of the meal and the chance to sample more wines. The setting is lush and inviting, making it a relaxing lunch spot.

Yering Farm is a smaller boutique winery, where traditional techniques are still used, including antique copper equipment. It’s a place to appreciate craftsmanship and history, which adds a layer of depth to your tasting journey. Expect to discover some less common varietals that showcase the region’s diversity.

Soumah specializes in wines influenced by northern Italy and southeastern France, which makes for a distinctive tasting experience. Its reputation for award-winning wines and the beautiful estate makes it a perfect last stop. Many reviews speak highly of the quality and variety here, often noting it as a highlight.

The Value of This Experience

At $119, this tour offers great value for money, considering the inclusions: transportation, four winery visits, tastings, and a substantial lunch. The small-group format ensures a more engaging and personalized experience than larger bus tours, while the knowledgeable guides elevate the learning and enjoyment.

Many travelers comment on the well-organized itinerary and the generous tastings—sometimes with 5 or more wines per stop. The lunch itself is a highlight, often described as fabulous and filling enough to keep you going through the day.

Final Thoughts

This Yarra Valley wine tour offers a well-rounded, authentic, and scenic introduction to Victoria’s wine country. It strikes a good balance between educational tastings, gourmet food, and stunning vistas. The small group size and professional guides create a friendly, informative atmosphere that appeals to both casual wine lovers and seasoned connoisseurs alike.

If you’re after a value-packed, relaxed day with quality wines and memorable scenery, this tour is a superb choice. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about wine in a casual environment and want the convenience of all-included transportation and meals.

FAQ

What is the departure time of the tour?
The tour departs at 09:20 AM from the Immigration Museum in Melbourne.

Are all wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, all tastings at the four wineries are included, along with the guided commentary.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a one-course lunch at a winery restaurant, which comes with a glass of wine.

What about group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 24 passengers, with the maximum per booking of 8, to ensure a more personal experience.

Can children join the tour?
Children over 5 years old can join, but very young children might find the full-day schedule tiring.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Melbourne is included, starting from the designated meeting point.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date.

Will the itinerary change?
The itinerary and timing may change without notice, so flexibility is advisable.

Is there a dress code?
Smart casual is appropriate; comfortable shoes for walking at wineries are recommended.

To sum it up, this full-day Yarra Valley wine tour combines scenic beauty, quality wine experiences, and excellent value. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, educational, and delicious taste of Victoria’s premier wine region—without the hassle of planning or driving. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned sipper, you’ll come away with new favorites and plenty of stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: