Melbourne: Yarra Valley Food, Wine, Chocolate & Gin Tour

A Taste of Yarra Valley: Food, Wine, Chocolate & Gin Tour

If you’re visiting Melbourne and looking to escape the city’s hustle for a day of indulgence and discovery, the Yarra Valley Food, Wine, Chocolate & Gin Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. For around $92 per person, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring lush vineyards, enjoying a gourmet winery lunch, tasting artisan chocolates, and even sampling some premium gins. Your guide—whose reputation for friendliness and knowledge shines through in glowing reviews—will take you on a scenic journey through historic towns and picturesque landscapes, with plenty of surprises along the way.

What we love most about this tour is the way it balances structured tasting experiences with free time for exploring, plus the inclusion of a take-home bottle of wine for each adult, which makes it a memorable keepsake. The stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is a delightful highlight, especially if you’re a fan of sweet treats—12 different artisan chocolates await you, crafted by skilled chocolatiers. And the winery lunch—with options to upgrade to gourmet or choose à la carte—adds a satisfying culinary touch to the day.

One thing to consider is that the tour bus might be a bit tired, as some reviews mention, so if you’re particular about the comfort of your transport, that might be something to keep in mind. Also, the gin tasting at Rochford Wines costs an extra $25, so budget accordingly if you’re a fan of spirits.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic wine experiences paired with local foods, those who enjoy learning about regional history, and anyone eager to combine scenic countryside with good company. It’s particularly popular among first-time visitors to Melbourne wanting a comprehensive day out, as well as seasoned oenophiles hunting for new favorites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines wine tastings, chocolate, gin, and a scenic drive with historic insights.
• Excellent Value: Price includes multiple tastings, a bottle of wine to take home, and a delicious lunch.
• Guided Expertise: Tour guides are known for their friendliness, humor, and detailed knowledge.
• Flexible and Fun: Offers free time to explore each estate and optional extras like gin tasting.
• Comfort and Convenience: Convenient pickup from Melbourne CBD; scenic transport through charming towns.
• Authentic Encounters: Tasting local produce directly from farms and boutique wineries, with the chance to spot kangaroos and Australian wildlife.

Detailed Review of the Yarra Valley Food, Wine, Chocolate & Gin Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

We begin with a quick hop from Melbourne’s CBD, gathering opposite Federation Square, where the Rick’s Wine Tours bus awaits. The ride out is comfortably scenic, with guides sharing anecdotes about Melbourne’s history and the surrounding countryside. While some reviews mention the bus being a bit “tired,” most agree that the comfort level is adequate for what is essentially a full-day tour.

The drive itself is one of the tour’s hidden gems. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass through historic towns and see glimpses of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and native birds—something that delights many first-time visitors. The scenery offers a peaceful, lush backdrop for the day’s indulgence.

First Stop: Yarra Farm Fresh

Your first taste of the region comes at Yarra Farm Fresh, where you get to sample local, seasonal fruits. The guided tasting of fresh strawberries, peaches, and seasonal produce not only awakens your palate but also offers insight into the region’s agricultural roots. Reviews praise this stop for its generous fruit samples and the chance to appreciate what makes the Yarra Valley a premium food region.

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Winery Visits: St Huberts, Tokar Estate, Rochford Wines

St Huberts Estate is the first winery, where a guided tasting of four award-winning wines introduces you to the area’s viticultural excellence. The cellar door staff are described as knowledgeable and friendly, which enhances the experience. Many reviewers mention enjoying the beautiful grounds and the indigenous art gallery—a nice touch that showcases local culture.

Next, you’ll visit Tokar Estate, a boutique winery known for its handcrafted wines. The guided tasting of three wines highlights the passion of small-scale producers, and many guests appreciate the personalized attention and unique charm of this estate. It’s a good reminder that Yarra Valley isn’t just about big-name productions; boutique wineries often have a more intimate feel and often produce more distinctive wines.

Finally, at Rochford Wines, you’ll have a guided tasting followed by options for lunch. The lunch experience is a highlight for many: you can upgrade to a gourmet meal with a glass of wine for $50 or opt for à la carte from the restaurant menu, usually costing between $25-$45. Reviewers appreciate the quality of the food and the view, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

The Wine and Food Experience

The lunch at Rochford is an essential part of the tour, with many reviewers calling it delicious and satisfying after a morning of tastings. The gourmet options and wine pairing elevate the experience, making it more than just a quick bite. Guests can also opt for the standard à la carte menu if they prefer more variety.

Chocolate Tasting: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

The day’s sweet conclusion comes at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you’re treated to a guided tasting of 12 artisan chocolates. The reviews emphasize how delicious and beautifully crafted the chocolates are, with some calling it a “decadent” end to the day. The chocolates are made by master chocolatiers, and many mention how the flavors and textures blew them away—definitely a highlight for lovers of sweets.

Optional Gin Tasting and Free Time

After lunch, guests have some free time, including the option to sample gins at Rochford Wines for an additional $25. This is popular among spirits enthusiasts, and reviews note that the guides are happy to accommodate this extra tasting.

Final Stop: The Chocolaterie and Return

The last stop is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can savor more chocolates and enjoy the lush scenery before heading back to Melbourne. The return trip is usually around 4:45 PM, giving you ample time to reflect on the day’s highlights as the countryside rolls past.

Authentic Experiences That Make This Tour Shine

The real charm of this tour lies in its authenticity. You’re sampling local produce directly from farms and boutique wineries, not just tasting mass-produced wines in a sterile cellar. The guide’s knowledge and humor make the day engaging, and many reviews emphasize how friendly and informed the guides are—ranging from Melanie to Bernie and Rick himself.

Guests often mention how generous the tastings are—multiple wineries offering full glasses and a bottle of wine to take home for each paying guest, which adds to the value. The scenic drive itself is a highlight, with views of rolling vineyards, historic towns, and native wildlife, making the journey as memorable as the destinations.

Food and Drink Quality

While the lunch options are paid separately, many find the gourmet meal to be a worthwhile upgrade, especially given the quality of the food and the wine pairing. The chocolate tasting rounds out the day perfectly, giving an indulgent finish that leaves many guests feeling satisfied and happy.

Group Size and Comfort

The tour typically runs with a group of around 4 or more people, and while some reviewers mention the bus being not the newest, most agree that the scenery and experiences outweigh this minor drawback. The small group setting encourages conversation and makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention from guides.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who want a well-rounded day out that combines wine tasting, good food, and local culture with scenic views. It’s especially suited for travelers new to the region, looking for guidance and structure, but with enough free time to explore on your own. If you’re a wine enthusiast, the award-winning wines and boutique estates will delight, and if you love artisan chocolates, the chocolaterie provides a perfect sweet ending.

It’s less suitable for children under 14 or individuals with mobility challenges, given the bus travel and winery visits. Also, for those concerned about bus comfort, it’s worth noting some reviews mention the vehicle could be upgraded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about eight hours, starting in the morning around 8:30 AM and returning in the late afternoon around 4:45 PM.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your fee covers transportation, guided tastings at three wineries, a bottle of wine to take home for each adult, a guided chocolate tasting, and a visit to Yarra Valley Dairy. Lunch and gin tastings are paid separately.

Can I upgrade my lunch?
Yes, you can upgrade on the day to a gourmet winery lunch for $50 per person, or choose from the restaurant’s à la carte menu, which usually costs between $25 and $45.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 14, mainly because of the wine tastings and winery environments.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are advised, especially if you plan to explore the estates. The tour goes rain or shine, so bring an umbrella or rain jacket if needed.

How many people typically join the tour?
While the minimum is four, most groups are moderate-sized, making the experience personable without feeling crowded.

Final Thoughts

The Yarra Valley Food, Wine, Chocolate & Gin Tour offers a delightful blend of scenic landscapes, authentic tastings, and good company. The inclusion of multiple wineries, a gourmet lunch, and a chocolate tasting makes it excellent value—especially with the bottle of wine you get to take home. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge ensure that even newcomers leave feeling like they’ve discovered a special corner of Victoria.

If you enjoy learning about regional wines, sampling local foods, and want a relaxed, fun-filled day, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Melbourne wanting a taste of the countryside or seasoned wine lovers seeking new favorites. Just pack your curiosity—and maybe an extra bag for chocolates and souvenirs.

Summary

The Yarra Valley Food, Wine, Chocolate & Gin Tour stands out for its comprehensive experience, generous tastings, and scenic drive through Victoria’s lush vineyards. While the bus could be a touch more comfortable, most find the day well worth the price, especially with its emphasis on authentic local products and educational guides. Perfect for those who want a relaxed, immersive day out that combines gastronomy, scenery, and a bit of Australian wildlife spotting—a true taste of Victoria’s culinary heartland.

You can check availability for your dates here: