Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cheese/Fruit & Choc Tour

Imagine a day where you escape the bustling city of Melbourne and step into the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, sampling some of Australia’s finest wines, gins, cheeses, chocolates, and fresh fruits. This tour, offered at a very reasonable $86 per person for roughly 8.5 hours, is a well-curated experience that promises more than just wine — it’s a full-blown taste adventure with up to 6 stops. Led by energetic and knowledgeable guides (many reviews mention “Sean,” “Danny,” or “Mike”), it’s designed to keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed, while still packing in a good dose of education and authentic flavors.

What we really love about this experience are two key things. First, the variety of stops — from wineries and distilleries to chocolate factories and strawberry farms, it’s a feast for the senses. Second, the personal touch of the guides, who make sure everyone feels included, entertained, and well-informed, with plenty of positive reviews praising their friendliness and expertise.

One aspect to consider is the itinerary’s tight schedule. While this keeps the day lively, it also means there’s limited time at each stop, which might leave some wanting more. Also, lunch isn’t included in the ticket price — you’ll need to pay at the winery restaurant — so plan accordingly if you prefer a sit-down meal.

This tour is perfect for those who love a good mix of wine, spirits, and food, enjoy scenic drives, and want a lively, social day with expert guides. It suits travelers who appreciate authentic tastes, beautiful vistas, and a relaxed atmosphere that balances education and fun.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Up to 6 stops including wineries, distilleries, cheese, chocolate, and fruit tastings.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Sean and Danny keep the mood upbeat and informative.
• Great Value: For $86, you get a full day of tastings and scenic views, often praised for its excellent balance of quality and cost.
• Flexible Options: Can switch out gin tastings for other drinks or select a full experience with additional winery visits.
• Comfortable Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned buses with cool tunes and a relaxed vibe.
• Limited Time for Each Stop: While efficient, some may find the schedule a bit rushed, especially at popular spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Departure and Pre-Trip Details

The adventure begins bright and early at 8:45 am in front of the Arts Centre Melbourne Spire. The meeting point, near the Protagonist Cafe, offers a convenient spot to grab a coffee beforehand. The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am, so arriving on time is essential — latecomers or no-shows have no refunds. The journey to the Yarra Valley takes about an hour, during which your guide sets the tone with lively commentary and tunes.

The Stops: What You’ll Actually Do and See

Coldstream Dairy & Strawberry Farm (Seasonal)

Depending on the day, you’ll visit Coldstream Dairy (Thursday to Monday) for a guided tasting of three local cheeses, served with crackers, chutneys, and jams. Here, the focus is on fresh, high-quality dairy with an authentic farm feel. If your trip falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, instead, you’ll head to Yarra Farm Fresh, a strawberry farm where you’ll sample ripe strawberries and receive a complimentary punnet — a sweet touch that many travelers praise, although the gift ends on September 30, 2025.

Soumah Winery

Next, your guide takes you to Soumah, where the aromas of wine and mountain vistas combine beautifully. This stop is more than just tasting; it’s about soaking in the epic views and understanding the region’s terroir. Reviewers love the stunning scenery here, saying, “the views here are epic with mountains and beautiful vistas” and “the region is beautiful.” Tastings typically include 5-6 wines, giving you a broad sampling of what the Yarra Valley offers.

Lunch at Quarters Restaurant

Midday, you’ll enjoy lunch at Quarters Restaurant at Hubert Estate. While the tour price doesn’t include your meal, the restaurant is praised for its quality. After eating, you’re free to stroll the estate or sample more wines and spirits — some reviewers mention enjoying whisky or gin flights at their own expense. The estate setting adds a relaxing backdrop to your meal and a chance to unwind before more tastings.

Greenstone or Yering Station

Post-lunch, the itinerary suggests visiting Greenstone (Thursday to Monday) or Yering Station (Tuesday and Wednesday). Both boast spectacular views of lakes and rolling hills, making them ideal for photography and soaking in the landscape. Expect to taste more wines and enjoy the peaceful, lush surroundings. Reviewers often mention the “beautiful lake and hills,” emphasizing the region’s natural beauty.

Chocolate & Gin Tastings

The afternoon continues at the Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory, where you’ll taste 10-12 chocolates and learn about their production. The guided tasting is both fun and indulgent, often described as “very quick” but enjoyable. Then, at Four Pillars Distillery, you’ll get a paddle of four gins with mixers, providing a chance to explore Australia’s renowned gin scene. You can opt out of the gin tasting to save time or switch to more wine if you prefer.

The Return Journey

Departing around 4:15 pm, the bus heads back to Melbourne, arriving around 5:30 pm. The ride home, often lively with music and chatter, is seen as a perfect way to reflect on the day’s highlights. Many reviews mention how the guides keep everyone entertained and comfortable, adding to the overall positive vibe.

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The Value of This Tour

At $86, this tour offers remarkable value considering the number of tastings, scenic stops, and the expertise of guides. The transportation in a modern coach ensures comfort, and the small group size (max 20) keeps it intimate and friendly. While the price doesn’t include lunch or optional extras, the cost of tastings alone — wineries, gin, cheese, and chocolates — significantly exceeds what you’d pay individually.

Reviews repeatedly cite “great value,” often highlighting how much they enjoyed the variety of experiences packed into the day. The guides, especially Sean or Danny, are praised for their enthusiasm, humor, and knowledge, which elevates the trip from a simple tasting to a memorable outing.

Why It Works

The combination of scenic drives, authentic tastings, and friendly guides creates a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. The variety of stops means you leave with more than just a few bottles — you take away a real sense of the region’s flavors and landscapes. Plus, the optional switch outs (more wine, less gin, or alternative wineries) allow you to customize the experience to your taste.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip appeals most to food and drink lovers, especially those keen on exploring beyond just wine — the inclusion of gin and chocolates broadens the appeal. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and beautiful scenery without feeling rushed. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends will find this a perfect social outing, especially given the lively guides and engaging atmosphere.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
Children aged 2 to 17 are welcome but won’t participate in tastings, and pregnant women should avoid alcohol. The tour is primarily designed for adults seeking a tasting experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, space is limited to 20 guests, so booking ahead guarantees your spot. It’s especially popular, with many reviewers praising the guides and overall experience.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing, ID (for age verification), and a sense of adventure. Remember, large luggage or bags aren’t allowed on the bus.

Is lunch included?
No, you’ll need to purchase lunch at the winery restaurant, such as at Quarters. The tour provides plenty of tasting opportunities to keep you satisfied.

Can I switch out the gin tasting?
Yes, if you prefer, you can opt to skip the gin for more wine or even choose a different winery if the full experience package is selected.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or with difficulty climbing stairs, as some stops involve uneven terrain or stairs.

Final Thoughts

This Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne is a smart choice for those wanting a well-rounded day of tasting and scenery without breaking the bank. The combination of delicious local products, stunning vistas, and friendly, knowledgeable guides creates a memorable experience for anyone interested in Australia’s renowned food and drink scene.

The tour’s pace and variety mean you’ll leave feeling satisfied and inspired, with plenty of stories and flavors to share. If you’re eager to explore Yarra Valley’s best offerings in a relaxed, social atmosphere, this trip is a solid pick.

If you prefer a more leisurely approach or want more time at each stop, you might consider other tours, but for value, variety, and fun, this experience hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy authentic, small-group adventures with a lively guide leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: