Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour

Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour offers an inviting taste of Victoria’s most celebrated wine region, all within an 8-hour journey costing only $86 per person. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit five carefully chosen venues, sampling everything from award-winning wines and craft spirits to decadent chocolates and local delicacies.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the variety of tastings, which make the day feel indulgent without feeling rushed, and the stunning vineyard views that provide a perfect backdrop for sipping and relaxing. Plus, the flexibility to tailor your stops—whether you prefer more wine or want to squeeze in extra chocolate—is a big plus.

A possible consideration is the timing logistics—the tour departs sharply at 9am, so punctuality is key. Also, if you’re hoping for a sit-down, multi-course lunch, you’ll need to book separately at Chandon or opt for a simpler meal at Hubert Estate.

This tour suits those with a curiosity for wine and spirits, a love of beautiful scenery, and an appreciation for well-organized group outings. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors and those looking for a full sensory experience without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At $86, this tour covers transportation, tastings at five venues, and chocolates, making it a surprisingly affordable way to explore Yarra Valley.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can choose to have lunch at Domaine Chandon or Hubert Estate, depending on your preferences, allowing for a more tailored experience.
• All-Weather Activity: Operates 7 days a week, rain or shine, perfect for Melbourne’s often unpredictable weather.
• Expert Guides: Guests rave about guides like Richard, Tom, and Gilberto, who are knowledgeable, friendly, and keep the day running smoothly.
• Diverse Tastings: From reds and whites to gin, whisky, beer, cider, and chocolates, there’s something for all.
• Beautiful Views: The vineyards and scenic spots like Balgownie Estate provide memorable photo opportunities and a genuine sense of place.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What To Expect

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour begins in Melbourne’s CBD at “The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia,” conveniently located on Flinders Street. Expect a prompt departure around 9am after a 8:35am meet-up. The ride out to Yarra Valley is part of the fun, with some reviews mentioning the opportunity to spot kangaroos or even wallabies, adding a little wild Australia to the journey. The vehicle is air-conditioned, with chilled waters and a carefully curated playlist—listen to your favorite tunes or enjoy the provided eclectic mix. The drive itself is about an hour, with a quick scenic detour through Warrandyte, giving a taste of the countryside before arriving at your first winery.

Soumah of Yarra Valley

Your first stop is Soumah, renowned for its cool climate wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, similar to styles found in northern Italy and southeastern France. This winery is a favorite for its sweeping views and the opportunity to taste wines that thrive in the cooler climate. Guests describe the tasting experience here as “amazing,” and the setting as “beautiful.” It’s a perfect introduction to the region’s signature flavors.

St Huberts Cellar Door

Next, the group visits the historic St Huberts, a winery with a long-standing reputation. The tasting here includes four of their well-known wines, but if you’re not into wine, there are other options like beer, cider, or even spirits—gin and whisky tastings are available for an extra fee. Reviewers praise their guides’ flexibility, noting that the staff makes sure everyone feels comfortable with their choices. One guest happily remarked, “Matt was an excellent guide and super friendly,” highlighting the personalized touch.

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Lunch Options

You have a choice here: gather with the group at Quarters Restaurant at Hubert Estate, where you order and pay individually, or opt for a more exclusive experience by booking lunch at Domaine Chandon. The guide emphasizes contacting the company beforehand for reservations at Chandon, as that may conflict with the regular schedule. The group lunch at Hubert Estate is casual, allowing you to enjoy local food and art displays, while Chandon offers a more refined experience. Either way, you’ll get fresh, local produce, and all dietary needs are accommodated.

Chocolaterie & Yarrawood Estate

Post-lunch, your sweet tooth will be tempted at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Here, a guided tasting of ten different chocolates awaits, with some reviews calling it “a chocoholic’s dream.” Feel free to buy a generous gelato or a box of chocolates to take home. Alternatively, if you’re not keen on chocolates, the driver can take you directly to Yarrawood Estate Winery for a glass of wine, offering flexibility to match your interests.

Final Stop at Balgownie Estate

The tour concludes with a visit to Balgownie Estate for more wine tastings with an unbeatable view. Guests often describe this as the perfect way to end the day, soaking in the vineyard scenery. It’s a relaxing, picturesque finale that leaves a lasting impression.

Return to Melbourne

Leaving Yarra Valley around 3:30pm, you’ll be back in the CBD between 4:55pm and 5:20pm. The return trip includes music, with the option to add your own playlist, making the journey home as fun as the day itself.

The Experience: What We Loved

The guided aspect of this tour stands out, especially because guides like Richard, Tom, and Gilberto consistently receive praise for their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and friendly demeanor. They’re more than just drivers—they’re storytellers who enrich every stop with interesting tidbits about the region’s history, wines, and wildlife.

Another highlight is the scenic views at each winery. You’re not just tasting wine; you’re sipping it in settings that showcase Victoria’s lush, rolling landscapes. Guests repeatedly mention how the vistas add to the overall enjoyment and make for great photo moments.

The tastings themselves are generous, with reviews pointing out that wineries don’t hold back on sample sizes, making it easy to get a real sense of the wines’ characteristics. Plus, the option to try spirits like gin and whisky adds an extra layer of interest if you’re into craft spirits.

What Could Be Better

The main consideration is the strict schedule—departing on time, with little wiggle room, means punctuality is crucial. If you tend to run late, you might feel rushed or miss out on parts of the itinerary. Also, for those wanting a sit-down, multi-course lunch, you’ll need to book separately at Chandon, which requires planning ahead.

Some guests have mentioned that bus comfort can vary, particularly at the back seats. While generally well-organized, a few reviews note that the seating arrangement could be more comfortable, especially for longer drives. It’s a minor point but worth considering if you’re sensitive to seating comfort.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed introduction to Yarra Valley, this tour fits the bill. It appeals to first-timers, solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want a balanced mix of wine, spirits, chocolates, and scenic beauty. It’s especially great for those who appreciate friendly guides and flexible options to customize part of their day.

Travelers who enjoy tasting experiences, gorgeous vineyard views, and a relaxed group atmosphere will find this tour hits the mark. It’s also perfect if you’re visiting Melbourne and want to escape the city for a day without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Detailed Review: Why This Tour Stands Out

Transportation & Comfort

The tour uses air-conditioned buses with on-board amenities like chilled waters and a curated Spotify playlist. Guests consistently mention the comfortable ride and the fun, upbeat music that sets a lively tone for the day. The guides often encourage passengers to contribute their favorite songs, adding a personal touch.

The departure point is very central — directly opposite 154 Flinders Street — making it easy to find, with most reviews emphasizing the importance of arriving early to avoid missing the start. The early departure time of 8:35am for meet-up means you’ll need to plan your morning logistics, especially if you’re coming from a hotel nearby.

Wineries & Tastings

You’ll visit five venues, including Soumah, St Huberts, Domaine Chandon (optional), Yarrawood Estate, and Balgownie. Each offers a different vibe and variety, from the boutique charm of Soumah to the more established Balgownie. The wineries are chosen for their quality, scenery, and friendliness, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.

Guests love the generous tastings—often four or more wines at each stop—allowing you to really taste the difference each winery offers. The spirit tastings at St Huberts add a fun twist, especially if you’re interested in gin or whisky.

Chocolate & Food

The Chocolaterie is more than just a sweet stop; it’s an experience. Guests rave about the guided tasting of ten chocolates and being able to buy large portions of gelato. Many reviews mention that this stop provides a refreshing break and a chance to indulge.

Lunchtime options are flexible—either group dining at Hubert Estate or independent reservations at Domaine Chandon. The guide’s advice to contact ahead of time ensures you don’t miss out on your preferred plan.

Scenic & Wildlife Highlights

You’ll see iconic vineyard landscapes, and some tours even mention spotting kangaroos or wallabies along the route. The views from Balgownie Estate, in particular, are often described as stunning.

Authentic & Friendly Atmosphere

Guests consistently highlight the warm, friendly guides who combine humor with expertise. It’s clear that this isn’t just a commercial tour but a genuine cultural experience. People often mention how the guides go out of their way to make everyone feel included and comfortable.

Why This Tour Represents Good Value

For $86, you’re getting transportation, multiple tastings, a chocolate experience, and the guidance of an expert host. When you consider the cost of similar tastings at wineries or specialty spirits, this is an appealing package. Plus, the convenience of a pre-planned itinerary means you avoid the hassle of organizing transfers or looking for places to go.

Paid tastings at individual wineries could quickly add up, so the included tastings here are a real bargain, especially considering the diverse range you get to sample in one day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a relaxed, fun, and informative day exploring Yarra Valley without the stress of driving or planning. It’s well suited for first-time visitors eager to get an overview of the region’s best wines and chocolates, or for couples, friends, and small groups looking for a memorable outing.

If you’re someone who appreciates friendly guides, panoramic vineyard views, and plentiful tastings, you’ll love how the tour balances entertainment with education. It’s also a good fit for visitors who might be rainy-day travelers since it operates regardless of weather.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet the group at a central location in Melbourne’s CBD, so plan your transport accordingly.

What is the cost of lunch?
Lunch is not included but is available for purchase at Hubert Estate or Chandon. You should contact the tour provider in advance if you want to reserve at Chandon, as it could conflict with the scheduled stops.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can bring your own food, but it cannot be consumed on the grounds of Hubert Estate.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years are not allowed, so it’s best suited for adults and older teens.

What is the duration of the total tour?
The full experience lasts about 8 hours, including travel time, tastings, and breaks.

Are there spirits tastings available?
Yes, for a small fee, you can try gin or whisky at St Huberts Cellar Door.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, especially for walking around wineries and the Chocolaterie. Dress for the weather, as some stops are outdoors.

Is there a maximum group size?
The tour operates as a public group with no specified maximum, but reviews suggest a friendly, manageable size with personalized attention.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Part of the appeal is the flexibility to choose or skip certain stops, especially during lunch or chocolate tasting.

What makes this tour stand out?
Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning vineyard views, and generous tastings that make for a truly satisfying day.

Final Words

This tour offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience Yarra Valley’s wine, spirits, and chocolates. It combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and a friendly atmosphere that makes for a memorable day. Whether you’re new to wine or simply looking for a relaxing escape from Melbourne’s city buzz, you’ll find this experience hits the right notes.

Ideal for those who value good value and authentic connections, it’s a great way to sample the best of Victoria’s famous wine country without breaking the bank. Expect stunning views, lively guides, and a day full of delicious discoveries. If you love wine, spirits, chocolate, and scenic landscapes, this tour is a solid choice—just arrive early, pace yourself, and enjoy every sip.

You can check availability for your dates here: