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

Discover the Yarra Valley: Wine, Chocolate, and More in a Full-Day Tour

Imagine cruising out of Melbourne in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, your driver expertly navigating through rolling vineyards, charming towns, and lush countryside. For around $88, you get roughly 8 hours of sightseeing, tastings, and good company, with wine, gin, whisky, and chocolate all on the menu. The tour is offered by Red Carpet Wine Tours, and with over 3,900 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear many travelers find it a worthwhile way to explore this scenic region.

What we really love about this trip is how it combines a variety of experiences—visiting multiple wineries for tastings, exploring a renowned chocolate factory, and enjoying the beautiful landscape. Plus, the knowledgeable guides, like Gilberto and Matt, make the day both fun and informative, often going out of their way to share their local insights. Another highlight is the flexibility of the itinerary—whether you want to indulge in a fancy lunch or just sample the best wines, the stops are thoughtfully curated.

One potential consideration is the focus on alcohol tasting—if you’re not a drinker, or traveling with young children, this might not be the best fit. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to budget for food at wineries or bring your own. But if you’re excited about tasting a variety of beverages and want a relaxed, social day trip filled with scenic views and authentic regional flavors, this tour is hard to beat.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate good wine and chocolate, enjoy guided group outings, and want to learn about local products without the hassle of driving. It’s particularly popular among those looking for a fun, social day out or a way to experience some of Victoria’s best culinary delights in a single trip.

Key Points

• Comfortable transport: An air-conditioned vehicle makes the long day enjoyable.
• Multiple tastings: Enjoy guided wine tastings, chocolate tastings, and optional spirits.
• Beautiful scenery: Pass through vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint towns.
• Expert guides: Guides like Gilberto and Matt are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Flexible dining options: Lunch is at a winery or you can bring your own food.
• Value for money: The price includes tastings, water, and a fun group atmosphere.

The Route and Its Highlights

Starting in Melbourne

The tour kicks off at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, right opposite Flinders Street Station. From there, a quick 60-minute drive whisks you from the city’s hustle to the calm, scenic beauty of the Yarra Valley. This initial leg passes through Warrandyte, a lovely town worth a quick stop if you have the time.

Soumah Winery

The first stop is Soumah, a favorite among visitors. Here, you’ll get a guided tasting of five wines that include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, and Brachetto. The setting offers sweeping views of vineyards, making it a picturesque start to your tastings. Reviewers love the variety and quality of wines here, noting that “we loved every minute of this tour.” The tasting is free, but it’s the quality and the atmosphere that make it memorable.

St Huberts Cellar Door

Next, the group visits St Huberts, one of the most well-known wineries in the region. Expect to sample four wines or, if you prefer, enjoy a beer or cider instead. For those interested in spirits, there’s also the option of tasting spirits for a small fee. Some reviews mention the warm welcome and the chance to sample a good selection of wines, adding to the overall value of the experience.

Hubert Estate and Quarters Restaurant

Lunchtime at Quarters Restaurant offers a chance to sit down for a meal amidst beautiful vineyard views. The restaurant is part of Hubert Estate and features indigenous art in its gallery on the floor below the cellar door. Visitors can also stroll around the estate, enjoying the art and the landscape. If you prefer a picnic or brought your own food, there’s space to relax away from the restaurant.

Domaine Chandon

On the way to lunch, a quick stop at Domaine Chandon provides a chance to snap photos of their elegant sparkling wine production facility. While you can browse the shop and admire the architecture, some might opt to stay for a meal here, as they also serve lunch options. This stop is especially appealing for those wanting to indulge in Yarra Valley’s sparkling wine reputation.

Yarrawood Estate and Chocolaterie

Post-lunch, the tour makes a sweet detour to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of ten chocolates from a selection of 500 varieties. The reviews rave about the quality and variety, with comments like “overwhelmed by the chocolate venue.” Some travelers even mention how much they appreciated the friendly guides and the chance to sample so many chocolates.

If chocolate isn’t your thing, your driver can take you to Yarrawood Estate Winery instead, where you can buy a glass of wine and relax in the lovely setting. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers who prefer wine over sweets.

Balgownie Estate

The final stop on the itinerary is Balgownie Estate, an award-winning winery offering a guided tasting of five wines. The estate’s views are spectacular and make for a memorable conclusion to your day. Visitors report that the guide’s knowledge and the beautiful scenery made this a highlight, with some noting it’s a perfect way to wind down the day.

What the Tour Provides and What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that can hold up to 19 people, ensuring a cozy yet social atmosphere. The driver is also your guide, often sharing insights about the region, making the experience more personable. Reviews consistently praise guides like Matt and Gilberto for their friendliness, knowledge, and musical requests, adding a personal touch.

Tastings and Food

The included tastings—wine, spirits, and chocolates—are plentiful and generous, which means you’re getting good value for your ticket. The water bottles provided keep everyone hydrated, essential on a full day like this. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for a meal or snacks at the wineries, especially if you prefer a sit-down lunch or want to try multiple dishes.

Timing and Pacing

Each stop offers roughly 30 to 45 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy tastings and explore without feeling rushed. The overall pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunity for photos, chats, or just soaking in the views. Some reviews mention that the day flows smoothly, with guides keeping everyone engaged.

Cost and Value

For $88, you get access to multiple wineries, chocolate tastings, scenic views, and the company of an experienced guide. Critics say this represents excellent value, especially given the high quality of tastings and the flexibility to purchase additional food or drinks.

Authentic Experiences Based on Reviews

Multiple travelers highlight how knowledgeable guides like Gilberto and Matt make the trip memorable. Quotes such as “Gilberto our driver so informative and wonderful” or “Matt made the trip both interesting and informative” reveal the importance of good guides in elevating what might otherwise be a standard tasting tour.

The scenery consistently impresses visitors. With mentions of passing wild kangaroos and the rolling vineyards, it’s clear that the landscape itself is a highlight. Many reviews enjoyed the variety of wineries, praising the quality of the wines and the welcoming atmospheres. The chocolate factory, in particular, seems to be a crowd favorite, with phrases like “really enjoyed” and “overwhelmed by the selection.”

Some reviewers also appreciate the flexibility of the itinerary—whether they chose to skip a winery or wanted to enjoy a more leisurely lunch, the stops are well-chosen to accommodate different preferences.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, social way to explore the Yarra Valley’s best. It suits wine lovers who want to taste a variety of regional wines, chocolate enthusiasts eager to indulge in sweet treats, and those curious about local spirits. The value is high, given what’s included, and the guides’ local knowledge adds a layer of authenticity and friendliness that many travelers cherish.

If you’re not into alcohol or prefer a more active or independent experience, this might not be the perfect fit. But for anyone who enjoys guided tastings, scenic drives, and a chance to connect with friendly guides and fellow travelers, this tour offers a delightful slice of Victoria’s countryside.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You can buy food at the wineries or bring your own. The stops allow for flexible dining choices.

How long is the drive from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley?
It’s about a 60-minute drive to the first winery, passing through Warrandyte and the countryside.

Are all tastings included in the price?
Yes, wine tastings, chocolate tastings, and some spirit tastings are included. Water is also provided.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food, especially for the lunch stop. Only food purchased at the wineries can be consumed on site.

What is the group size?
The tour can have up to 19 travelers, ensuring a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides like Gilberto and Matt for their friendliness, local knowledge, and good music choices.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on alcohol tastings suggests it’s best for adults or those of legal drinking age.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with no penalty for early cancellations.

To sum it up, this Yarra Valley tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to taste some of Victoria’s finest wines and chocolates, all while soaking up stunning scenery and learning from passionate guides. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to indulge in regional delights without the stress of driving, and for those eager to meet like-minded explorers on a relaxed day trip. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just looking to enjoy a memorable day in the countryside, this tour delivers on fun, flavor, and authentic local charm.