Private Tour: Yarra Valley Wine, Cheese, Bubbles & Chocolaterie

A Taste of Yarra Valley: Private Wine, Cheese, Bubbles & Chocolaterie Tour

This private tour from Melbourne is your ticket to exploring the beautiful Yarra Valley at your own pace, with a knowledgeable guide (whose name we wish we knew) leading the way. For about $506 per group of up to six people, you’ll spend roughly 9 to 10 hours soaking in the rolling vineyards, sampling artisanal cheeses, enjoying sparkling wines, and perhaps finishing with decadent chocolates. The tour offers pick-up services and a mobile ticket, making your day smooth and hassle-free.

What we love about this experience is how it mixes hands-on tastings with breathtaking landscape views—perfect for those who want a genuine, relaxed immersion into Australian wine country. The flexibility to choose 2 or 3 wineries before a delicious lunch is a definite highlight, allowing you to tailor your day around your preferences. Plus, the option to visit the Healesville Sanctuary or a distillery afterward adds a fun twist, blending nature and spirits.

One thing to consider is that while most tastings have refundable fees, there’s a cost involved for lunch (around AUD$35 per person) and alcohol tastings (typically AUD$5–$20). If your goal is a fully wine-focused day or you’re on a strict budget, keep that in mind.

This tour is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups who appreciate personalized experiences, love wine and gourmet food, and want to explore the Yarra Valley with a bit of guidance but plenty of freedom to decide exactly what they see and taste.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary allows you to choose 2 or 3 wineries based on your interests
• Includes artisanal cheese tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy amid scenic surroundings
• Visit to a renowned distillery offers insight into gin-making and spirits
• Optional visits to Healesville Sanctuary or Chocolaterie for added variety
• Most tastings have refundable fees but expect to pay for some wine and food options
• Private group experience emphasizes intimacy and flexibility

Exploring the Yarra Valley: An In-Depth Review

The Comfort and Convenience of a Private Tour

From the moment you’re picked up in Melbourne, the experience feels personalized. With a private group of up to six, you avoid the crowds and rigid schedules of larger tours. Instead, your guide (a key figure in the day) tailors the experience, making suggestions or following your lead. This flexibility means you can linger longer at a favorite winery or skip a stop that doesn’t excite you—and that’s a rare treat.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the extensive day of touring. It’s clear that the tour operator values a relaxed pace. You’re not rushing from stop to stop but instead savoring each location, with ample time for tasting and enjoying the scenery.

The Itinerary: A Well-Balanced Mix of Flavors and Scenery

The tour kicks off at Yarra Valley Dairy, just a short drive from Melbourne. Here, the focus is on artisanal cheeses crafted from local ingredients. We loved the way the tasting was set against the backdrop of the rolling hills—such a feast for the senses. The 20-minute stop is enough to get a taste of the region’s dairy prowess without feeling rushed.

Next, you’ll visit Rob Dolan Wines, a vineyard that invites visitors to explore its vineyards and taste premium wines. The guide encourages curiosity about the winemaking process, and the setting—vines stretching as far as the eye can see—is truly stunning. You get a sense of the care that goes into each bottle.

Helen & Joey Estate is another highlight, especially if you love panoramic views. Tasting wines on the outdoor terrace with a vista over the vineyard is an experience many reviews call “breathtaking.” The one-hour stop here is a relaxed opportunity to sample fine wines while soaking up the scenery.

Lunch Options: Casual and Gourmet Choices

Lunch is flexible, with options to dine at Innocent Bystander, a contemporary winery with a relaxed vibe, or at Soumah, which offers Northern Italian-inspired dishes. Both places provide 2-hour breaks, giving you time to enjoy a leisurely meal.

Boat O’Craigo Winery is a favorite for many, especially because it combines wine tasting with cheese boards and pizzas—a perfect casual meal amid beautiful surroundings. The winery is boutique and celebrated for producing some of Australia’s best wines, according to reviews.

Afternoon Delights: Spirits and Chocolates

Post-lunch, the tour can include a visit to Four Pillars Distillery. Here, we appreciated the opportunity to learn about gin-making—a craft that’s grown in popularity in Australia. Sampling different gins and learning about the distillation process adds a fun, educational twist.

If time permits, some groups opt to visit Domaine Chandon for a final sparkling wine tasting. Known for its signature sparkling wines, this stop offers a refined end to your day. The tasting is exclusive, and many find it a delightful way to wrap up their Yarra Valley experience.

The Value of a Private Experience

While the tour costs around $506 for your entire group, the value lies in the personalized attention and customizable itinerary. You’re not confined to a preset schedule, allowing you to focus on what interests you most—whether that’s more wine, cheese, or a bit of Australian wildlife.

Most tastings are modestly priced, but the overall experience immerses you in the culinary and scenic riches of the region. The refundable tasting fees and discounts on purchases, especially at Chandon, make it worthwhile for lovers of quality wines and gourmet foods.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who value flexibility and personal attention. It’s perfect for small groups who want to explore the Yarra Valley’s vineyards and gourmet stops without the chaos of larger tours. If you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or just someone eager to enjoy stunning views while sampling Australia’s best, this is a fine choice.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a tailored, intimate day exploring the Yarra Valley, this private tour checks many boxes. The beautiful scenery, combined with authentic tastings and flexibility, makes it a good pick for those who want to go beyond just the standard winery visit. The option to include cheese, chocolates, and spirits adds layers of enjoyment, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

However, keep in mind that this is a premium experience with a correspondingly higher price tag. It’s best suited for travelers who want more control over their day, prefer small groups, or seek a more personalized touch. If you’re traveling with a wine-loving partner or small group of friends, it’s hard to go wrong.

This tour offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, gourmet treats, and flexible touring—a lovely way to see and taste the best of the Yarra Valley without the rush.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Since the tour involves wine, spirits, and cheese tastings, it’s best for those of legal drinking age. The focus is on wine and gourmet food, so younger travelers might find less appeal unless they’re interested in the scenery and other stops.

How long is the day?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending back at your starting point. It includes plenty of time for tastings, lunch, and optional activities.

Can I choose which wineries to visit?
Yes, the tour offers the flexibility to select 2 or 3 wineries based on your preferences. Your guide can help you decide, or you can choose ahead of time.

Are tastings included in the price?
Most tastings have refundable fees, typically ranging from AUD$5 to $20. The tour itself doesn’t include the cost of alcohol, but discounts are available at some locations like Domaine Chandon.

What about lunch?
Lunch is not included in the tour price but generally costs around AUD$35 per person at the selected winery or restaurant. You can choose between more casual options or gourmet experiences.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided, and it’s exclusive to your private group, making the day comfortable and convenient.

If you’re seeking a flexible, personalized way to enjoy the Yarra Valley’s wines, cheeses, and scenic vistas, this private tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid large crowds, enjoy gourmet tastings, and control their day’s pace—making it a memorable addition to your Melbourne visit.