The Yarra Valley Wine & Winery Tour from Melbourne – All Inclusive!
Rating: 4.5/5 (1,353 reviews)
Price: $122.04 per person
If you’re looking to experience one of Australia’s premier wine regions without the hassle of planning each stop, this all-inclusive tour offers a compelling package. For around $122 per person, you’ll spend approximately eight hours exploring four different wineries, tasting a wide variety of wines, and enjoying a delicious winery lunch—all with the comfort of transport and a knowledgeable guide.
What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines stunning scenery with diverse wine styles, from sparkling to reds, whites, and even sweet wines. Plus, the convenience of having everything organized—pickups, tastings, and meals—makes it perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a relaxed, educational day in the vineyards.
One thing to consider is that, as with any guided tour, you’ll be sharing the experience with a small group—up to 24 people. This means some wineries might be busier than others, and you might wish for a little more flexibility in your schedule.
This tour is well-suited for couples, friends, or anyone who appreciates good wine, scenic drives, and a good story from a personable guide. People who love tasting a variety of wines and want to learn a bit about Australian winemaking will find this especially rewarding.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Transportation, tastings, and lunch are covered, making for a stress-free day.
- Diverse Wineries: Visits include Greenstone Vineyards, Balgownie Estate, Yering Farm, and Soumah, each offering unique scenery and wine styles.
- Scenic Drive: The journey through the Yarra Valley offers plenty of picturesque views, perfect for photography or just relaxing with the window open.
- Expert Guidance: Tour guides are noted for being knowledgeable, entertaining, and engaging, enhancing the overall experience.
- Value for Money: For the price, you get four winery visits with multiple tastings, plus a generous lunch and a glass of wine.
- Group Size & Flexibility: Small groups up to 24 people ensure a more intimate experience, though it can get busy at popular wineries.
The Experience in Depth
When we think about a wine tour, what really matters is how well it balances the scenic, educational, and tasting aspects—and this tour hits a lot of those marks. Starting from Melbourne, a short, comfortable drive takes you northeast into Victoria’s famed Yarra Valley, just about an hour from the city center. The journey itself is pleasant, with plenty of opportunities to admire rolling vineyards, lush hills, and the occasional kangaroo (yes, some reviews mention spotting wildlife).
Visiting Four Distinctive Wineries
Your first stop at Greenstone Vineyards sets the tone beautifully. Positioned at the foot of Christmas Hills, this winery offers unparalleled views of the estate and the Great Dividing Range. The tasting room, often described as charming, allows you to sip wines while taking in the vistas. Reviewers love Greenstone for its scenic setting and the chance to start the day relaxed and in awe of the landscape.
Next, you’ll head to Balgownie Estate, a highlight for many. This winery impresses with its spectacular views and a welcoming tasting room where you’ll sample reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting here is generous—about half an hour—and is often followed by a notable lunch at the winery restaurant, which features local produce and a glass of wine. Even if the venue doesn’t serve lunch every day, a similar setting is substituted, ensuring a quality meal in a beautiful environment. As one reviewer noted, “The lunch at Balgownie Estate was really nice,” and for many, it’s a highlight of the trip.
The third stop at Yering Farm takes you into a more rustic, intimate setting. The tasting room, converted from an old hay shed, provides authentic charm and an opportunity to see Victorian winemaking history firsthand—copper tools from over a century ago are on display. The relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, makes this a favorite for those wanting a more down-to-earth vineyard experience.
Finally, the tour concludes at Soumah Wines, a boutique winery known for its Italian and French-style wines. The winery’s focus on cool-climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has earned it awards and praise. Here, you’ll get a full hour to sample a curated selection of wines, often described as “beautiful” and “well explained” by those who love learning about different varietals.
What You’ll Do and Experience
Throughout the day, your guide—often praised for being knowledgeable, humorous, and enthusiastic—will share insights into Australian winemaking, regional flavors, and the stories behind each vineyard. The scenery along the drive is stunning, with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and the occasional glimpse of native wildlife.
The tastings are generous, with many reviews mentioning sampling up to 24 wines. People who weren’t frequent red wine drinkers found themselves enjoying the reds after tasting the diverse options. The lunch at Balgownie or its equivalent is hearty and well-paired with wine, giving you a true taste of local produce.
Practical Considerations
The tour runs from 9:15 am to around 5:00 pm, with pickup and drop-off included. It operates with a maximum of 24 travelers, which strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and personalized attention. The group size means wineries are not overcrowded, but some stops might get busier than others depending on the day.
The price includes transport in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus, tastings, a substantial meal, and a glass of wine with lunch. This makes it a value-packed option for a day trip—you’re paying for convenience, expert guidance, and a curated experience rather than just the wine.
Authenticity and Authentic Experiences
Several reviews highlight that guides like Tony and Matt make the trip especially memorable, sharing stories and insights that enrich your understanding of the region. The stops at family-run and boutique wineries like Yering Farm and Soumah provide a more personal touch, allowing you to connect more deeply with the winemakers.
Some feedback mentions that at times, overbooking can lead to rushed tastings or less-than-ideal conditions (like cold weather at Toclar), so if you’re sensitive to weather or prefer a more leisurely pace, it’s worth considering. Still, most find the experience well worth the price and effort.
Who Would Love This Tour?
If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to sample a diverse range of wines in a beautiful landscape, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided ease—no need to worry about driving or booking individual tastings—and want to learn more about Australian wines. The inclusion of a hearty lunch and scenic views makes it ideal for a full, satisfying day out.
Couples, friends, and small groups looking for a relaxed, social atmosphere will find this especially appealing. It’s also great for those new to wine tasting who want an educational, fun experience without the stress of planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:15 am and ending around 5:00 pm, including all stops and transport.
Are tastings included at all wineries?
Yes, tastings are included at each of the four wineries visited during the day.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, a main-course lunch at Balgownie Estate or an equivalent venue is part of the package, typically served with a glass of wine.
What’s the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 24 travelers, promoting a more intimate experience.
Can children join the tour?
Children aged 5 and above are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to drink wine is 18.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, but if weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.
Final Thoughts
The Yarra Valley Wine & Winery Tour from Melbourne offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, education, and tasting pleasure, all bundled into a convenient, all-inclusive package. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the chance to try a variety of wines, learn from passionate guides, and enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes. The price reflects good value, especially given the quality of wineries visited and the thoughtful organization of the day.
This tour is perfect for those who prefer to leave the logistics to someone else, want to explore top wineries without booking individually, and value authentic experiences paired with scenic beauty. If you’re after a tailored, friendly, and informative introduction to Victoria’s wine country, this tour will serve you well.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, expand your wine knowledge, or simply enjoy a day in gorgeous surroundings, this tour offers a memorable, hassle-free way to experience the best of Yarra Valley’s vineyards.