7 Best Yarra Valley Wine Tours from Melbourne This 2024
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Looking for the best Yarra Valley wine tours from Melbourne?
Heading to Yarra Valley for a wine tour is a must-do in Melbourne. Why?
Because it’s a wine lover’s paradise, especially if you’re into sweet wines like Moscato, which is my favourite.
This post will guide you through Melbourne’s best Yarra Valley wine tours, making your choice much more straightforward.
I’ve driven around the Yarra Valley, and the wineries are breathtaking.
Trust me, this guide will solve your dilemma of picking the perfect tour. So, let’s dive in and uncork the details.
My Top 3 Picks: Yarra Valley Wine Tours from Melbourne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yarra Valley Wine & Wildlife Tour
✅ Up-Close Animal Encounters:
✅ Gourmet Experience at Yering Station
✅ Wine and Cheese Pairing at De Bortoli
Yarra Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour
✅ Wine and Cheese Flight at De Bortoli
✅ A La Carte Lunch at Yering Station
✅ Multiple Winery Visits
Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour
✅ Culinary journey with wine, lunch, and craft beer or gin tastings
✅ Sweet finale at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
✅ All-inclusive with guided transport
Best Yarra Valley Wine Tours from Melbourne CBD
Yarra Valley offers some of the best wine tours you could ask for.
From sipping sparkling wines to exploring lush vineyards, this guide will walk you through the top Yarra Valley wine tours from Melbourne CBD.
So grab your wine glass, and let’s get started!
1. Yarra Valley Wine and Wildlife Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |🍷 Book it!
Imagine starting your day surrounded by Australia’s iconic wildlife and ending it sipping some of the country’s finest wines.
You’ll feel like you’ve truly experienced the best of what Australia has to offer.
This full-day tour is a fantastic blend of Australia’s captivating wildlife and the exquisite wines of the Yarra Valley.
The day begins with a visit to Healesville Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of native animals.
Then, it’s off to the Yarra Valley for a delightful lunch at a vineyard, followed by wine tastings at Yering Station and De Bortoli Winery.
The tour wraps up with a cheese and wine pairing session that’s just the cherry on top.
I recommend this tour because it’s a well-rounded experience.
The Healesville Sanctuary visit adds an adventurous edge, making the following wine tastings even more rewarding.
Personally, I thought the De Bortoli Winery, with its cheese pairing, was a perfect way to end the day.
Meeting Point: St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
Included:
- Bottled water
- Lunch and a complimentary glass of wine
- Driver/guide with live commentary
- Hotel pickup and drop-off at select Melbourne hotels
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
2. Yarra Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | 🍷 Book it!
Imagine a day where you get to taste some of Australia’s best wines and dine in style.
This tour is a foodie’s dream come true, offering a perfect blend of Yarra Valley wine and gourmet food.
You’ll start your day with a visit to De Bortoli Vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a wine and cheese flight that sets the tone for the day.
Then, it’s off to Yering Station for a sumptuous a la carte lunch paired with a glass of wine.
The day doesn’t end there; you’ll also visit Payten & Jones Winery, Coldstream Hills Vineyard, and Medhurst Vineyard for more wine-tasting tours.
I recommend this tour for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
The De Bortoli wine and cheese flight is a delightful experience, and the lunch at Yering Station is simply divine.
Payten & Jones offer unique wines you won’t want to miss.
Meeting Point: Pick-up from your city hotel or at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
Included:
- Transport
- Tastings at nominated wineries
- Main course a la carte lunch with a glass of wine and coffee at Yering Station
- Wine and cheese flight at De Bortoli
- Bottled water
- Guide
This tour is a bit pricier, but it’s worth every penny. It’s a full day of indulgence that you won’t forget.
So, if you want to explore the best wineries Melbourne offers, this Yarra Valley food and wine tour is a must.
3. Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours 30 minutes | 🍷 Book it!
Imagine a day filled with the finest Yarra Valley wine, scrumptious food, and even a bit of craft beer or gin.
This Yarra Valley wine and chocolate tour is a gastronomic delight that takes you through the Yarra Valley’s best flavours.
The day starts with a visit to Helen & Joey Estate, known for its premium wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Next, it’s off to Soumah, a boutique winery where you’ll taste elegant wines and enjoy a seasonal 2-course lunch.
The tour doesn’t end there; you’ll also visit Yering Station and possibly Payten & Jones Wines, each offering a unique wine-tasting experience. But wait, there’s more!
You’ll get to sample a craft beer or cider at Coldstream Brewery and even gin at Four Pillars Distillery.
The cherry on top is a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can indulge in sweet treats.
I recommend this tour because it’s not just a Valley winery tour; it’s a complete culinary experience.
This tour has everything from wine-tasting tours at boutique wineries to a delightful lunch and even a craft brewery visit.
Meeting Point: Arts Centre Melbourne
Included:
- Wine tastings at three distinct wineries
- Seasonal 2-course lunch with a glass of wine
- A glass or tasting paddle of beer/cider or gin
- Visit to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
- Fabulous and fun tour guides
- Clean & modern air-conditioned bus
This tour is perfect for those who love variety. Whether you’re into Australian wine, craft beer, or gin, this tour has something for everyone.
And let’s not forget the chocolate and ice cream to end the day on a sweet note.
So, if you’re looking for a Yarra Valley wine and winery tour from Melbourne that offers more than just wine, this is it.
4. Yarra Valley Premium Boutique Wine Tasting Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours 30 minutes| 🍷 Book it!
Imagine a weekend exploring some of the Yarra Valley’s most unique and boutique wineries.
You’ll feel invigorated by the diversity of the wines and the stories behind them.
The day starts with a convenient pick-up at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne. From there, it’s off to Corniola Wines for an intimate tasting session.
Vince & Lucy, the producers, offer a wide selection of wines that cater to all tastes.
Next, you’ll head to Payten & Jones Wines, known for their alternative, hip-style wines. The experience here is wickedly good, and the tastings are included in the price.
Lunch is at Hubert Estate, where you can purchase food and drinks at your own discretion.
This is also a chance to explore their Museum of Art and soak in the Yarra Valley’s stunning scenery.
The day wraps up at Helen & Joey Estate, a progressive winery that offers a range of delicious regional wines. It’s a beautiful location to end an enriching day.
Meeting Point: Arts Centre Melbourne
Included:
- Visits to 4 hand-picked wineries for a comprehensive Yarra Valley experience
- Wine tastings at three boutique cellar doors (included in the price)
- Opportunity to savour lunch at the renowned Hubert Estate (at your own expense)
- Option to elevate your wine tastings with grazing boards or nibbles
- Comfortable travel in a modern, air-conditioned bus
- A fun and interactive tour host to guide you through the day
This tour is ideal for those wanting to make their weekends special.
It’s not just another Valley winery tour; it’s an experience designed to make your weekend unforgettable.
5. Yarra Valley Wine and Chocolate Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🍷 Book it!
Picture this: a day filled with the finest Yarra Valley wine, scrumptious chocolates, and mouth-watering cheeses, all set against the stunning backdrop of vineyards and farmlands.
This eco-tour is your ticket to experiencing the authentic tastes of Yarra Valley, from family-run wineries to artisan producers.
Your day starts with a greenhouse tour at Gateway Market, where you’ll enjoy a delicious fruit platter.
Then, it’s off to Balgownie Estate for some wine tasting to set the tone for the rest of your day.
Lunch is a treat, with four main meal options at Rochford Wines, all accompanied by a glass of wine and tea or coffee.
But the day doesn’t end there. You’ll also get to sample a variety of cheeses at Coldstream Dairy and end your tour on a sweet note at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
Meeting Point: Pickup from selected hotels between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Returns to Melbourne around 5 pm-5:30 pm.
Included:
- All tastings
- Lunch at Rochford Wines
- Friendly and informative tour guide
- Pickup from selected hotels
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
This tour is a feast for the senses, offering a well-rounded experience of Yarra Valley’s culinary scene.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.
6. Yarra Valley Winery Tour from Melbourne
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hour | 🍷 Book it!
Imagine sipping on sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon, the only Australian winery of the world-renowned Moët & Chandon.
This full-day Yarra Valley wine tour is a feast for the senses.
You’ll visit Domaine Chandon and explore other top wineries like Soumah, Helen and Joeys, and Yering Farm.
You’ll feel like a wine connoisseur by the end of the day, especially after a two-course, sit-down lunch at Soumah.
The tour is a perfect blend of wine tastings, a hearty lunch, and the chance to learn about the history of winemaking in the Yarra Valley from a knowledgeable guide.
I recommend this tour for its variety. You can taste sparkling wines, enjoy a two-course lunch, and even try delicious apple cider at Yering Farm.
The tour offers a well-rounded experience that caters to all your senses.
Meeting Point: Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Included:
- Wine tastings at Domaine Chandon, Soumah, Helens & Joeys, and Yering Farm
- A two-course, sit-down lunch with a glass of wine
This tour is a fantastic way to explore the Yarra Valley’s legendary wineries and enjoy a day filled with good food, great wine, and even better company.
7. Full-day Tour Yarra Valley Wine and Food
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours | 🍷 Book it!
Imagine hopping on a luxurious 14-seater Mercedes-Benz with a knowledgeable tour guide who’s all about going the extra mile for a smile.
That’s what you get on this Yarra Valley tour.
Your day starts at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, where you’ll board the bus at 9 a.m.
After a scenic 60-minute drive, you’ll arrive at your first stop, Soumah.
Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of five different wines, from Chardonnay to Nebbiolo, all while soaking in the vineyard’s stunning views.
Next, you’ll head to Helen & Joey Estate, famous for its panoramic views and wide range of wines.
From Chardonnays to dessert wines, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy.
Lunch is at ‘Quarters’ restaurant at St Huberts, where you can explore their art gallery or opt for another wine tasting.
The food and drink here are on you, allowing you to choose what you want.
In the afternoon, you’ll have options. You can go for a wine tasting at Innocent Bystander or try some craft beers at Matilda Bay Brewery.
If gin’s more your style, Four Pillars Distillery offers a tasting paddle of their world-famous gins.
The day wraps up at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can indulge in sweet treats before returning to Melbourne.
Meeting Point:
St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
Included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages (wine tastings, gin or beer)
- Knowledgeable tour guide
How Far is Yarra Valley from Melbourne?
Yarra Valley is just about an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
In roughly 60 minutes, you can go from the bustling city streets to rolling vineyards and serene countryside.
The journey usually involves 30 minutes on the freeway and another 30 minutes cruising through scenic routes filled with vineyards and farmlands.
The proximity makes it perfect for a day trip, but trust me, you’ll wish you had more time to explore once you get there.
The trip is a breeze, whether driving or hopping on a guided tour.
And with so much to see and do, that hour will fly by as you anticipate the adventures that await.
Best Yarra Valley Wineries to Visit
Yarra Valley is your playground if you’re a wine enthusiast like me.
Its cool climate and rich soil make it a hotspot for producing some of Australia’s finest wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
But with so many wineries, how do you choose where to go? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best Yarra Valley wineries you shouldn’t miss.
📍Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon is your first stop if you’re a sparkling wine fan. It’s the Australian outpost of the famous Moët & Chandon.
Here, you can enjoy a guided tour and sip some tantalising sparkling wines while soaking in the scenic beauty.
📍Soumah
Located in a cosy corner of Yarra Valley, Soumah specialises in Italian and French varietals. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are must-tries.
The winery also offers a delightful Italian-inspired restaurant where you can enjoy a two-course lunch.
📍Helen & Joey Estate
This winery is progressive and offers a wide range of wines. The panoramic views from Helen & Joey Estate are a bonus.
They even have a unicorn statue, one of the most photographed spots in Yarra Valley.
📍Yering Farm
Yering Farm is the place to be if you’re looking for something more boutique.
Apart from their wines, they also produce some delicious apple ciders. It’s a family-run winery, so the experience is more intimate.
📍Balgownie Estate
Known for its rich history and premium wines, Balgownie Estate offers a comprehensive wine-tasting experience.
Their cellar door is a must-visit, and their restaurant offers some of the finest gourmet foods in the valley.
📍De Bortoli Wines
De Bortoli, a household name in Australian wine, offers a wide range of tastings. Their Noble One dessert wine is a must-try.
The winery also has a cheese maturation room, pairing their wines with some of the best local cheeses.
FAQs About Yarra Valley Wine Tours
What do you wear on a Yarra Valley wine tour?
Comfort is key when deciding what to wear on a Yarra Valley wine tour. Opt for casual, smart-casual or semi-formal attire, depending on the wineries you’ll visit.
Flat shoes are recommended for walking around vineyards, and don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sunny days. Layering is a good idea, as temperatures can vary.
What season is best for wine tours?
The best season for wine tours in the Yarra Valley largely depends on your preferences.
Spring and summer offer warm weather and lush landscapes, perfect for enjoying outdoor tastings and vineyard walks.
Autumn provides a scenic backdrop of changing leaves, while winter offers the coziness of indoor tastings. Each season has its own charm, so you can’t go wrong.
How many wineries are in Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley is home to over 80 wineries, ranging from large, well-known establishments to smaller boutique producers.
This gives you a wide array of options for wine-tasting tours, whether you’re interested in famous labels or hidden gems.
Is Yarra Valley worth a visit?
Yarra Valley is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts, foodies, and nature lovers.
With its stunning landscapes, world-class wineries, and various artisanal food producers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s an ideal spot for a day trip from Melbourne or an extended stay.
Final Thoughts: Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Look no further if you’re searching for the best Yarra Valley wine tours from Melbourne. My top pick has to be the Yarra Valley Wine and Wildlife Tour.
It’s a fantastic blend of wine tasting and wildlife spotting that will make your day memorable.
But let’s not overlook my second and third choices: the Yarra Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour and the Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour.
Both are excellent options for soaking in the flavours and vistas of this stunning region.
Feeling inspired? Don’t stop here. Check out my other posts about Melbourne to keep the adventure going.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on what this vibrant city and its surroundings have to offer.