Melbourne: Yarra Valley Chandon, Cheese, Chocs and Kangaroos

The Yarra Valley, just outside Melbourne, offers a tantalizing blend of culinary delights and natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy the region’s renowned wineries, artisanal dairies, and decadent chocolate factories, all while catching glimpses of native kangaroos grazing in their natural habitats. This 7-hour tour promises to engage the senses, from the effervescent sparkle of Chandon wines to the rich, creamy indulgence of Yarra Valley Dairy’s cheeses and the handcrafted chocolate creations at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. With convenient roundtrip transportation, this excursion provides a seamless way to discover the valley’s captivating charm. But what truly lies in store for those who embark on this journey?

Contents hide

1 Tour Duration and Departure/Return

2 Chandon Winery and Sparkling Wine

3 Yarra Valley Dairy and Cheese

4 Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Chocolate

5 Wildlife Viewing in Yarra Valley

6 Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

7 Booking Details and Cancellation Policy

8 What to Expect on the Tour

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This 7-hour tour departs from and returns to Federation Square, providing a convenient and centralized meeting point for participants.
The tour includes a visit to the renowned Chandon winery, where participants can taste the region’s sparkling wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Visitors can enjoy a cheese tasting experience at the Yarra Valley Dairy, known for its artisanal cheeses with diverse flavor profiles.
The tour features a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where participants can savor rich, velvety chocolate creations and learn about the region’s thriving chocolate industry.
Participants have the opportunity to spot native wildlife, particularly iconic kangaroos, in their natural habitat during the tour.

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Tour Duration and Departure/Return

The tour lasts 7 hours, departing from and returning to the Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone.

This ensures a convenient and centralized meeting point for participants.

The duration allows ample time to explore the highlights of the Yarra Valley, including visits to the Chandon winery, Yarra Valley Dairy, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

Travelers can expect a comprehensive experience, with the local guide providing insights and coordinating the various stops along the way.

The roundtrip transportation in a minivan adds to the ease and comfort of the tour, allowing participants to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the picturesque Yarra Valley region.

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Chandon Winery and Sparkling Wine

Typically, the tour begins with a visit to the renowned Chandon winery, where participants can indulge in a tasting of the region’s renowned sparkling wines.

Here, they’ll have the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and explore the winery’s picturesque grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding Yarra Valley.

Chandon’s sparkling wines are created using the traditional Méthode Champenoise, a labor-intensive process that results in a sophisticated and complex flavor profile.

Visitors can sample a variety of Chandon’s offerings, from the crisp and refreshing Brut to the rich and creamy Vintage Brut.

After the tasting, guests can browse the winery’s well-stocked shop, where they can purchase their favorite bottles to take home.

Yarra Valley Dairy and Cheese

After exploring the renowned Chandon winery and its sparkling wine offerings, the tour moves on to the Yarra Valley Dairy, where participants can indulge in a delightful cheese tasting experience.

The dairy is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, crafted with care and attention to detail. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally-produced cheeses, each with its own unique flavor profile.

From creamy bries to tangy cheddars, the tasting allows guests to discover the rich diversity of the Yarra Valley’s cheese-making heritage. This stop not only satisfies the palate but also provides insights into the region’s thriving dairy industry and the passion of its skilled cheesemakers.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Chocolate

Indulgence awaits as the tour progresses to the renowned Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where visitors enjoy the captivating world of artisanal chocolate-making.

The Chocolaterie offers a delightful chocolate tasting experience, allowing guests to savor the rich, velvety flavors of its handcrafted creations. From single-origin chocolate bars to decadent truffles, the selection showcases the expertise and creativity of the chocolatiers.

Visitors can also browse the tempting array of chocolate-infused products, ranging from hot chocolate powder to chocolate liqueurs. The Chocolaterie’s commitment to using premium, ethically sourced ingredients ensures that each bite is a harmonious blend of flavor and responsible sourcing.

This stop on the tour promises to delight the senses and satisfy the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs.

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Wildlife Viewing in Yarra Valley

As the tour progresses through the lower Yarra Valley, visitors are often delighted to catch glimpses of the region’s native wildlife, particularly the iconic kangaroos that thrive in the area’s open grasslands and forested areas.

These majestic marsupials can be spotted grazing peacefully or hopping gracefully across the landscape, providing a truly authentic Australian experience.

The tour guide ensures that visitors have ample opportunities to observe the kangaroos from a respectful distance, educating them about the animals’ behaviors and ecological significance.

Whether it’s witnessing a mob of kangaroos bounding through the meadows or a lone joey peeking out from its mother’s pouch, this wildlife viewing component adds a captivating and memorable element to the Yarra Valley tour.

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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Yarra Valley tour package includes a delightful array of tastings and experiences, from the renowned Chandon winery’s sparkling wine to the rich and creamy offerings at the Yarra Valley Dairy and Chocolaterie. The tour also provides a local guide and comfortable minivan transportation to ensure a seamless and enjoyable day.

While the package covers the cost of all tastings, it doesn’t include lunch or additional alcoholic beverages beyond the tastings.

The key inclusions are:

Chocolate tastings
Wine tastings
Cheese tasting

Participants can also expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a small group size limited to 12 people, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.

Booking Details and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can conveniently book the Yarra Valley tour with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, providing flexibility in planning their itinerary.

Plus, the tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing participants to adjust their plans without penalty. This thoughtful booking process ensures a seamless experience for guests, who can reserve their spot with confidence.

The tour is also limited to a maximum of 12 participants, creating an intimate and personalized outing.

With these convenient booking details and a generous cancellation policy, travelers can look forward to a worry-free exploration of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries, dairies, and chocolate shops.

What to Expect on the Tour

On the Yarra Valley tour, guests will enjoy a well-rounded experience sampling the region’s renowned culinary offerings. First, they’ll visit the iconic Chandon winery for a tasting of their acclaimed sparkling wines and browse the on-site boutique for souvenirs.

Next, the group will head to the Yarra Valley Dairy to indulge in a variety of locally produced cheeses.

The highlights of the tour include:

Chocolate tasting at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where they can savor unique flavors and purchase gifts
Wildlife viewing in the lower Yarra Valley, where they may spot kangaroos in their natural habitat
Guidance from a knowledgeable local guide who’ll provide insights into the region’s history and culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. The tour involves walking and visiting wineries, so casual, practical attire is recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour includes tastings at various stops, so outside food and drinks are allowed during the tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The minivan used for transportation can accommodate wheelchair users, and the wineries, dairy, and chocolaterie visited during the tour have wheelchair-friendly facilities. Guests with mobility needs can fully participate in the Yarra Valley experience.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can’t customize the standard tour itinerary, but they can discuss any special needs or requests with the tour operator. The tour provider will try to accommodate personalized arrangements within the existing structure whenever possible.

Are the Tastings Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The tastings on this tour should accommodate vegetarians and vegans. The winery and chocolaterie both offer plant-based options, and the cheese tasting can be adapted for those with dietary restrictions. The tour guides can accommodate special needs with advance notice.