Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wines, Beer/Gin & Choc Tour With Lunch

Nestled just east of Melbourne, the renowned Yarra Valley beckons visitors to embark on a delightful day tour exploring its premium wineries, craft beverages, and local chocolate delights. This comprehensive experience offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s finest offerings, from indulging in wine tastings to savoring a seasonal winery lunch. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, craft beverage connoisseur, or simply seeking to learn about the valley’s charming ambiance, this tour promises to captivate your senses and leave you eager to uncover more of what this scenic region has to offer.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Melbourne.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour from Melbourne exploring the renowned Yarra Valley, including visits to three premium wineries, a craft brewery or gin distillery, and a chocolate factory.
• Includes wine tastings, a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine at a winery, beer/cider or gin tasting, and chocolate and ice cream sampling.
• Features award-winning wines, such as chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as innovative craft beverages to complement the wine tastings.
• Provides an opportunity to indulge in locally-crafted chocolates and ice cream at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
• Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned bus with hotel pickup and drop-off, suitable for a maximum group size of 20 travelers aged 18 and above.

Tour Overview

This guided day tour from Melbourne takes visitors on an exploration of the renowned Yarra Valley, offering a comprehensive experience that includes visits to three premium wineries, a craft brewery or gin distillery, and a chocolate factory.

Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in wine, beer, cider, gin, and chocolate tastings throughout the day.

The tour also includes a seasonal 2-course lunch with wine at a scenic winery, providing a chance to savor the local cuisine.

With transportation in a modern, air-conditioned bus and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the best of the Yarra Valley’s food, drinks, and natural beauty.

Inclusions

The tour includes a variety of tastings and experiences, such as:

• Wine tastings at three premium wineries
• A 2-course lunch with a glass of wine at a winery
• Either a beer/cider tasting at a local craft brewery or a gin tasting at the Four Pillars Gin Distillery

Travelers will also get to sample:

• Chocolate and ice cream at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned bus is provided, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

The tour is suitable for those 18 and older, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, though the tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Logistics

The tour lasts a full day and requires a minimum age of 18 years, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers. It departs from the Arts Centre Melbourne and ends at ACMI at Federation Square. Confirmation is provided at booking, though the tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Logistics	Details
Duration	Full day
Minimum Age	18 years
Maximum Group Size	20 travelers
Meeting Point	Arts Centre Melbourne
End Point	ACMI at Federation Square

This comprehensive tour ensures a memorable experience in the Yarra Valley, with a focus on exploring premium wineries, a craft brewery, a gin distillery, and a chocolate factory, along with a delightful 2-course lunch with wine.

Important Notes

Confirmation is provided at booking, though the tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Travelers should keep in mind that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, back problems, or who are pregnant.

Dietary requirements can, however, be accommodated if notified in advance.

This full-day tour has a minimum age requirement of 18 years and a maximum group size of 20 travelers.

The meeting point is at Arts Centre Melbourne, and the tour ends at ACMI at Federation Square.

Explore Premium Wineries

This Yarra Valley wine tour allows visitors to explore three premium wineries, where they can indulge in tastings of the region’s renowned vintages. Each winery showcases its unique terroir and winemaking practices, providing guests with a deeper appreciation for the art of viticulture. From bold reds to crisp whites, the diverse selection allows participants to discover new favorite wines to savor.

Winery	Tasting Highlights
Oakridge Wines	Award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir
Dominique Portet	Family-owned estate with French heritage
De Bortoli Wines	Impressive selection of cool-climate varietals
Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse	Craft beers and ciders made with local ingredients

Indulge in Craft Beverages

Alongside the immersive wine tastings, visitors can indulge in a range of craft beverages, including beers, ciders, and gins, showcasing the region’s innovative spirit and local artisanship.

At a local craft brewery, guests can sample a selection of expertly-brewed ales and ciders, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile.

For those seeking a more botanical experience, the tour includes a visit to the renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery, where visitors can learn about the distillation process and enjoy a tasting of their award-winning gins.

These craft beverage experiences complement the wine tastings, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Yarra Valley’s thriving alcohol scene.

Discover Yarra Valley Chocolate

Visitors can indulge their sweet tooth at the renowned Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where they’ll have the opportunity to sample an array of locally-crafted chocolates and ice creams. The tour includes a stop at the chocolaterie, where guests can browse the expansive selection and savor free tastings. Whether it’s the classic milk chocolate, the rich dark chocolate, or the innovative flavors like chili and lime, there’s something to delight every palate.

Chocolate Offerings	Ice Cream Flavors	Handcrafted Gifts
Milk Chocolate	Vanilla Bean	Truffles
Dark Chocolate	Raspberry Sorbet	Chocolate Bars
Chili & Lime	Salted Caramel	Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

Savor Seasonal Winery Lunch

Guests can savor a seasonal 2-course lunch with a glass of wine at a scenic winery in the Yarra Valley, complementing the day’s wine tastings.

The delightful midday meal offers a chance to refuel and recharge amid the picturesque countryside.

The lunch menu features:

1. A selection of seasonal local produce, expertly prepared and presented.
2. Hearty main courses that pair beautifully with the region’s acclaimed wines.
3. Decadent desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth.

This relaxing respite in the Yarra Valley provides a well-deserved break from the tastings, allowing guests to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views that make this tour so memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours offer greater flexibility in the itinerary and allow for personalized experiences. Guests can work with the tour operator to tailor the tour to their specific interests and needs.

Is There an Option for a Vegetarian or Vegan Lunch?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options, with advance notice. Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure a suitable lunch is provided.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, many tour operators do offer discounted rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring about any available concessions when booking. The best way to find out is to contact the tour provider directly.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour includes tastings and a glass of wine with lunch, so outside alcohol is not permitted. The package covers all the necessary beverages for the experience.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Winery, Brewery, and Chocolate Factory Visit?

The tour allocates around 1 hour for each winery visit, 30-45 minutes for the brewery or distillery, and 30 minutes at the chocolate factory. This ensures guests have ample time to sample the local products and enjoy the experiences.

Recap

This guided Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s finest offerings.

Visitors can discover premium wineries, indulge in craft beverages, delight in locally-crafted chocolates, and savor a seasonal winery lunch.

The comprehensive itinerary provides a delightful blend of wine experiences, craft beverage tastings, and Yarra Valley’s renowned culinary delights, delivering a memorable taste of the region’s diverse attractions.