Private Yarra Valley Day Tour for Two with Lunch & Tastings

Summary

Luxury Chauffeured Yarra Valley Food & Wine Experience

If you’re after a day that feels both special and easygoing—with private tastings, gourmet lunch at Domaine Chandon, and plenty of chances to try local wine, gin, cheese and chocolate—this Yarra Valley tour is hard to beat. You’ll be chauffeured door-to-door so all you have to do is enjoy each moment together.

What’s the experience like?

The morning felt crisp as we left Melbourne’s city hum behind—our driver pulled up right on time in a spotless black car, iced esky tucked in the back just in case we found something special to bring home. The drive out to the Yarra Valley took about an hour, though it hardly felt that long with the city fading and vineyards rolling past the windows. Our guide chatted about local spots—he even pointed out a tiny bakery near Coldstream where he grabs his morning coffee.

First stop: a boutique winery you’d probably miss if you weren’t with someone who knows these roads. We sat outside under gum trees, sharing a cheese board that paired perfectly with a flight of cool-climate wines. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and fresh bread from somewhere nearby. No crowds, just us and the winemaker explaining why their pinot tastes so different here.

Lunch was something else entirely—a private table at Domaine Chandon, set away from the main dining room. Three glasses of sparkling each (yes, they keep pouring), matched to every course. I still remember the way the bubbles caught the sunlight coming through those big windows. Our host walked us through each glass—turns out Chandon’s been making fizz here since the ’80s.

The afternoon was ours to shape. We could’ve stuck with more wineries, but decided to mix it up: a quick stop at a gin distillery (the lemon myrtle gin was a surprise hit), then off to try cider and sample local chocolates—think creamy truffles dusted with cocoa powder that melted before you finished your sentence. If you want, there’s even time for an Aboriginal gallery or popping into a jeweller’s workshop where everything is made by hand right there on site.

Every tasting fee was sorted ahead of time—no fumbling for cash or awkward moments at the counter. Our driver kept things relaxed, happy to tweak plans if we wanted another glass somewhere or needed extra time browsing cheeses. By late afternoon, we were back in Melbourne, arms full of treats and feeling like we’d actually escaped for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley Wine and Gourmet Tour

• Boutique winery tasting with cheese board
• Additional wine or specialty tasting
• Gourmet 3-course lunch with champagne
• More tastings or Aboriginal gallery visit
• Optional wine tasting or jewellers visit
• Travel time between Melbourne CBD and Yarra Valley

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people using wheelchairs?

Yes, all transport and venues are wheelchair accessible—including restrooms and tasting rooms.

Can we customize which venues we visit?

Absolutely! Your chauffeur will help tailor stops based on your interests—wine, gin, cider, cheese or chocolate.

How many tastings are included?

You’ll enjoy tastings at four to five venues (time allowing), plus a three-course lunch with three glasses of champagne per person at Domaine Chandon.

Do I need to pay extra for any tastings?

Nope—all tasting fees are included in your tour price.

How long does it take to get from Melbourne CBD to Yarra Valley?

The drive usually takes about an hour each way depending on traffic and road conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip chauffeured luxury car service from Melbourne CBD or cruise ship terminal; all tasting fees at four to five venues (wine, gin, cider, cheese or chocolate); private three-course lunch with champagne at Domaine Chandon; freshly iced esky for purchases; full flexibility on stops; and accessibility for wheelchairs and prams.