Yarra Valley: Food, Wine & Gin Day Trip with Tastings

Summary

Fruit, chocolate & wine tastings in Yarra Valley’s heart

You’ll taste fresh-picked fruit in Yarra Valley orchards, sample handcrafted chocolates (yes, thirteen kinds), sip local wines at two cellar doors—with a complimentary bottle for adults—and have time for lunch overlooking vineyards. Expect laughter with guides and those small moments you remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d start my Yarra Valley day trip standing in a chilly orchard, squinting at apples while our guide Sam tried to teach us the difference between Pink Lady and Fuji by smell alone. He handed me a slice—crisp, cold, almost too sweet—and grinned when I said it tasted like spring. The drive from Melbourne had been quiet; everyone half asleep until we hit that first burst of green hills outside the city. There’s something about leaving the CBD behind that makes you breathe differently.

The next stop was the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. I’m not even a chocolate person (don’t judge), but their tasting was… well, thirteen little squares lined up like jewels. My favorite was this dark one with orange peel—surprised myself there. Kids were running around outside, sticky hands everywhere, and the smell of cocoa actually stuck to my jacket for hours after. It made me laugh later at Rochford Wines when I realized I still smelled faintly like dessert during our wine tasting.

Lunch wasn’t included (heads up—you’ll want to budget for it), but honestly, sitting at Rochford’s il Vignito restaurant with a glass of pinot and watching clouds roll over the vines felt worth every cent. The staff at St Hubert’s were chatty—one of them told us how her family’s been picking grapes here since she was a kid. She poured four wines for us to try and didn’t rush anyone; I kept thinking about how different each one tasted after all that chocolate earlier. We got a bottle to take home too, which felt oddly generous.

By late afternoon the light was soft and gold across the valley, and I caught myself just staring out the window on the way back to Melbourne, tired but kind of content in that quiet way you get after a good meal or long walk. If you’re after a day trip from Melbourne that isn’t just ticking boxes—this Yarra Valley food and wine tour is probably it. Still can’t pronounce “Chocolaterie” right though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour

• Fruit tasting at Yarra Farm Fresh
• Explore and purchase fresh fruit
• Chocolate tasting at Chocolaterie
• Shop and explore Chocolaterie
• Wine tasting at Rochford Wines
• Lunch at il Vignito restaurant (optional)
• Wine tasting at St Hubert's cellar door
• Free time to explore St Hubert's grounds
• Receive complimentary wine bottle

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Yarra Valley day trip?

No, lunch is not included; budget $25–$30 for a meal at Rochford's il Vignito restaurant.

What tastings are part of this Yarra Valley food and wine tour?

The tour includes guided fruit tasting, chocolate tasting (13 varieties), and two guided wine tastings at different wineries.

Do you get a free bottle of wine on this tour?

Yes, all adult travelers receive one complimentary bottle of wine to take home from St Hubert's winery.

How long does it take to travel from Melbourne to Yarra Valley?

The travel time from Melbourne CBD to Yarra Valley is about one hour each way.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for lunch?

The reference content does not specify dietary options; check directly with Rochford's il Vignito restaurant for details.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby for joining the tour departure point.

How much free time do you get during the tour?

You’ll have some free time at certain stops—for example at the Chocolaterie and cheese shop—to explore or shop as you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout, guided tastings of fresh fruit straight from Yarra Valley farms, an indulgent chocolate sampling session with thirteen varieties, two separate guided wine tastings at local wineries—plus every adult gets a complimentary bottle of wine to bring home as a souvenir.