Yarra Valley: Food, Wine & Gin Tour with Chocolate Tasting

Summary

Melbourne to Yarra Valley for wine tastings, gourmet lunch, gin and chocolate stops

You’ll taste sun-warmed strawberries straight from the field, sample Yarra Valley wines with local stories behind each glass, share a relaxed winery lunch overlooking vineyards, and end your day surrounded by chocolate aromas at an Australian chocolaterie. It’s not just about what you eat or drink—it’s those small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

“You can always tell how sweet the strawberries are by the bees,” our guide said as we shuffled through rows at the farm just outside Melbourne. I’d never really thought about bees that way, but there they were—tiny wings humming in the cool air, landing on fat red berries. The Yarra Valley was waking up slow that morning, mist still clinging to the vines. We tasted fruit right off the plants—sticky juice on my fingers, a little dirt under my nails. I didn’t expect to care so much about strawberries.

The drive from Melbourne felt like it took no time at all. Our guide (I think her name was Sarah?) kept pointing out things I’d have missed: old homes with wraparound porches, a mob of kangaroos lounging in a paddock like they owned it. At Hubert Estate, we tried four wines—one had this weird peppery thing going on that I actually liked. They handed us each a bottle to take home (which honestly felt generous). The art gallery next door was quieter than I expected; some of the Indigenous paintings had these dots and lines that made me stop and stare longer than I meant to.

Lunch at Rochford Wines was more relaxed than fancy—big windows looking out over rows of vines, plates passed around family-style. The chardonnay tasted different with food (better?), and someone at our table tried the gin tasting after. I skipped it but wandered up to their sky tower for a photo—wind nearly knocked my hat off. Later at the Chocolaterie, we got to watch chefs swirl melted chocolate onto marble slabs. Twelve samples lined up in front of me—I’m not proud of how fast I ate them.

I still think about that view from Rochford’s tower—the way the light hit the hills and made everything look softer for a minute or two. It’s funny what sticks with you after a day like that. The ride back was mostly quiet; everyone sort of sunk into their seats with bags of chocolate and bottles rattling softly underfoot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley wine, food, and chocolate tour

• Drive scenic route to Yarra Valley
• Guided fruit tasting at strawberry farm
• Wine tasting at Hubert Estate
• Explore Indigenous art at Hubert Gallery
• Lunch and wine tasting at Rochford Wines
• Optional gin tasting at Rochford gin bar
• Chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Top questions

How long is the Yarra Valley food wine & gin tour from Melbourne?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Melbourne and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included in the Yarra Valley wine tour?

A gourmet winery lunch is included; however, drinks during lunch are not included in the tour price.

Are all wine tastings included in this day trip?

Yes, all wine tastings at three wineries are included in your tour price.

Can I try gin on this tour?

A gin tasting experience is available at Rochford Wines for an additional fee if you choose.

Does this tour include pickup from Melbourne?

Yes, pickup is included from central locations in Melbourne.

Is there chocolate tasting on this Yarra Valley tour?

Yes, you’ll have a private guided tasting of 12 Australian chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

Do we visit any art galleries during this trip?

You’ll visit Hubert Gallery of Art featuring Indigenous Australian artwork set on Wurundjeri Country.

Are children allowed on this food and wine tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Melbourne, guided fruit tasting at a strawberry farm, all wine tastings across three wineries (plus a complimentary bottle to take home if you’re over 18), entry to an Indigenous art gallery, gourmet winery lunch (drinks extra), optional gin tasting for an added fee, private chocolate tasting session with time to shop for treats or ice cream before heading back in comfort.