Yarra Valley: Wine, Gin & Chocolate Day Tour from Melbourne

Summary

Cheese to chocolate in Yarra Valley with wine and gin stops

You’ll taste local cheeses, sip Yarra Valley wines at two estates, enjoy lunch at St Hubert’s bistro (with time for extra drinks if you want), sample chocolates straight from the factory, and finish with a gin tasting flight at Four Pillars Distillery — or swap for another winery if you prefer. Expect laughter, new flavors, and those little moments you don’t see coming.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Melbourne just after nine, still shaking off the city noise. Sean was already cracking jokes as we passed the Arts Centre — he’s the kind of guide who knows when to let you nap and when to point out kangaroos (we didn’t see any, but I swear I caught a glimpse of something hopping). The drive into Yarra Valley felt like someone slowly turning up the color dial: city grey giving way to soft green hills and rows of vines. Our first stop was all about cheese — three kinds, each with its own story. I tried pronouncing “brie” the French way; got laughed at by the woman behind the counter. She handed me a cracker anyway.

The wine tastings came next, at Soumah Estate. The cellar door smelled faintly of oak barrels and something herbal — maybe thyme? Our group was mostly strangers at that point, but nothing breaks ice like trying to describe wine flavors you can barely name (“It’s… sort of like pears but not really?”). Lunch at St Hubert’s was relaxed; sunlight came through big windows and made everyone look slightly more glamorous than usual. I ordered something I couldn’t pronounce and ended up loving it, which seems to be a theme for this day trip in Yarra Valley.

After lunch, we drifted through another winery (the names blur together now), then hit the Chocolaterie. It smelled so strongly of cocoa that my stomach actually rumbled — embarrassing. We sampled chocolate drops while kids pressed their noses to the glass watching truffles get dipped by hand. Last stop: Four Pillars Gin Distillery. You could opt out if you wanted (a couple did), but most of us went for the tasting paddle. The botanicals hit differently after a day of wine — sharper, almost electric on the tongue. Sean told us stories about how they started; I half-listened because honestly, by then my head was full in a good way.

On the drive back toward Melbourne, everyone got quieter — maybe tired or just content. The sun hung low over the vineyards and for a second it felt like we’d been away longer than a day. I still think about that light sometimes when I’m back in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley gourmet tasting tour

• Meet at Arts Centre Melbourne 8:45am
• Depart Melbourne at 9:00am sharp
• Cheese tasting at local Yarra Valley producer
• Visit Strawberry Farm for fruit tasting (Tue/Wed)
• Wine tasting at Soumah Estate (Mon-Fri)
• Lunch at St Hubert's Quarters bistro
• Wine tasting at laidback winery (Thu-Mon)
• Chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• Four Pillars Gin tasting paddle (optional)
• Return to Melbourne by 5:30pm

Top questions

What time does the Yarra Valley wine tour depart from Melbourne?

The tour departs at 9:00am sharp from in front of Arts Centre Melbourne; arrive by 8:45am.

Is lunch included on this Yarra Valley day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there’s time to buy your own meal at St Hubert’s bistro around 11:30am.

Can I skip the gin tasting at Four Pillars Distillery?

Yes, you can opt out of the gin tasting during booking and relax or explore instead.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, kids aged 4-17 can join but won’t be served alcoholic tastings.

Is hotel pickup included for this Yarra Valley tour?

No hotel pickup; meet at Arts Centre Melbourne for departure.

What wineries are visited on this tour?

The tour usually visits Soumah Estate plus one other premium winery; exact stops may vary by day.

Is there cheese tasting on every tour date?

Cheese tastings are offered most days except Tuesdays and Wednesdays when fruit tastings replace them.

How long does this day trip to Yarra Valley last?

The tour returns to Melbourne by around 5:30pm or earlier.

What’s included

Your day includes guided cheese tastings (or fresh fruit on select weekdays), two premium wine tastings in Yarra Valley wineries, chocolate sampling at the Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery Factory, and a gin tasting flight at Four Pillars Distillery (or an extra winery if you choose). Lunch is not included but there’s plenty of time to eat at St Hubert’s bistro before heading back toward Melbourne in comfortable transport with your local guide leading the way.