Yarra Valley: Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate Group Tour

Summary

Yarra Valley flavors laughter new friends and a bus playlist

You’ll join a small group day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley for wine tastings, local cider, gin or craft beer paddles, plus a private chocolate tasting session. With flexible stops and plenty of laughs along the way, you’ll get time to explore scenic vineyards and relax over lunch before heading back with new friends — and maybe a sweet tooth.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the bus to be so lively that early — someone put Fleetwood Mac on the playlist and suddenly we were all humming along as Melbourne faded behind us. Our guide, Tom (he’s got this dry humor), kicked things off by getting everyone to share where they’re from. I ended up next to a couple from Perth who’d never tried pinot noir before. The drive out to Yarra Valley is almost an hour, but you start seeing those rolling hills about halfway in and it’s like the city just drops away. You can smell eucalyptus through the open windows if you sit near the front — or maybe that was wishful thinking.

The first winery was tiny and family-run; I still remember the winemaker’s hands — stained red, moving quick as he poured us a cloudy apple cider that tasted like autumn. We tried six wines there (the shiraz was punchy) and someone asked if we could see the vines up close. “Just don’t eat the grapes,” Tom grinned. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a second, just looking out at rows of green under that weirdly perfect sky — not blue exactly, more like washed denim.

Lunch wasn’t included but honestly, I liked picking whatever I wanted at Quarters (I got the roast pumpkin salad; no regrets). Some people split off to check out Chandon after eating — apparently their sparkling is famous but I stuck around for a peek at the Indigenous art museum inside St Huberts Estate. After lunch you get options: gin at Four Pillars (their distillery smells like oranges and juniper), or beer at a spot that feels more like your mate’s garage than a brewery. I picked gin but kind of wished I’d tried both…

The last stop was pure sugar rush at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery — ten little chocolates lined up in front of me and I probably made too many “mmm” noises. There were kids running around outside with ice cream dripping down their arms; it felt messy in a good way. By then everyone on our group tour was swapping numbers or talking about dinner plans back in Melbourne. Funny how sharing drinks with strangers turns them into friends for an afternoon. Still think about that cider sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley wine and tasting tour

• Pick up and chat with group
• Drive 55 minutes to first venue
• Taste 5-6 wines and Pink Lady cider
• Taste 5 wines with scenic views
• Lunch at Quarters or Chandon lounge
• Choose gin tasting or brewery visit
• Option for private wine tasting instead
• Choose chocolate tasting or winery visit

Top questions

How long is the Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne?

The tour takes most of the day, starting with pickup in Melbourne and returning in the evening after several stops in Yarra Valley.

Is lunch included on this Yarra Valley group tour?

No, lunch isn’t included in the price. You can order what you want at Quarters or Chandon during the lunch stop.

How many wineries do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit two wineries for tastings plus have options for additional wine stops depending on group choices.

Can I choose between gin or beer tastings?

Yes! After lunch you can pick between visiting Four Pillars Gin distillery or a local craft brewery for your tasting paddle.

Is there chocolate tasting on this Yarra Valley tour?

Yes, there’s a private tasting session at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery included in your day.

How big is the group on this wine tour?

The main bus seats 24 but usually runs with 15–22 people for a relaxed vibe; sometimes there’s also a smaller van for groups up to 13.

Are children allowed on this group tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join if accompanied by adults; prams/strollers are allowed too.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included unless you’re able to meet along the route out of Melbourne without detouring.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from Melbourne in an air-conditioned bus with space to spread out, all tastings at four venues (wine, cider, gin or beer), entry to each stop including private chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, plus guidance from a local host who keeps things friendly and flexible throughout the trip — just bring money for your own lunch choice midday before heading back together as dusk rolls in.