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

Summary

Melbourne to Yarra Valley for wine gin whisky and chocolate

You’ll taste local wines among rolling hills, try gin or whisky if you fancy it, eat lunch at a buzzing estate restaurant, and sample handmade chocolates in Yarra Valley air that smells faintly of eucalyptus. With a friendly guide handling all the details (and music), it feels relaxed even if you don’t know your Pinot from your Shiraz.

What’s the experience like?

“You guys ready for chocolate before noon?” That’s how our guide, Sam, kicked things off as we rolled out of Melbourne in this white Mercedes minibus. I’d barely finished my coffee when we were already talking about Nebbiolo and gin. The city faded pretty quick — one minute it’s tram bells, the next it’s just green hills and that kind of eucalyptus smell you only get outside town. Sam played some old Crowded House on the speakers (requests welcome, apparently), and someone up front tried to spot kangaroos through the misty window. No luck, but it was early.

The first winery — Soumah — had this view that sort of sneaks up on you. I’m not a wine expert, but even I could tell their Chardonnay was something special. Our host explained how the Warramate Hills make the grapes taste different here; she had that calm way locals do when they actually know what they’re talking about. We tasted five wines, and I still can’t pronounce Brachetto right (Li laughed when I tried). After that came St Huberts for more wine or a cheeky gin tasting if you wanted — which honestly felt like cheating on the grapes but nobody seemed to mind.

Lunch at Hubert Estate was noisy in a good way — families, couples, us lot all crammed around big tables with plates of woodfired pizza and pasta flying past. You pick what you want (it’s not included), so there’s no pressure if you just want salad or chips. Downstairs there’s an art gallery — Aboriginal pieces mostly — and I wandered through after eating too much bread. If you wanted to skip dessert (I didn’t), there was time to sneak outside for fresh air before heading to Chandon for photos or straight to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

I’ll be honest: by the time we got to the chocolate tasting, my palate was confused but happy. Ten kinds lined up on a tray — dark ones that tasted almost smoky, white ones with freeze-dried berries stuck inside. You could watch people making them behind glass; smelled like sugar and vanilla everywhere. Some folks peeled off for another winery instead (the tour lets you swap stops if you ask). Last stop was Balgownie Estate for more wine or just coffee if you’d hit your limit. The view from their terrace is still stuck in my head — wide open vines under a sky that finally cleared up right before we left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley wine and chocolate tour

• Meet guide at Ian Potter Centre
• Depart promptly at 9am
• Drive 60 minutes to first winery
• Wine tasting at Soumah winery
• Wine or spirit tasting at St Huberts
• Visit Chandon for photos and shop
• Lunch at Quarters restaurant, Hubert Estate
• Chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• Wine tasting at Balgownie Estate

Top questions

How long does the Yarra Valley wine & chocolate tour take?

The tour departs Melbourne around 9am and returns in the afternoon; expect a full-day experience.

Is lunch included in the Yarra Valley day trip?

No, lunch at Hubert Estate is not included so you can choose freely from their menu.

What drinks are included on this tour?

Guided tastings at multiple wineries are included; gin or whisky tastings cost extra at St Huberts.

Can I skip chocolate tasting for another activity?

Yes, let your driver know at lunch and they can take you to another winery instead of the Chocolaterie.

Where does the tour start in Melbourne?

The meeting point is opposite 154 Flinders Street near Flinders Street Railway Station.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options for lunch?

The restaurant caters for all dietary requirements including vegan and gluten-free meals.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the designated central location in Melbourne CBD.

What vehicles are used on this tour?

The tour uses comfortable 14-seater or 22-seater Mercedes-Benz buses with air conditioning.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Melbourne by minibus with air conditioning, guided wine tastings at several Yarra Valley wineries (with options for beer or cider), an optional gin or whisky tasting for a small fee at St Huberts, a guided chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, plus plenty of local stories from your guide along the way before returning to town in the afternoon.