Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Melbourne: 3 Wineries & Midday Start

Summary

Midday Yarra Valley wine tastings with easygoing pace and vineyard views

You’ll join a small group for an easygoing day trip from Melbourne with midday pickup, three handpicked Yarra Valley wineries, and plenty of time to relax over tastings (and maybe cheese). Expect friendly guides, stories from locals, and vineyard views you might not forget soon—even if you’re no wine expert.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the sun hit the Art Centre Melbourne Spire as we waited outside Protagonist café—felt like everyone else in the city was rushing somewhere, but we were just standing around, chatting about nothing much. Our guide, Sarah, showed up right on time (she had this gentle way of making you feel like you’d known her forever) and before I knew it, we were winding out of Melbourne toward the Yarra Valley. The bus hummed quietly; someone behind me laughed about forgetting sunscreen—classic.

We started at Yering Station. I’d heard the name before but never actually tasted their wines. There’s something about that place—the old stone buildings, the way the air smells faintly of eucalyptus and oak barrels. Sarah poured us a glass of Chardonnay and told us stories about the family who started it all. I tried to swirl my glass like she did but ended up splashing a bit on my hand. No one cared; everyone was too busy grinning or sniffing their glasses, pretending to know what “notes of peach” actually means. Maybe I did catch a hint of something sweet? Hard to say.

The second stop was a surprise—Sarah said they switch it up so things don’t get stale. We ended up at this smaller estate (I think it was Yileena Park?), sitting out on a deck that looked straight at the blue-green hills of the Yarra Ranges. Someone ordered a cheese platter—honestly, that soft brie with local honey was ridiculous—and I kept thinking how quiet it felt out there except for magpies warbling somewhere nearby. The winemaker came by to chat for a minute and joked about his “dodgy French accent.” It made me laugh more than it should’ve.

Last was Yering Farm Winery, which felt less polished in all the right ways—wooden beams, apples stacked in baskets by the door, that kind of thing. Their cider surprised me (I’m not usually into cider), crisp and tart after all those reds. On the drive back to Melbourne, people dozed or swapped Instagram handles—I just stared out at rows and rows of vines flickering past in late afternoon light. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour

• Meet at Arts Centre Melbourne Spire
• Depart at 12:00PM
• Taste wines at Yering Station
• Visit second winery with surprise choice
• Enjoy optional cheese or charcuterie platters
• Visit Yering Farm Winery for tastings
• Return to Melbourne at Federation Square

Top questions

What time does the Yarra Valley wine tour start?

The tour starts with meeting at 11:45AM outside Arts Centre Melbourne; departure is strictly at 12:00PM.

How many wineries are included in this half-day tour?

You’ll visit three wineries during this relaxed half-day experience.

Is transport included from Melbourne?

Yes, comfortable group transport is included from central Melbourne and returns you there in the evening.

Are food platters included in the price?

No, cheese or charcuterie platters are available for purchase at one stop if you wish.

How big are the groups on this wine tasting tour?

Group sizes range from 6 to 20 guests for a more personal atmosphere.

Where does the tour end?

The bus usually returns to central Melbourne near Federation Square (ACMI) by around 5:15PM.

Can children join this wine tasting tour?

Infants and small children can join if they have a pram or stroller; however, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions.

Do I need to book ahead if I want specific wineries?

If visiting certain wineries matters to you, contact ahead to confirm as stops may vary slightly by date.

What’s included

Your day includes midday pickup outside Arts Centre Melbourne, comfortable return transport through scenic countryside, all tasting fees at three handpicked Yarra Valley wineries (both iconic and boutique), plus plenty of time to linger over optional cheese or charcuterie platters if you’re tempted along the way—before heading back into town by early evening.