Yarra Valley: Wine Tour, Lunch & Chocolate with Gin or Beer Option

Summary

Wine tastings in yarra valley with lunch chocolate and gin or beer

You’ll taste wines among Yarra Valley’s vines, share a generous two-course lunch with new friends, sample handmade chocolates (and maybe ice cream), and choose between gin or beer tastings for your last stop. It’s not just about what you drink — it’s those small moments: laughter over antipasto, sun on your face by the lake, and that feeling of not wanting to leave quite yet.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder if wine actually tastes different when you’re standing right where the grapes grow? That’s what I kept thinking as we rolled out of Melbourne, the city still waking up behind us. Our guide, Mark, had this dry humor — he called the Yarra Valley “Melbourne’s backyard bar” — and somehow managed to get everyone chatting before we’d even reached the first winery. The air smelled like eucalyptus and a bit of diesel from the bus (not exactly romantic but honest), and I could already spot those rolling green hills in the distance.

First stop: Yering Station. I’m not usually a Chardonnay person but something about sipping it in that old stone cellar door just… worked. Maybe it was the way sunlight came through those big windows or how the staff didn’t rush us, even when I asked for a second pour (oops). At lunch, we sat around a table at Soumah (or Helen & Joey — depends on the day), passing warm bread and antipasto while someone tried to pronounce “Nebbiolo.” The mains were proper comfort food — lamb for me, fish for my friend — all with that faint herbal smell you get out here. There was laughter, clinking glasses, and honestly more food than I expected.

By the third winery, I’d lost track of which Pinot belonged to which estate but nobody seemed to mind. There was a lake at Helen & Joey’s that caught the afternoon light just right; I stood there for a minute longer than planned. You can swap your last tasting for gin at Four Pillars (which I did — their Rare Dry Gin is sharp and citrusy) or try craft beer at Watts River Brewery instead. Mark said he never judges anyone’s choice — “it’s all local,” he grinned.

The day ended with sticky fingers at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The smell inside is wild — pure cocoa and sugar, kids running around like it’s Christmas morning. I bought some truffles for later but they didn’t make it past the bus ride home. Not sure if it was the wine or just being out there with strangers-turned-friends, but yeah… I still think about that view over the vines as we headed back toward Federation Square.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley wine tour and tastings

• Meet at Arts Centre Melbourne Spire
• Depart for Yarra Valley wineries
• Wine tasting at Yering Station
• Guided wine tasting and lunch at Soumah or alternative winery
• Wine tasting and walk at Helen & Joey Estate
• Wine tasting at Payten & Jones or gin/beer tasting option
• Visit Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
• Return to Melbourne CBD near Federation Square

Top questions

What wineries are included on this Yarra Valley wine tour?

The tour usually visits four hand-picked wineries such as Yering Station, Soumah or Helen & Joey Estate, Payten & Jones, plus an optional switch to Four Pillars Gin Distillery or Watts River Brewery for tastings.

Is lunch included in this Yarra Valley day trip?

Yes, a seasonal two-course lunch is included at one of the wineries along with a glass of wine.

Can I choose gin or beer instead of wine on this tour?

Yes, you can switch your fourth tasting stop to Four Pillars Gin Distillery (available daily) or Watts River Brewery (Thursday–Monday) for an extra fee.

Where does this tour start and end?

The tour departs from near Arts Centre Melbourne Spire in Southbank at 9:00AM and returns to Federation Square in central Melbourne by around 5:30PM.

Are chocolate tastings included?

Yes, there is a final stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery where you can sample chocolates and ice cream.

Is pickup included from my hotel?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central location near Arts Centre Melbourne Spire in Southbank.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

You should contact the operator directly regarding any dietary requirements before booking as options may vary by day and venue.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, this tour is not suitable for people who have difficulty climbing stairs or have significant mobility concerns.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Melbourne near Arts Centre Spire at 8:45AM, guided tastings at four selected Yarra Valley wineries (or swap one for gin or beer), a generous two-course winery lunch with sides and a glass of local wine, plus sweet time at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery before returning to Federation Square by early evening.