Yarra Valley: Wine & Winery Day Trip with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Wineries, rolling hills and cellar doors in Victoria’s Yarra Valley

You’ll taste your way through four Yarra Valley wineries on this day trip from Melbourne—with lunch included at Balgownie Estate, plenty of stories from your local guide, and vineyard views that linger long after you leave. Expect laughter over mispronounced wine names, hands-on tastings in rustic cellars, and a feeling of having actually been somewhere real.

What’s the experience like?

“You can always tell a good Pinot by the way it lingers,” our guide Mark said, swirling his glass at Greenstone Vineyards. I tried to copy him but just ended up with wine splashed on my sleeve—he grinned and handed me a napkin. The drive out from Melbourne was quicker than I thought, maybe an hour or so, but it felt like we’d crossed into a different world. Everything was green and soft-edged, even in the morning drizzle. We stepped into the cellar door and it smelled faintly of wet earth and wood polish, which sounds odd but somehow made sense there.

Balgownie Estate was next—Mark knew everyone behind the counter and they greeted us like old friends. There was this big window looking out over rows of vines disappearing into mist, and I remember thinking how quiet it felt compared to the city. Lunch came with a glass of wine (I picked something white because I still don’t really know what pairs with what), and the bread had that warm, floury smell that makes you forget you’re supposed to eat slowly. Someone at our table tried to pronounce “Viognier” and we all laughed—including the staff.

After lunch we wandered through Yering Farm’s old hay shed-turned-cellar door—there were antique tools hanging everywhere, some rusted and others polished by years of hands. The last stop was Soumah Yarra Valley, which specialized in Italian-style wines; I liked their Pinot Noir best but mostly just enjoyed sitting outside for a minute, watching clouds drift over the Warramate Hills. On the ride back to Melbourne I kept thinking about how every place had its own personality—maybe that’s why people talk about “the Yarra Valley” like it’s more than just vineyards strung together. Anyway, I still think about that view from Balgownie sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley wineries and lunch tour

• Depart Melbourne for Yarra Valley
• Visit Greenstone Vineyards winery
• Tour Balgownie Estate cellar door
• Enjoy lunch with wine at Balgownie
• Visit Yering Farm rustic cellar door
• Tour Soumah Yarra Valley winery
• Return to Melbourne

Top questions

How far is Yarra Valley from Melbourne?

The Yarra Valley is about one hour’s drive from central Melbourne.

Which wineries are visited on this tour?

The tour includes Greenstone Vineyards, Balgownie Estate, Yering Farm, and Soumah Yarra Valley.

Is lunch included in the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Balgownie Estate or an equivalent venue.

Are wine tastings part of the tour?

Yes, wine tastings are included at all four wineries visited during the tour.

Does this tour include pickup from Melbourne?

Pickup and drop-off are included from several designated points in central Melbourne.

What is the maximum group size for this tour?

The tour operates with up to 24 passengers per group.

Is there an age limit for children on this tour?

The minimum age for children is 5 years old; drinking age is 18+.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available for lunch?

A vegetarian option is available daily; other dietary needs can be accommodated if advised when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in central Melbourne, transport by air-conditioned minibus, guided wine tastings at four different Yarra Valley wineries—including Greenstone Vineyards and Soumah—plus a vineyard lunch with a glass of wine (and tea or coffee) before heading back to the city as afternoon light fades out over the hills.