Yarra Valley: Winery Day Trip with Lunch & Tastings

Summary

Melbourne to Yarra Valley wine tour with Chandon lunch tastings cider

You’ll leave Melbourne behind for a day in the Yarra Valley — tasting sparkling wines at Chandon, sharing a long lunch at Soumah with vineyard views, then sampling reds at Tokar Estate and finishing with cider at family-run Yering Farm. You’ll meet locals who know their craft (and crack jokes), eat well, and maybe find your new favorite drop somewhere between laughter and sunshine.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in the Yarra Valley to smell so… green. We’d barely left Melbourne behind when our guide, Michael, cracked a joke about city folks getting “fresh air shock.” I laughed but he wasn’t wrong. First stop was Domaine Chandon — yes, that Chandon. The sparkling tasting felt a bit fancy for 10am but nobody complained. There’s something about watching sunlight bounce off all those glasses, everyone quietly swirling and sniffing like we actually knew what we were doing.

Lunch at Soumah was the kind of slow meal you wish lasted longer — antipasti boards covered in things I can’t pronounce (the ciabatta was warm though, and that’s universal). Our server, Li, talked us through each wine and grinned when I tried to say “Nebbiolo” with an Italian accent. The main course came out just as a breeze picked up outside; I remember the lamb being so tender it barely needed chewing. It’s funny how food tastes different when you’re looking out over vines instead of traffic.

Tokar Estate had this view back over the valley that made me stop mid-sentence. I still think about that — how quiet it got for a minute while everyone just took it in. By the time we reached Yering Farm, my palate was probably shot but their apple cider cut through everything; crisp and almost floral. The owner waved from his tractor on the way past and one of the group said it felt like visiting someone’s home instead of just another winery.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yarra Valley winery tastings and lunch

• Depart Melbourne for Yarra Valley
• Taste sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon
• Visit Soumah for tutored wine tasting
• Enjoy two-course lunch at Soumah
• Taste wines at Tokar Estate
• Sample wine and cider at Yering Farm

Top questions

How long is the Yarra Valley winery tour from Melbourne?

The tour is a full-day experience starting around 9:30am with return to Melbourne in the late afternoon.

Is lunch included on this Yarra Valley wine tour?

Yes, a two-course sit-down lunch with a glass of wine is included at Soumah winery.

Which wineries do we visit on this day trip from Melbourne?

You’ll visit Domaine Chandon, Soumah, Tokar Estate, and Yering Farm.

Do I need to be over 18 to join this wine tour?

Yes, all participants must be 18 years or older.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian pasta options are available as part of the menu at Soumah.

Is pickup from Melbourne included?

The tour includes pickup from a central meeting point in Melbourne.

How many people are on each tour group?

The bus fits up to 11 passengers but group bookings are limited to 6 per booking for balance.

Are cider tastings part of this Yarra Valley day trip?

Yes, you’ll taste apple cider made from local apples at Yering Farm.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Melbourne, guided tastings at Domaine Chandon, Soumah, Tokar Estate and Yering Farm; plus a two-course sit-down lunch with wine overlooking the vines before heading back in the afternoon.