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Victoria's Premier Wine Region

Yarra Valley Wine Tours from Melbourne

Sip your way through Australia's finest cool-climate wineries — boutique cellar doors, handcrafted Pinot Noir, artisan chocolate and vineyard vistas just one hour from the city.

8–9 Hours
Small Group (max 20)
~60 km from Melbourne
Daily Departures
Book This Tour View Itinerary
From A$149 / person
★★★★★
4.9
287 reviews

About the Yarra Valley Wine Region

Nestled among rolling green hills just one hour east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest and most prestigious wine region. Established in 1838, the valley now boasts over 80 cellar doors, more than 160 vineyards and a thriving artisan food scene that has earned it recognition as one of the world's top cool-climate wine destinations.

The region is internationally celebrated for its elegant Pinot Noir, refined Chardonnay and exceptional sparkling wines — varieties that thrive in the valley's cool, maritime-influenced climate and rich volcanic soils. Beyond wine, the Yarra Valley is home to award-winning chocolatiers, artisan cheesemakers, craft gin distillers and farm-gate producers that together create a gourmet paradise.

Unlike larger commercial wine regions, the Yarra Valley is defined by its intimate boutique wineries — family-run estates where you'll meet the winemakers, hear their stories, and taste small-batch wines rarely found outside the cellar door. This is what makes a guided tour here so special: it's not just tasting — it's a genuine behind-the-scenes look into Australian winemaking excellence.

What You'll Experience

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Premium Cellar-Door Tastings

Visit 3–4 hand-selected boutique wineries and taste award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines.

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Artisan Chocolate

Indulge at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie with handmade truffles, tasting platters and stunning views.

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Gourmet Food Experiences

Enjoy regional cheeses, charcuterie, olive oils and seasonal produce from local farms and providores.

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Craft Distillery Visit

Optional stop at a boutique gin or whisky distillery for a behind-the-scenes tasting experience.

Boutique Cellar Doors

Our tours bypass the crowded commercial cellar doors and take you straight to the boutique estates that locals love. These are family-run wineries where the owner is often the one pouring your glass, where the vineyards stretch right to the tasting-room window, and where you'll discover small-batch wines that never make it to retail shelves.

Each winery visit includes guided tastings of 5–8 wines, with expert commentary on the varietals, winemaking techniques and the unique terroir that gives Yarra Valley wines their celebrated character.

Full Day Itinerary

1
9:00 AM
Depart Melbourne CBD
Pick-up from central Melbourne hotels. Enjoy the scenic 1-hour drive through Melbourne's leafy eastern suburbs into the rolling Yarra Valley hills.
2
10:15 AM
First Winery — Sparkling & Chardonnay
Arrive at your first boutique cellar door for a guided tasting session. Sample award-winning sparkling wines and crisp Chardonnays while taking in sweeping vineyard panoramas.
3
11:45 AM
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Explore handcrafted chocolate displays, sample free tastings, and pick up gourmet gifts. The views from the terrace over the valley are stunning.
4
12:45 PM
Lunch at a Vineyard Restaurant
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a winery restaurant surrounded by vines. Choose from seasonal menus featuring regional produce, artisan cheese boards and, of course, a glass or two.
5
2:30 PM
Second Winery — Pinot Noir Estate
Visit a renowned Pinot Noir specialist for a deep-dive tasting. Learn about the cool-climate techniques that produce the Yarra Valley's most celebrated red variety.
6
3:45 PM
Third Winery or Craft Distillery
Final tasting stop at either a boutique winery or artisan gin/whisky distillery. A perfect way to round out the afternoon with something special.
7
~5:30 PM
Return to Melbourne
Sit back and relax on the scenic return drive. Drop-off at your Melbourne hotel or central city locations by approximately 5:30–6:00 PM.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

No Yarra Valley tour is complete without a visit to the iconic Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Perched on a hillside with panoramic vineyard views, this destination showcases handcrafted Belgian-style chocolates, truffles, pralines and gelato — all made on-site using premium ingredients.

Free chocolate tastings are available throughout the venue, and there's an extensive gift shop where you can pick up beautifully packaged boxes for yourself or someone special back home.

Best Time to Visit

The Yarra Valley is beautiful in every season, with each offering its own unique character and charm for wine lovers.

🌸 Spring (Sep–Nov)

New vine growth, blooming countryside and fresh vintage releases. Ideal weather for vineyard walks and outdoor tastings.

☀️ Summer (Dec–Feb)

Lush green vines, long golden evenings and vibrant cellar doors. Peak season for rosé and sparkling wines on sun-drenched terraces.

🍂 Autumn (Mar–May)

Harvest season. Golden and crimson vine leaves, grape picking activity and the most atmospheric photography conditions of the year.

❄️ Winter (Jun–Aug)

Cosy cellar doors with crackling fireplaces, mulled wine and intimate tastings. Fewer crowds and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★

"An absolutely fantastic Yarra Valley day trip from Melbourne. The wineries were hand-picked perfection and our guide's knowledge of the wines was incredible."

Sarah M.
Melbourne, Australia
★★★★★

"Perfect mix of wine, chocolate and scenery. The boutique wineries were so much better than the big commercial ones. Highly recommend this Melbourne wine tour."

James & Olivia
London, United Kingdom
★★★★★

"We came for the wine but the chocolate stop stole the show! Beautiful valley, excellent guide, and we bought a case of Pinot Noir to ship home."

Li Wei C.
Singapore
★★★★★

"As a wine professional, I was genuinely impressed by the quality of wineries on this tour. Small-batch, family-run estates — exactly how wine should be experienced."

François D.
Lyon, France

Why Choose a Guided Wine Tour?

Wine tasting and driving don't mix. A guided Yarra Valley tour means you can savour every sip without a worry, while your expert guide ensures you experience the region's very best.

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Safe & Relaxed Transport

Taste freely at every stop — no designated driver needed. Air-conditioned comfort door to door.

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Expert Wine Guides

Passionate local guides with deep wine knowledge share tasting notes, pairing tips and winery stories.

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Curated Winery Selection

We hand-pick boutique estates based on wine quality and guest experience — no tourist traps.

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Small Groups

Maximum 20 guests ensures intimate tastings, personal attention and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Yarra Valley tour?

Approximately 8–9 hours door to door, including comfortable travel from Melbourne and around 6 hours of winery visits, tastings and lunch.

How far is the Yarra Valley from Melbourne?

Around 60 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD — approximately one hour by road through scenic eastern suburbs and countryside.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Some packages include a vineyard lunch. Others provide free time to choose from winery restaurants and cellar-door dining options in the valley. Check your tour option for details.

What wines is the Yarra Valley known for?

The Yarra Valley is internationally acclaimed for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines. You'll also discover excellent Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc at various estates.

Do tours operate year-round?

Yes, our Yarra Valley tours depart daily throughout all four seasons. Each season offers its own character — from harvest buzz in autumn to cosy fireside tastings in winter.

Can I buy wine on the tour?

Absolutely. Most cellar doors offer wines for purchase at cellar-door pricing. Many also arrange domestic and international shipping, so you can send your favourites home.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?

Yes! The Yarra Valley offers beautiful scenery, artisan food, chocolate, and stunning countryside. Non-drinkers will enjoy the gourmet food experiences, the Chocolaterie, and the breathtaking valley views.

Do you offer hotel pick-up?

Yes, complimentary pick-up and drop-off is available from central Melbourne hotels and select locations. Exact pick-up points are confirmed at booking.

The Complete Yarra Valley Experience

The Yarra Valley is far more than just wine. This lush green valley is a complete sensory experience — from rolling hills and misty morning vineyards to artisan producers crafting world-class food and drink.

Award-Winning Wineries

Over 80 cellar doors to explore

Artisan Cheese & Produce

Farm-gate flavours from local producers

Vineyard Panoramas

Breathtaking views in every season

Popular Victoria Day Tours

Combine your Yarra Valley wine experience with other iconic Victorian day trips departing daily from Melbourne.

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