Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour

When you think about escaping Melbourne’s busy streets, heading out to the Yarra Valley for a day of wine, spirits, and sweet treats sounds pretty tempting. This tour, operated by Red Carpet Wine Tours, promises a relaxed yet engaging experience — and from the hundreds of reviews, it seems most travelers agree it delivers on that promise.

We love the scenic drives through Victoria’s oldest wine region, the chance to taste award-winning wines and spirits, and the flexible itinerary that allows for personal preferences. A possible drawback? The tour’s length and busy schedule mean you’ll want to keep pace, especially if you’re not a morning person. This experience suits those who appreciate good company, delicious tastings, and a touch of local culture in a stunning setting.

Contents show

Key Points

Expert guides make the experience educational and fun
Variety of tastings include wine, spirits, beer, and chocolates
Flexible options for lunch and additional tastings cater to different preferences
Stunning views of the valley enhance the tasting experience
Comfortable transportation and a well-organized itinerary ensure a smooth day
Great value for just $86, with numerous included tastings and extras

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Yarra Valley Tour Experience

This full-day tour is an ideal choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of the Yarra Valley without the hassle of organizing it themselves. It’s run seven days a week—meaning rain or shine, your plans are set. The tour combines wine tastings, spirit sampling, chocolate indulgence, and delicious local food, all with the backdrop of some of Victoria’s most beautiful scenery.

What really sets this experience apart is the personal touch and knowledgeable guides. As many reviews highlight, guides like Richard, Matt, and Gilberto go beyond just pouring vino—they share stories, insider tips, and keep the atmosphere lively. The tour’s value is also evident; for $86, you gain access to multiple tastings, a scenic drive, and a flexible itinerary, making it a worthwhile splurge.

However, keep in mind that the day is packed, and some may find the schedule a little rushed—especially if you’d like more time at each stop. But if you’re eager to sample a wide range of flavors and see the valley’s best spots, this tour is a fantastic fit.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Melbourne

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Melbourne wanting to explore the region’s best, wine lovers seeking a comprehensive tasting day, or anyone curious about local spirits and chocolates. The tour’s friendly group atmosphere and engaging guides make it suitable even for solo travelers looking to meet others. Just remember, it’s not suitable for children under 7 and involves quite a bit of walking and standing.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day kicks off early at “The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia” on Flinders Street, with a prompt 9 am departure. The journey to Yarra Valley takes about an hour, with a quick scenic detour through Warrandyte. This part of the drive sets a relaxed tone, with good music and chatter, making the transition from city to countryside effortless.

More Great Tours Nearby

Soumah of Yarra Valley

Your first stop is Soumah, known for its cool climate wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, thanks to the region’s northern Italian and southeastern French influence. From the reviews, it’s clear that this winery offers stunning vineyard views that make the tasting even more memorable. You’ll get to sample both white and red varieties and learn how the climate influences their style.

Gillian from Australia specifically mentioned, “Our guide Matt was superb, really informative, kind and funny,” emphasizing how guides enhance the experience. Soumah is a great introduction, with a chance to appreciate the regional terroir.

Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Melbourne

St Huberts Cellar Door

Next, the group visits St Huberts, a longstanding and respected winery. Here, you’ll taste four well-known wines, with options for beer or cider if wine isn’t your thing. For those interested, a small fee allows gin or whisky tastings, a bonus for spirits enthusiasts. Reviewers like Kathryn highlight guides’ flexibility, noting how the guides help tailor the experience, whether that’s wine, beer, or spirits.

Lunch Options: Flexibility and Flavor

At around noon, you have a couple of choices:

Quarters Restaurant at Hubert Estate: Here, everyone orders and pays separately, with the added bonus of viewing Indigenous art in the gallery downstairs. This option is good for those wanting a casual, communal dining experience.
Domaine Chandon: For a more refined, sit-down lunch, you can book ahead at Chandon. Just remember to coordinate your reservation, as the tour often runs multiple vehicles. Bella praised the “delicious lunch” and “great food and service,” making this a favorite for those wanting a special meal.

If you prefer, you can also bring your own food, but it’s important to note that eating on the estate grounds isn’t permitted unless you’ve arranged a packed lunch.

Chocolate and Dessert

Post-lunch, the sweet tooth will love the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. You’re treated to a guided tasting of 10 different chocolates — a real highlight for many, especially chocolate lovers. Reviewers like Karen from Australia call it “a chocoholics dream,” and the opportunity to buy a generous gelato makes it a perfect break.

Alternatively, if chocolates aren’t your thing, the driver can take you to Yarrawood Estate for a wine-only option, giving you a bit more flexibility.

Final Vineyard: Balgownie Estate

As the sun begins to set, your last stop is Balgownie, renowned for its beautiful vineyard views and quality wines. The tastings here are a fitting finale, offering a chance to savor the day’s best flavors with scenic surroundings.

Return to Melbourne

The journey back begins around 3:30 pm, with a drop-off expected between 4:55 pm and 5:20 pm. The bus features chilled water, a lively Spotify playlist, and plenty of room to relax after a full day.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles and keeps the group size manageable, which many reviews appreciate. Gilberto, Richard, Tom, and other guides are frequently praised for their friendly, professional approach, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and informed. Guests often mention the smooth organization and how guides keep the schedule on track without making the day feel rushed.

Tasting Inclusions and Extras

The price of $86 includes wine, beer, and chocolate tastings at at least four venues. Additional experiences, such as spirit tastings or specialty lunches, are optional but worth considering for their added value. The tour also provides chilled coolers and waters, keeping everyone refreshed, especially on warmer days.

Value for Money

When you factor in multiple tastings, a scenic drive, a knowledgeable guide, and the flexibility to customize parts of your day, the price is quite reasonable. Many reviews highlight the generous tastings and the opportunity to try award-winning wines, making it a good investment for a fun, educational outing.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

The guides often stand out as a highlight. Richard was described as “lovely, professional, and very knowledgeable,” while Matt was praised for his humor and storytelling. Many reviewers appreciated how guides made the day engaging without feeling rushed.

The scenery and vineyard views get high marks, with guests mentioning how the vineyards’ beauty enhances the tasting experience. Several reviews mention lucky sightings of kangaroos, adding an unexpected touch of wildlife to the day.

The variety of tastings is another common theme. From classic wines to spirits and chocolates, the tour offers something for all. Bella’s review sums it up: “Matt was an excellent guide and super friendly, he gets people together and made it a fun experience.”

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the Yarra Valley’s best offerings. The focus on quality tastings, scenic drives, and friendly guides creates a memorable day for anyone interested in wine, spirits, and local treats. The flexible itinerary, combined with the inclusive price, provides great value for a full day out.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a mix of guided education and relaxed socializing. If you’re after a casual, fun, and tasty experience with professional hosts, this tour hits the right notes.

That said, if you prefer more time at each winery or want a slower, less structured day, you might find the schedule a little brisk. Still, for most visitors seeking a balanced, enjoyable, and comprehensive Yarra Valley tour, this experience ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at “The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia” on Flinders Street. It’s best to arrive early to ensure you don’t miss the departure.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can bring your own food, but it’s not permitted to eat on the estate grounds unless you have a packed lunch.

Are there options for non-wine drinkers?
Absolutely. At St Huberts, you can choose beer or cider instead of wine. Spirits like gin and whisky are also available for tasting at a small extra fee.

How long is the drive between Melbourne and Yarra Valley?
It typically takes about an hour, with a scenic detour through Warrandyte on the way.

What if I’m late or miss the pickup?
The tour departs promptly at 9 am, so arriving early is crucial. If you’re late, you may need to meet the group at the first winery.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 7 years due to the nature of tastings and activities involved.

Final Words

If you’re after a lively, informative, and delicious way to explore the Yarra Valley, this tour offers a fantastic balance of stunning scenery, great tastings, and friendly guides. It’s a smart pick for those new to wine regions or simply wanting a hassle-free day of indulgence. Just prepare to be on your feet a bit, pace yourself at tastings, and enjoy the journey through Victoria’s wine country.