Yarra Valley Wines, Four Pillars Gin, Cheese/Fruit & Choc Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day spent sampling top-notch wines, innovative gins, and decadent chocolates amidst rolling vineyards and lush countryside, this Yarra Valley tour might just be your new favorite escape. Although I haven’t personally taken this specific trip, reviews and detailed itineraries point to a well-rounded experience that offers both quality tastings and memorable scenery—all with the convenience of hassle-free transfers from Melbourne.

What we love about this tour? First, the variety of stops—from cheese to gin to chocolates, it’s a true tasting smorgasbord. Second, the experienced guides like Posi and Danny are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day both fun and informative. Third, the value for money is solid, especially considering all tasting fees are included, along with transport. A potential drawback? The schedule can feel a bit rushed at times, especially during winery visits, which might leave some wanting a little more time to savor each stop.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy good food and drink, want a rundown of the Yarra Valley’s offerings, and prefer not to worry about driving. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxed day exploring Australia’s renowned wine region, it’s a great pick.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Tasting fees for wine, gin, cheese, and chocolates are covered, meaning no surprises at checkout.
• Variety of Stops: From boutique wineries to cheese and chocolate factories, the tour covers multiple sensory delights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Posi and Danny enhance the experience with fun facts and good humor.
• Convenience: Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from central Melbourne make the day smooth and relaxed.
• Flexible Options: The tour offers an optional gin tasting at Four Pillars or wine tastings at a winery, catering to different preferences.
• Great Value: At around $88 AUD, considering the full day and numerous tastings, it’s priced competitively.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The day kicks off early at Arts Centre Melbourne, with prompt departure at 9:00 am—so arriving early is essential. From there, the journey is packed with carefully curated stops designed to showcase the best of Yarra Valley.

Coldstream Dairy: Cheese and More

Our first stop is Coldstream Dairy, where a guided tasting of three cheeses with crackers sets a delicious tone. Visitors enjoy the chance to sample handcrafted delights like jams and sauces, which adds a local touch. Reviewers often mention how this stop provides a nice introduction without feeling rushed, and some have praised the quality and variety of the cheese selection.

Yarra Farm Fresh: Fresh Fruit Tasting

Starting from July 2025 (and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only), the tour includes a visit to a strawberry farm. Here, you’ll taste seasonal strawberries directly from the fields—a highlight for fruit lovers. A complimentary punnet is included, which many reviewers love as a sweet souvenir. One reviewer pointed out that the strawberries are delicious, making this a genuinely fresh experience, although some found it perhaps less exciting than the other stops.

Soumah and Yarra Valley Wineries: Wine at Its Best

Most days, Soumah is the morning winery visit, where a rustic cellar door offers guided tastings of Northern Italian and Eastern French wines. The guide’s commentary makes the visit engaging, and the wines are generally well-received, especially the aromatic varietals. Some reviewers felt the winery experience was a bit rushed, with small pours, but overall, they appreciated the opportunity to try premium wines like those at Soumah and Yering Station (on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Lunch at Hubert Estate

The tour includes a break at St Hubert Estate’s Quarters bistro, where you can purchase mains and drinks. While lunch itself isn’t included, reviewers say this allows flexibility—some opt for a quick snack, others enjoy a more leisurely meal. The ambiance is described as lively, and the restaurant’s offerings are generally considered good value.

Greenstone Vineyards and Yering Station

Post-lunch, the tour visits Greenstone Vineyards, known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse wine selection, including both Yarra Valley and Heathcote wines. On certain days, Yering Station, with its historic buildings and picturesque gardens, replaces Greenstone. Reviewers highlight the scenic views and the quality of wines, though some mention that the tasting experience at wineries can feel hurried.

Chocolate and Gin: Sweet and Spirituous Highlights

The chocolate stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a real treat. A guided tasting of handcrafted chocolates leaves visitors craving more, with reviews praising the high quality and variety. The Four Pillars Distillery is often the tour’s grand finale—home to what’s considered the world’s best gin. Here, you can enjoy a gin tasting paddle with four different gins, and many describe it as a memorable way to end the day.

Return to Melbourne

The tour wraps up around 5:30 pm with a quick stop at ACMI, giving everyone time to reflect on an enjoyable and diverse day out.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Forget about planning your own day trips—this tour packages everything into a seamless experience. The transportation is comfortable, and the group sizes are small enough (max 20 people) to foster a friendly atmosphere. The guides are consistently praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to keep things moving smoothly, making even the busiest days feel relaxed.

The inclusions are generous, with tasting fees covered at every stop. This means you can focus on enjoying the flavors rather than worrying about extra costs. Although lunch is at your expense, the flexibility allows you to choose something that suits your appetite and budget—whether a quick snack or a sit-down meal.

Authentic Experiences and Insights

Many reviews mention how guides like Danny and Posi go beyond the basics, sharing interesting tidbits about each producer, the history of the region, and even personal recommendations. For instance, Danny’s playlist and easygoing attitude make the day lively, and his familiarity with the area’s wines and producers adds depth to the tastings.

The Pros and Cons

Pros: The diversity of stops, high-quality tastings, expert guides, scenic drives, and good value make this an attractive option. The stops at boutique wineries and local producers mean you’ll taste some of the best Yarra Valley has to offer.

Cons: Some guests felt the schedule was slightly rushed, particularly during winery visits. The tasting pours at wineries may be modest, and if you’re a wine enthusiast wanting a more in-depth experience, you might find it a bit light on details or time.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideal for food and drink lovers who enjoy tasting a variety of products without the hassle of planning. It’s also perfect for groups or couples looking for a fun, social day out in stunning scenery. People with mobility issues should note that some experiences may involve stairs or walking, though the bus makes logistics simple.

If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides, beautiful landscapes, and a good mix of indulgence and education, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s also a good choice for first-timers to the Yarra Valley wanting an overview of the region’s best offerings.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4 to 17 are welcome. They won’t participate in alcohol tastings but can enjoy the other experiences like chocolates and strawberries.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch isn’t included, but you can purchase meals at the restaurant during the stop at Hubert Estate. It’s flexible to suit your appetite and budget.

Can I opt out of the gin tasting?
Yes, the tour offers a full experience option with the gin tasting paddle or a winery for wine tastings instead.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8.5 hours, from 8:45 am to around 5:30 pm, including transfers and all tastings.

Are all tasting fees included?
Absolutely. All tasting fees at the wineries, chocolate factory, cheese dairy, and gin distillery are covered in the ticket price.

What is the price?
The tour costs approximately $88.14 per person, representing good value considering the multiple tastings and transport included.

Are the stops flexible?
While the itinerary is generally consistent, some stops may vary depending on the day or weather. The schedule is designed to balance variety and pacing.

How many people typically join?
Groups are limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a friendly atmosphere and personalized attention.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Eating breakfast before the tour is advised since it starts early and lunch isn’t included.

Final Thoughts

The Yarra Valley Wines, Four Pillars Gin, Cheese & Chocolate Tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day for those wanting to explore the region’s best flavors without the stress of planning each stop. The mix of scenic drives, engaging guides, and quality tastings creates a memorable experience, especially for lovers of good food and drink.

While the schedule can feel a bit tight, the overall value and variety make it a top choice for first-time visitors and seasoned tasters alike. Perfect for those who want an authentic, fun, and hassle-free way to discover the Yarra Valley’s delights.

This tour is best suited for curious foodies, wine and spirits aficionados, and anyone eager to enjoy a relaxed day of tasting with expert guidance in one of Australia’s most picturesque regions.