Melbourne: Yarra Valley Food & Wine Trip with 1 Wine Bottle

Exploring the Yarra Valley through a guided food and wine tour offers a wonderful snapshot of Victoria’s renowned regional produce and vineyards. We’ve looked into a highly-rated experience that combines tastings, scenic views, and some fun extras—perfect for anyone craving a relaxed yet enriching day out.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get to enjoy guided tastings at three diverse wineries, each with its own personality and specialty wines. Second, the inclusion of local produce, such as a guided fruit tasting and artisan chocolates, adds a deliciously authentic touch. Third, the guide’s knowledge and friendly attitude make the day both informative and lively.

One potential consideration? The day’s schedule is quite packed, with a lot of stops in just 8 hours, so if you’re looking for a slow, leisurely experience, this might feel a bit brisk. But if you want a comprehensive taste of the Yarra Valley in one go, it’s a very solid choice.

This tour suits those who love wine, enjoy good food, and want a structured day with expert guidance. It’s also perfect if you’re after a value-packed experience that covers multiple highlights without the hassle of planning it yourself.

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Key Points

All-inclusive value: Includes three wine tastings, a complimentary bottle of wine, and a guided fruit and chocolate tasting.
Diverse experiences: From boutique wineries to local farms, offering a genuine taste of the region’s produce.
Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with engaging commentary and local insights.
Flexible options: You can choose to enjoy a wine or gin tasting at Rochford Wines and have a range of lunch options to suit your budget.
Comfortable transport: An air-conditioned bus with scenic drives makes the day relaxed and enjoyable.
Positive reviews: Over 500 5-star reviews highlight excellent value, friendly guides, and memorable experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with an early morning pickup from Melbourne’s CBD, ensuring you start your adventure on time. The first stop at Yarra Farm Fresh sets a fresh tone—here, you’ll sample the region’s seasonal fruits. Reviewers praise this as a delightful and authentic way to begin, with one noting, “The guided fruit tasting was fantastic, and it really gave us a sense of the farm-to-table vibe.” It’s a good intro to the region’s agricultural roots, and it provides some great photo opportunities of lush orchards.

Next, you’re headed to St Huberts Estate, one of the most recognized wineries in the valley. With a guided tasting of four premium wines, you’ll get a solid understanding of the local viticulture. The estate also features an indigenous art gallery and a lovely outdoor space—perfect for wandering and soaking in the atmosphere. The tour includes a complimentary bottle of wine to take home, which many reviewers appreciated as a special keepsake. One review mentions, “Mel, our guide, was fantastic—she knew her wines and shared stories that made the tasting even more enjoyable.”

Tokar Estate then offers a more boutique experience with a guided tasting of three handcrafted wines. This stop showcases the passion of small-scale producers. Some travelers mentioned that this stop provided a more intimate, relaxed vibe compared to the larger estates.

Lunch at Rochford Wines is a highlight, though it’s not included in the tour price. Budgeting around $30-$40 per person for a meal with drinks makes sense, and many reviews describe it as a delicious experience, with some calling the food “incredible.” After lunch, you can explore the grounds, and there’s an option to try gin tastings for an additional $25—a choice loved by those who enjoy spirits as much as wine.

The day wraps up at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you’ll indulge in tasting 12 artisan chocolates. Reviewers have described the experience as a decadent way to end the day, with many noting the chocolates’ high quality and the fun atmosphere of the shop.

The return journey is scenic, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of time to process the day’s highlights before arriving back in Melbourne.

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Why Choose This Tour?

Expert Guides and Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews repeatedly mention guides like Mel, Bernie, and Rick, describing them as knowledgeable, entertaining, and attentive. Their commentary brings the region to life, making the experience more than just tastings.

Authentic Food and Wine Experiences: The stops are thoughtfully selected: a farm for fresh fruit, established wineries for quality wines, and a chocolaterie for a sweet finish. These highlight the diversity and quality of the Yarra Valley’s offerings.

Great Value for Money: At $92 per person, including three wine tastings and a free bottle of wine, the tour delivers a lot for the price. Plus, the optional extras, like gin tastings, add flexibility.

Comfortable, Scenic Transport: The bus provides a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving. Reviewers love the scenic drive and the chance to chat with fellow travelers.

Highly Rated and Trustworthy: With over 300 five-star reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, this tour consistently meets or exceeds expectations.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the itinerary is packed, some might find it a little rushed, especially if they prefer more time at each stop. The fruit tasting, for instance, involves just a few slices, which some reviewers felt was a bit minimal. Also, the lunch at Rochford is not part of the package, so additional costs should be factored in.

The bus comfort was mentioned as less ideal by a UK traveler, but most reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and the scenic drives as compensating factors. Arriving early at the meeting point and being prepared for a full day will help maximize enjoyment.

Practical Details

The meeting point is conveniently located on Flinders Street opposite the Forum Theatre, with the bus arriving at 8:15 am and departing promptly at 8:30 am. The tour lasts around 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip. The guide speaks English, and the experience is suitable for most travelers with a moderate level of mobility.

Inclusions cover bottled water, guided tastings, and scenic transport, adding to the overall value. Exclusions include lunch and additional tastings like gin, which are optional but worth considering based on your preferences.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a wine enthusiast or a foodie eager to explore the Yarra Valley without the hassle of planning, this tour offers excellent value. It’s also great for those who appreciate guided commentary and structured experiences, ensuring you hit key highlights in a day.

Couples, friends, or solo travelers will enjoy the social aspect of the tour, especially with the friendly guides and fellow guests. However, if you prefer more leisurely, unstructured days or extensive tasting time at each stop, you might find this schedule a bit tight.

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FAQ

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 8 hours, including pickup, travel time, and all tastings and stops.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased at Rochford Wines for around $30-$45.

Can I choose to do gin tasting instead of wine?
Yes, at Rochford Wines, you can opt for gin tasting for $25.

What is included in the tour price?
Three wine tastings, a guided fruit tasting, chocolate tasting, bottled water, a complimentary bottle of wine, and scenic transport.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily for adults, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenic drive, food tastings, and sightseeing, but check with the operator for specific restrictions.

What is the meeting point?
The bus will be parked on Flinders Street opposite the Forum Theatre, labeled Rick’s Tours Australia.

How do I know if I’ll like this experience?
If you love exploring wine regions with knowledgeable guides, enjoy tasting local produce, and want a well-organized day with plenty of highlights, this tour is a good fit.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
The schedule is fixed, but optional tastings like gin at Rochford allow some choices.

Final Thoughts

This Yarra Valley Food & Wine Trip offers a thoughtfully curated day filled with authentic tasting experiences, scenic views, and friendly guidance—all at a price that represents good value for the quality and variety of experiences included. It’s ideal for travelers who want a structured, enjoyable way to experience Victoria’s renowned wine region without the stress of organizing logistics themselves.

The combination of guided tastings, local produce, and a friendly atmosphere makes it a memorable day out. If you’re after a balanced mix of education, indulgence, and scenic drives, this tour hits all the right notes.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about Victoria’s food scene, this trip provides a wholesome snapshot of what makes the Yarra Valley special, all wrapped up in a day you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: