Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour

Our review of the Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour from Melbourne comes from countless enthusiastic travelers who have experienced this laid-back, engaging journey firsthand. Whether you’re a wine lover, a chocolate enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fun day out with a group, this tour promises a balance of tasting, sightseeing, and socializing in one of Victoria’s most scenic regions.

What we find particularly appealing is how flexible and personalized the experience feels—your preferences help shape the day’s itinerary. The super friendly guides are a highlight, known for their humor and knowledge, making the Tour far from a stiff, formal affair. Plus, the incredible views of the Yarra Valley and the variety of tasting options keep things lively and memorable.

However, it’s worth noting that lunch is not included in the price, so arranging your own meal at one of the many local eateries is a must. This approach allows for flexibility but also means extra planning if you’re after a sit-down meal. This tour offers great value, especially for those who enjoy casual, social outings with a mix of drinks and treats. It suits travelers who want an authentic, fun experience with plenty of choice and a relaxed vibe.

Highly personalized experience allowing you to choose tastings and venues
Engaging guides known for their humor and local knowledge
Flexible itinerary with options for wine, gin, beer, chocolate, and cider
Beautiful scenery and panoramic views of the Yarra Valley
Great value with included tastings at multiple venues
Ideal for social travelers seeking a fun, laid-back day trip

This tour is designed to be a relaxed road trip with friends, not a rigid schedule. The day typically kicks off with a meet-up at 74 Spring Street, East Melbourne, bright and early at 8:45am. From there, the group departs around 9am, whisked away to a scenic part of Victoria where the regional charm immediately begins to shine.

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Scenic Winery at Tokar Estate

Your first stop is Tokar Estate, renowned for its stunning views across the valley and a well-curated collection of wines. Here, you’ll get around 5-6 different tastings, focusing on the estate’s signature blends. Reviewers praise the “beautiful scenery” and “great wine,” with one noting the “scenic winery” as a highlight. This stop sets the tone for a relaxed day, emphasizing quality without pretension.

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Boutique at Yering Farm

Next, you’ll head to Yering Farm, a smaller, boutique winery that also produces an impressive apple cider. This venue is ideal for those wanting a more intimate experience. The cider tasting is highly recommended, with many travelers mentioning the “incredible apple cider” that’s worth seeking out. Yering Farm’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to chat with the guides and fellow travelers.

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Lunch at Huberts Estate or Domaine Chandon

A flexible highlight is the lunch break. You’re given the choice between dining at Huberts Estate’s Quarters or Domaine Chandon. Both venues offer the freedom to pick your own meal (lunch isn’t included in the tour price), so you can tailor your experience. Many reviewers appreciate the quality of the lunch venues, with one noting that the dining options are “well-chosen, with reasonable prices and good variety.” There’s also a chance to visit an indigenous art museum at Huberts Estate, adding a cultural touch to the day.

Gin, Wine, or Beer Tasting

Post-lunch, the group splits into options based on preference. You can opt for a gin paddle at Four Pillars, which gets rave reviews for its variety of gins and friendly staff. Alternatively, you might choose a wine tasting at Payten and Jones or a beer tasting around Watts River Brewery. Multiple reviews highlight the fun and engaging guides who help make these tastings interactive rather than formal lectures.

Chocolate or Additional Drinks

The final leg includes a chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you’ll sample around 12 chocolates. Reviewers note that the chocolate tasting is a perfect sweet ending, with some mentioning how the quality and variety of chocolates surpass expectations. Alternatively, some choose to stay at a nearby winery for more drinks, which is easily doable given the proximity of the venues.

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Views and Flexibility Throughout

Throughout the day, the panoramic views of the valley remain front and center, with almost every venue offering picture-perfect scenery. The itinerary is designed to give everyone a few moments to customize their experience, whether that’s staying longer at a favorite spot or splitting off with friends.

At $86 per person, this tour is very reasonable considering the number of tastings included—around 20-25 in total across wines, gin, chocolate, cider, and beer. The transportation is private and comfortable, and the guides are praised time and again for their friendliness and knowledge.

The main extra expense is lunch, which you’ll arrange yourself. This approach works well because it allows you to pick what suits your appetite and taste preferences. Several reviews mention the good value for money, especially given the variety and quality of tastings, not to mention the scenic backdrop. The flexibility to choose different tasting options and venues adds to the overall value, making this a versatile experience for various interests.

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On the Duration and Group Size

Spanning about 8 hours, the tour fits comfortably into a day without feeling rushed. The group size tends to be small to medium, encouraging social interactions and making it easier to move between venues. The live guides are active in ensuring everyone is engaged, and their humor and friendliness make the day flow smoothly.

Transport and Comfort

Transportation is included and comfortable, with many reviews praising the fun, lively guides who keep the mood upbeat. The pick-up point is conveniently located in Melbourne CBD, and the tour runs regardless of weather, so packing the right clothes for the day is your only concern.

Based on reviews, the guides are consistently highlighted as a major plus. They’re described as knowledgeable, funny, and personable, often going above and beyond—like securing a table at a restaurant or sharing interesting tidbits about the region.

Many travelers also emphasize how beautiful the scenery is, with some mentioning kangaroos spotted along the way and the stunning views from winery terraces. The variety of tastings keeps the day lively; from award-winning wines to fantastic gins and delicious chocolates, there’s something for all.

The flexibility to customize the experience—whether by choosing to spend more time at a favorite spot or trying different tastings—adds a personal touch that many value. And the social, fun vibe makes it feel more like an outing with friends than a traditional tour.

What to Keep in Mind

The main consideration is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget extra for a sit-down meal or snacks. Also, the group sizes can be moderate, and some review comments note that seating might be tight, especially if you’re tall, due to the bus configuration.

However, these minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the scenic views, friendly guides, and variety of tastings. The tour’s structure makes it perfect for first-time visitors or locals wanting a relaxed yet engaging day.

This experience is ideal for casual wine and drink lovers who enjoy a social atmosphere. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers looking to meet new people in a lively setting. If you’re after authentic tastings, beautiful scenery, and flexible options, this tour checks all those boxes.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a laid-back, fun day rather than a formal or overly structured tour. If you want to try a bit of everything—from wine to gin, chocolates to cider—without feeling rushed, this is a fantastic choice.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have the freedom to choose and buy your own meal at one of the venues, such as Huberts Estate or Domaine Chandon.

Can I customize the tasting stops?
Yes, there is flexibility. The tour is designed to let you choose between options like gin paddles, wine tastings, or beer, and you can split from the group for certain activities.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, usually starting in the morning around 9am and finishing around 4:45pm.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Yes, tastings at 4 venues—covering wine, gin, chocolate, and cider—are included. The only extra cost is for lunch.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a hat or sunglasses for the day, and some extra cash for lunch or any additional purchases. Remember to Arrive on time, as the tour departs at 9am sharp.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6, and due to alcohol tastings, it’s best suited for adult travelers.

What about the group size?
The tour generally runs in small to medium groups, fostering a friendly, social environment. Some reviews mentioned slightly tight seating, so tall travelers might want to be mindful.

The Yarra Valley Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer, & Choc Tour from Melbourne provides a lively, flexible way to explore one of Victoria’s most beautiful regions. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a wide range of tastings, it offers a balanced experience for those wanting to indulge, learn, and socialize—all in an easygoing, fun atmosphere.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, social-minded travelers who want to experience authentic regional flavors without the formality of traditional tours. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a chocolate fanatic, or just want a memorable day out, this trip promises a good time and plenty of delicious moments.