Yarra Valley wine and gin tour with Champagne Lunch at Chandon!

If you’re eager to experience the heart of Victoria’s wine country without the hassle of driving, this guided tour offers a fantastic way to indulge in premium wines, unique gins, and delicious food in a day. With a stellar 5-star rating from hundreds of travelers, it’s clear that many find this experience both memorable and value-packed.

What we love about this tour? First, the personalized, small-group vibe makes tasting more intimate and relaxed. Second, the diverse stops—from sparkling wine at Chandon to boutique gins—offer a broad taste of the region’s craftsmanship. Lastly, the expert guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to tailor the day.

A potential consideration: the itinerary is quite full, so if you prefer leisurely visits or more time at each location, you might find it a bit rushed. Still, the tour’s efficiency maximizes the variety of tastings and sights in just eight hours.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers, foodies, or travelers who want a hassle-free, curated experience of Yarra Valley’s best without worrying about transport logistics or planning.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with tastings, lunch, and transportation
• Small group size enhances intimacy and personalized attention
• Diverse stops cover sparkling wine, reds, ciders, and gin
• Expert guides known for their friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation
• Good value for money considering the variety and quality of tastings

The Itinerary Breakdown

Domaine Chandon: Sparkling Wine at the “Queen of Sparkling”

Starting the day at Domaine Chandon, you’ll taste some of Australia’s finest sparkling wines. This is the highlight for many, thanks to the world-class reputation of Chandon and its beautiful vineyard setting. The experience includes sampling various sparkling wine styles, and the guides share insights into how champagne-style wines are made, plus a bit of the winery’s history.

Reviewers mention that the visit is about two hours long with an included admission ticket, giving enough time to savor the wines and take some photos of the scenic vineyards. One guest described it as “slick and polished,” emphasizing the professionalism and quality of their operation.

Yering Farm Wines: Rustic Charm and Bold Flavors

Next, the tour stops at Yering Farm Wines, a boutique producer renowned for its bold wines and apple ciders. The location offers stunning panoramic views and a cozy, rustic feel that many find charming. Here, you’ll get a chance to taste a range of wines and cider, and learn about the boutique wine-making process from friendly staff.

From reviews, people appreciate this stop for its informality and authenticity, with one guest noting the great views for miles. With about an hour allocated, it’s a perfect short interlude that allows for relaxed tasting and photos.

Yering Station: Historic Vineyards and Fine Pinot Noir

Yering Station is Victoria’s first vineyard, and it still commands respect for its historic significance and quality wines. Known for its Pinot Noir, this stop offers a 45-minute tasting session where you’ll sample a variety of wines in a setting that feels both elegant and rooted in tradition.

Guests often praise the diverse wine options and the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer highlights that the winery is the “home of Victorias first vineyard,” making it a meaningful visit for those interested in wine history.

Stag Lane Farm Distillery: Boutique Gin Experience

A highlight for gin aficionados is the visit to Stag Lane Farm Distillery. Here, you’ll sample small batch gins crafted from ingredients grown onsite. The intimate setting allows for detailed tastings and conversations with the distillers, who often share stories about their process and produce.

Guests rave about the boutique, handcrafted gins, and the small batch approach adds a special touch to the experience. The one-hour stop provides enough time to appreciate the nuances of each gin, making it a unique part of the tour.

Kangaroo Ground: The “Kangaroo Safari”

On the return journey to Melbourne, the tour offers a 30-minute stop at Kangaroo Ground for a guaranteed sighting of many kangaroos hopping around in their natural habitat. Many reviews mention this as a surprise highlight, with visitors excited to see these iconic Australian animals in the wild.

The free stop is brief but well worth it for those wanting to add a bit of Aussie wildlife to their day.

The Experience: Transportation and Group Size

One of the tour’s most praised aspects is the convenient pickup and drop-off service, which takes the stress out of travelling to the Yarra Valley. The guide, Craig, is often singled out for his local knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility.

The tour operates with a maximum of 11 travelers—meaning you’ll likely enjoy a cozy, personable atmosphere compared to large bus tours. The mobile ticket system simplifies entry, with downloadable tickets eliminating paper worries, and the timing (starts at 11:30 am) allows for a relaxed start.

Reviewers mention that Craig often goes above and beyond, even tailoring the experience when possible, and keeps the mood light with stories and local insights.

Value for Money

At around $191.61 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. With multiple tastings, a Champagne lunch at Chandon, and scenic stops, you’re getting access to high-quality experiences you might pay more for individually. Many reviews highlight how the diversity of tastings—from sparkling wine to cider to gin—makes the price worthwhile.

Plus, the small group size enhances the experience, giving each guest more attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for wine and foodies who want a curated, guided day in Yarra Valley. It suits those who appreciate a personal touch, enjoy tasting a variety of drinks, and prefer not to worry about logistics.

It’s also perfect for travelers seeking an authentic glimpse of the region’s craftsmanship, with plenty of opportunities for photos, learning, and enjoying scenic views.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, keep in mind that the itinerary is quite packed, so expect a full day with limited time at each stop. If you’re more of a slow traveler who prefers longer tastings or exploring on your own, this might feel a little rushed.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is accessible via public transportation to the starting point in Melbourne.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 11:30 am and returning to Melbourne afterward.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are provided, making travel seamless and stress-free.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers all tastings—sparkling wine at Chandon, wines at Yering Farm and Yering Station, gins at Stag Lane, plus a Champagne lunch—and transportation.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine and gin tastings, the scenic stops and wildlife viewing can appeal to non-drinkers, and children may enjoy the kangaroo safari. However, the tour primarily caters to adults.

How many people are in each group?
Maximum group size is 11, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of personal attention from your guide.

Can I customize the experience?
Guides like Craig are known for being flexible and accommodating, so you might be able to tweak the day slightly if you communicate beforehand.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable.

Final Thoughts

This Yarra Valley wine and gin tour with a Champagne lunch at Chandon offers a rich, well-rounded experience wrapped in convenience and small-group charm. The diverse stops mean you’ll get a taste of everything—sparkling wines, reds, ciders, and boutique gins—paired with scenic views and engaging stories from guides like Craig, who clearly love sharing their local knowledge.

The value is undeniable, especially considering the quality of the tastings, the inclusions, and the personalized service. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a curious foodie, or someone wanting a stress-free introduction to Victoria’s premier wine region, this tour ticks many boxes.

If you’re after a day of quality tastings, picturesque scenery, and expert guidance, this experience is hard to beat. Be prepared for a full day of enjoyment, and you’ll likely come away with new favorites and delightful memories of Yarra Valley.