Wine, gin, and chocolate—no driving required. This all-day Yarra Valley tasting route mixes farm-fresh produce with producer visits, and it’s built to remove the logistics headache with included tastings and transfers.

What I like most is the variety packed into one day: strawberries, chocolate, multiple wine tastings, and a gin flight option. I also appreciate the small-group size (max 20), which usually means less shuffling and more time actually talking with staff at each stop.

One real cost consideration: lunch at St Hubert Estate is not included, and extra tastings there (wine/gin/whisky) typically cost more—so your final spend depends on how many add-ons you choose.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, max 20: it’s set up for a calmer pace than big coach tours.
• St Hubert Estate lunch at Quarters: lunch is on your own, but the setting is part of the experience.
• Gin flight is optional, day-dependent: upgrade includes a guided flight with a mixer, at Stag Lane or Four Pillars depending on the day.
• Chocolate tastings can be seriously sweet: you’ll get a guided tasting that can include up to 12 creations at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
• You’ll taste more than wine: Yering Farm includes an apple cider sample alongside wine tastings.
• A limited-time strawberry punnet: you may receive a complimentary punnet per booking while the offer lasts (subject to availability).

Why this Yarra Valley day feels easier than DIY

Yarra Valley is gorgeous, but it can also be a planning trap. With this tour, you trade maps and driving stress for a set route, timed stops, and transfers between Melbourne and the valley.

It’s also designed for people who want a “tasting day” rather than a long, slow winery crawl. You’ll sample across different categories—wineries, gin, chocolate, and seasonal fruit—so you’re not stuck doing the same style of tasting all day.

Getting to the tour: Arts Centre Melbourne Spire at 8:45am

You meet at Arts Centre Melbourne Spire at 8:45am, then the group aims to depart 9:00am sharp. The meeting spot is at the front of the landmark near the cafe stand called Protagonist.

You’ll end back in central Melbourne at ACMI (Federation Square area), with the plan to be back by 5:30pm or earlier. That matters because it keeps your evening open without that last-hour “will we miss the city” feeling.

Morning start: Yarra Farm Fresh and why strawberries set the tone

The day often begins with a fruit-focused stop at Yarra Farm Fresh. You’re there for about 40 minutes, and the main draw is fresh strawberries plus seasonal fruits and local jams.

This is a smart first stop. Tasting wine later can make everything blur together, but starting with fruit and jam gives you a clearer sense of sweetness and acidity before alcohol enters the picture.

Yering Station: iconic Yarra vibes and a classic winery stop

Next up is Yering Station, one of the more iconic Yarra Valley estates. Plan for around 50 minutes there, with hosted wine tastings.

This stop is worth it even if you’re not a hardcore wine nerd. Yering Station is known as the oldest winery in the valley, and that gives the tasting a sense of place, not just a quick pour-and-go moment.

St Hubert Estate lunch at Quarters: what’s included and what isn’t

After the first wave of tastings, you’ll head to St Hubert Estate for lunch. The group goes to Quarters (St Hubert Estate bistro), with lunch time around 11:45am.

Here’s the key financial detail: lunch is not included. You buy what you want, and you can tailor it to your appetite and budget.

That’s also where you’ll find more optional add-ons. Additional tastings at St Hubert Estate—wine, gin, or whisky—usually have an extra fee (often quoted around A$15 per person), so decide what fits your priorities before you order.

Yering Farm Wines: rustic pours with apple cider on the menu

Then comes Yering Farm Wines, usually about 45 minutes. This one feels more rustic, and you’ll do wine tastings plus a refreshing apple cider sample.

I like this stop because it adds variety without adding complexity. If your group includes people who don’t want to overdo wine, cider gives them an easy, lighter option while you still keep moving through the day.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: guided chocolate tasting (up to 12)

Next, you’ll go to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for a guided tasting. Expect about 45 minutes, focused on hand-crafted chocolates, and the tasting can include up to 12 creations.

This is the sweet reset that makes the wine part feel more balanced. After tastings (and especially if you’re doing the gin flight later), chocolate helps your palate reset instead of just getting thicker and heavier.

Gin distillery flight: Stag Lane or Four Pillars (and how timing shifts)

If you choose the full tasting experience, you’ll add a guided gin flight at a distillery. This part is about 45 minutes and includes a mixer, so you’re not just tasting dry gin on its own.

Which distillery you visit depends on the day:

• Stag Lane Distillery on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Four Pillars Distillery on Tuesday and Wednesday

One timing note: if no one in your group chooses the gin distillery option, the tour adjusts the schedule—your final stretch gets extended by about 15 minutes, and the group departs earlier for a smooth return to Melbourne. Practically, it means you still get a decent amount of time before heading back, even if you skip gin.

Price and value: where your $93.24 goes

At $93.24 per person, this tour is priced for a day that includes a lot of tastings plus transport. The big value point is that the tour is set up so you don’t have to pay tasting fees at every stop for the experiences that are included.

The “watch your final cost” part is lunch and add-on tastings at St Hubert Estate. If you keep it simple—skip extra pours there and just do what’s included—you can stay close to the base price. If you add everything, you’ll pay more.

For me, the best value comes from how the day is balanced. You’re not paying mainly for one winery; you’re buying a guided sampler day across multiple producers, plus the convenience of not driving.

The group vibe: guides who actually steer the day

This small-group setup tends to make the day feel more personal. Feedback often praises guides who keep the mood relaxed and fun while still getting everyone to the right place on time.

Names that show up in recent feedback include Shauny, Danny, Stefan, Posi, and Sean. People specifically liked how some guides add personality—like playlists during the drive—and how they keep the whole day flowing without feeling like a rushed factory line.

Also, a few specific highlights pop up: one guide made the gin stop feel educational, and another guided the tasting with extra attention to what people liked (like using the right tonic water). These small details are exactly what you want from a tour day, because they make the tastings feel less generic.

Timing and pacing: what “45 minutes here, 50 minutes there” really means

The day is structured, but it doesn’t have to feel frantic if your expectations are set right. You’re typically dealing with multiple tasting venues plus a lunch stop, and each stop has a planned time window.

That’s ideal if you want variety and don’t mind that every place gets a short, focused visit. If you’re the type who wants to linger over one favorite winery for a long time, you may find the schedule a bit tight—and it helps to keep your must-visit list realistic.

There’s also a venue-swap possibility. One example from past operation: sometimes a dairy or cheese-style stop can be replaced with a strawberry farm visit depending on the day. The tour also notes that some wineries can change based on circumstances, so expect a small amount of flexibility in what you see.

Comfort tips: heat, stairs, and how to pack

Yarra Valley can be hot and sunny in summer, especially once you combine daytime heat with tastings. I’d plan for sunscreen, water, and light layers you can manage during winery queues and outdoor stretches.

Also, the tour isn’t suitable for mobility issues tied to climbing stairs, because some venues can’t accommodate wheelchairs or limited mobility needs. If mobility is a concern for you, it’s worth checking before you book.

And yes, pack for tastings: comfortable shoes for winery grounds, and a bag you’re okay with carrying for chocolate and any bottles you might buy afterward.

Who should book this tour?

Book it if you want:

• A one-day sampler of Yarra Valley producers (wine + gin + chocolate + fruit)
• A small group (max 20) and easy transfers from Melbourne
• A day that includes a stop for non-wine people in your group, like the chocolate tasting and the strawberries start

Skip it if:

• You want a very slow, in-depth winery-only day
• You need accessibility accommodations related to stairs at multiple venues
• You’re extremely price-sensitive and plan to add lots of extras at St Hubert Estate

Should you book this Yarra Valley Wine + Chocolate + Gin tour?

I think it’s a solid choice when your goal is variety with minimal hassle. For most people, the value comes from the combination of transport convenience, included tasting fees for the planned experiences, and the mix of stops that keep the day interesting.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my practical way to decide: if you’re excited about chocolate plus strawberries and you’ll likely do at least one of the tastings beyond wine (gin upgrade or cider), the tour fits your day. If you mostly want one or two wineries and long stays, you’ll probably be happier with a more winery-focused plan.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

You meet at Arts Centre Melbourne Spire at 8:45am, and the group aims to depart at 9:00am sharp.

Where do I meet and where do I end?

Meet at Arts Centre Melbourne Spire (Southbank). Return is to ACMI, near Federation Square on Flinders Street.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is the gin tasting included?

Gin is optional. If you upgrade to the full tasting experience, you get a guided gin flight with a mixer at the distillery stop.

Which gin distillery will I visit?

It depends on the day: Stag Lane Distillery is visited on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, while Four Pillars Distillery is visited on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at St Hubert Estate (at Quarters) is at your own expense.

Are tastings included in the tour price?

The tour includes tasting fees for the included tasting experiences, and tastings at certain additional spots (like St Hubert Estate) may require extra payment.

Do I get strawberries on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a strawberry farm (Yarra Farm Fresh) for fresh strawberries and seasonal fruit and jams. A complimentary punnet of strawberries may also be included per booking while the limited-time offer is available.

Can children join?

Children aged 4 to 17 are welcome, but they will not be served alcoholic tastings.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to extreme weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.