Sparkling wine, gin, and easy pickup. This is a full Yarra Valley day that mixes Chandon’s bubbles with a couple of different wine styles plus a farm gin stop, all without hiring a car.

I like the way the schedule is built around actual tastings (not just driving past wineries), starting with a Champagne-style brunch at Domaine Chandon. I also love that the tour runs as a small group, with a max of 11 travelers, so you get more time per stop and less rushing.

One thing to consider: the day is packed into about 8 hours, so if you like to linger for long chats at each cellar door, you may feel the pace.

Key highlights at a glance

• Chandon Champagne Lunch: sparkling wine styles paired with h’ordeuvres in a polished setting
• Small group feel: maximum of 11 travelers for a more personal tasting pace
• Mix of producers: from sparkling-focused Chandon to rustic cider-and-wine at Yering Farm
• Real gin at Stag Lane Farm Distillery: small-batch styles using produce grown on site
• Quick return nature stop: the free “Kangaroo Safari” with a good chance to see kangaroos hopping about
• No paper headaches: downloadable mobile tickets and straightforward check-in

Why this Yarra Valley tour is built for people who hate driving

Melbourne to the Yarra Valley can be a breeze or a headache, depending on how you handle transport. This tour solves the big problems for you: you get pick-up and return from your accommodation, and you don’t need to plot roads, parking, or a sober-driving plan.

You also get a modern, low-friction check-in. With the downloadable mobile ticket, you’re not juggling paper vouchers during a day that’s already moving. The start point is clear too: Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone, with a 11:30 am start.

Chandon’s sparkling brunch: more than just a meal

The day kicks off at Domaine Chandon with a champagne-style brunch that includes sparkling wine tastings and h’ordeuvres. This is a smart first stop because it sets the theme early: sparkling wine is the star here, and you get to sample different styles rather than just one pour.

Chandon also tends to come with story and context tied to how sparkling wine is made and why it matters. Even if you’re not chasing nerdy details, it helps you taste with intent. You’ll understand what you’re looking for—structure, texture, and style—so the tastings elsewhere in the valley make more sense.

What to watch for: the group timing is tight by design, and you’ll have a set block for the experience. If sparkling wine is your main goal, go in hungry and pace yourself—this is tastings plus food, and you’ll want to enjoy both instead of rushing the table.

Yering Farm Wines: rustic charm, apples, and big-view tasting

After Chandon, you head to Yering Farm Wines for about 1 hour. This stop is a nice change of pace because it leans into the “farm day” feel: rustic charm, wide views, and a tasting mix that includes bold wine styles plus apple cider.

If you love variety, this is a great moment in the day. The cider option is especially useful when you want something different from the classic wine lineup, without derailing the flow of tastings. The views also give you a chance to reset between pours—take in the valley scenery and regroup before you hit the next historic cellar.

Small caution: you’re still on a timed program, so don’t assume you’ll have time for a long wander around the grounds. If there’s a view you want to catch on camera, do it early in the stop.

Yering Station: a historic winery and Pinot Noir focus

Next is Yering Station, with 45 minutes for tastings. This winery brings history into the equation—it’s described as the home of Victoria’s first vineyard—so the vibe is less about farm-style casual and more about heritage and classic wine making.

It’s also a particularly good stop if you care about Pinot Noir. You’ll get to sample across a wider range of wines here, but Pinot Noir is singled out as one of the headline draws. If your palate tends to run toward lighter reds, this stop can be the one that clicks right away.

How to make this part count: because the window is shorter, go with a tasting approach. Pick a direction you’re curious about (something red-focused or something style-comparison related), then ask questions based on what you’re tasting in that moment rather than trying to cover everything at once.

Stag Lane Farm Distillery: small-batch gin from on-site produce

Then you switch from cellar doors to spirits at Stag Lane Farm Distillery for about 1 hour. This is where the tour earns its name, because you’re not just tasting wine—you’re sampling gin made in small batches from produce grown on site.

That “grown on site” detail matters for gin tasting. It points to ingredients being part of the character, so you’re more likely to notice differences between botanicals and how each gin balances the citrus, spice, and herbal notes. Even if you don’t know gin styles well, you can still taste the logic behind the recipes.

One fun thing I’d expect on this kind of day: a shift in energy after wine tastings. Past departures included playful in-van moments (like ABBA singing after the gin stop). It’s not why you book—but it does tell you the host team tends to keep the day light while still guiding you through the tastings.

The free Kangaroo Safari stop on the way back

On the return to Melbourne, you stop in the Kangaroo Ground area for a quick 30 minutes “Kangaroo Safari.” The promise here is straightforward: you’re guaranteed to see many kangaroos hopping around in search of their evening feed.

This stop is valuable for two reasons. First, it breaks up the travel back to the city with something you can’t replicate in Melbourne. Second, it gives you a natural pause after a full day of tastings—fresh air, open sightlines, and time to decompress.

Practical tip: keep your phone/camera ready for sudden movement. When you see the first group, don’t spend the next minute fumbling with settings. Just take the shot and enjoy the moment.

Group size and pacing: what you gain, what you might wish were slower

This trip is capped at 11 travelers, which is one of its biggest strengths. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re in line versus feeling like you’re part of a day that’s timed for people, not for crowds.

The pacing also makes sense for what’s included: four paid tasting stops (Chandon, Yering Farm, Yering Station, and Stag Lane) plus the free kangaroo safari. That adds up to a full 8-hour outing, starting at 11:30 am.

The possible drawback is simply time pressure. Some people want more time at each place, and the truth is the schedule doesn’t cater to lingering forever. If you’re the type who loves slow travel and long conversations, consider whether you’d be happier with fewer stops and more hours at one cellar door.

Price and value: why $191.61 can make sense

At $191.61 per person, you’re paying for a lot more than transportation. The tour includes admissions for the main tasting stops: Domaine Chandon (2 hours), Yering Farm (1 hour), Yering Station (45 minutes), and Stag Lane Farm Distillery (1 hour). The Chandon portion is also a full Champagne brunch with sparkling wine tastings and h’ordeuvres.

Add in the fact that you get pick-up and return from your accommodation, and this becomes a “one price, one plan” day. In the Yarra Valley, that value often shows up when you compare the cost of piecing together tickets, transport, and tasting reservations on your own—especially without a car.

You’re also buying the small-group dynamic. A max of 11 people means fewer delays and more attention at the tasting counters, which is where the experience often turns from nice to memorable.

Hosts and vibes: the guides make the day run smoothly

A highlight that comes up again and again is how the host shapes the mood and pace of the day. On past departures, guides such as Craig, Kurt, Mark, and Stephen have led groups. Craig is noted as doing the tour personally when you book, which can matter if you care about a consistent style and local instincts.

From the practical side, one review-style detail that stood out: water and chocolate were provided to keep things comfortable through multiple tastings. That’s exactly the kind of small support that makes a tasting day feel more like a planned outing and less like a long sprint.

Who should book this Yarra Valley wine and gin day trip

Book it if you want a day that feels like a “best-of” sampler—sparkling wine, farm cider-and-wine, Pinot Noir at a historic vineyard, and gin—with pickup from Melbourne and a small group cap.

It’s also a great fit for couples and friends who want to taste broadly without turning the day into logistics work. If you like both wine and spirits, the Stag Lane gin stop is the perfect middle-of-the-day anchor.

You might choose something else if you’re already a serious wine collector and want deep, slow, single-vineyard sessions. This tour is designed to give you variety and momentum, not unlimited time at one producer.

Should you book it?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a fun, structured Yarra Valley day with Chandon as your centerpiece, plus enough variety to keep your palate interested. The value comes from bundling transport, admissions, and a proper champagne brunch into one price.

The main reason not to book would be if you know you need long time blocks at each stop. With an 8-hour schedule and several tasting windows, you’ll be guided through a lot of highlights—so it’s best for people who are happy with a well-paced day.

If you’re planning around your favorite producer, it’s worth double-checking that Chandon tastings are operating on your specific date, since closures have happened at least once in past timing.

In short: if you want a single-day plan that’s easy from Melbourne and heavy on tastings, this is the kind of tour that makes the valley feel very close—even when you’re not renting a car.

FAQ

How long is the Yarra Valley wine and gin tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The start time is 11:30 am, and the meeting point is Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone in Melbourne.

Is pick-up and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes pick-up and return from your accommodation.

What’s included with the Chandon stop?

You’ll enjoy a Champagne Lunch at Domaine Chandon, with sparkling wine tastings and h’ordeuvres. Chandon is the first stop and lasts about 2 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

Do I need paper tickets?

No. Check-in is breezy with downloadable mobile tickets, and you don’t need to keep track of paper.

Can I see kangaroos during the tour?

Yes. On the way back, there’s a free “Kangaroo Safari” stop with a guarantee you’ll see many kangaroos.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.