A full day of tastings starts early in Melbourne. This Yarra Valley Food Wine and Gin Tour strings together a scenic guided drive and multiple guided tasting stops in a small group (max 20), with a modern, air-conditioned vehicle to keep the day comfortable. You’ll also get commentary as you head out from the city toward the Yarra and Dandenong ranges.

I especially like the way the tour builds in real variety: Hubert Estate includes a guided wine tasting plus a complimentary bottle of wine to take home (for adults). Then you finish with the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, where you get to sample 12 uniquely Australian chocolates alongside a closer look at how the chocolate is made.

One thing to consider: gin is not part of the base price. If you want it, you’ll pay an opt-in fee at Rochford ($25 for a tasting of 4 gins), and the overall schedule is busy enough that you may feel a bit rushed at the later stops.

Key highlights I think are worth your attention

• Small group (up to 20) keeps the day from feeling like cattle herding.
• Hubert Estate take-home bottle turns tastings into an actual souvenir.
• Rochford lunch + tasting gives you a real midday break, not just samples.
• Yarra Farm Fresh strawberries and fruit tasting is a fun palate reset before wine.
• Chocolaterie show + tasting of 12 chocolates scratches the sweet-tooth itch properly.
• Gin tasting is optional at added cost, so plan based on your priorities.

How the tour works from Melbourne’s Federation Square

This day trip starts at 8:15 am at the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia) in Federation Square. You’re back at the same meeting point at the end of the tour, which makes it simple—no complicated transfers or guessing where your bus will drop you off.

You ride in a modern vehicle with air-conditioning, and you’ll get an informative commentary during the drive out to the valley and back. That matters because the Yarra Valley isn’t just “pretty hills.” It’s a working food and wine region with distinct pockets of scenery, and the narration helps you connect the dots as you pass through Melbourne suburbs and toward the ranges.

The mobile ticket is handy for a smooth check-in, and the group size (max 20) is one of the reasons this tour works so well for people who don’t want a giant, noisy bus experience.

Scenic drive through the Yarra and Dandenong areas

Early in the day, you’ll spend about an hour enjoying the drive while the guide shares context along the way. You’ll pass through parts of Melbourne before the scenery opens up along the Yarra and Dandenong ranges.

This isn’t a “stay on the bus” segment. The whole point is to set the stage for what you’re going to taste later. You get those sweeping valley views while you’re still fresh, and you arrive at the first stop with the right mood—hungry, curious, and not already exhausted.

If you’re the type who likes to understand where you are, this narration is a quiet win. If you prefer silence, you can tune out and just enjoy the views.

Yarra Farm Fresh: fruit tasting with strawberries

The first actual tasting stop is Yarra Farm Fresh, with a guided fruit tasting experience that includes strawberries. It runs about 25 minutes, which is a smart length: long enough for it to feel like a guided experience, short enough that you’re not stuck there while the rest of the day moves along.

I like that this stop works as a palate reset before wine. Fruit is bright and fresh. Wine is a different world—drier, heavier, slower on the tongue. Starting with strawberries and local fruit makes it easier to appreciate what comes next.

Also, if you’re someone who doesn’t want only alcohol-centric tourism, this is a welcome early check-in on local produce. You get snacks and bottled water during the day, so you can stay comfortable between tastings.

Hubert Estate: four Yarra Valley wines and a take-home bottle

At Hubert Estate, you’ll get an informative wine tasting lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes. The big value here is 4 distinctly Yarra Valley wines, plus a complimentary bottle of wine to take home.

That take-home bottle is the part that turns this from a simple drinking day into something with a lasting souvenir. It’s also a great way to bring a piece of the region back to your own kitchen table, even if you don’t plan to buy extra bottles on-site.

One practical note: the tour specifies +18 only for the take-home bottle. So if you’re traveling with mixed ages, it’s worth remembering that the alcohol-related parts are restricted.

Rochford Wines: lunch, guided tasting, and the optional gin add-on

Rochford Wines Yarra Valley is your lunch location (about a 2-hour window). This is an award-winning winery, and it’s also known for hosting major musical acts. That cocktail of wine-and-culture energy makes the stop feel more than just a tasting room.

You’ll have a guided wine tasting there, and then you’ll eat lunch. The tour description indicates a gourmet lunch with wine included, but you also have options:

• You can upgrade on the day to a gourmet winery lunch with a glass of wine.
• Or you can order from the venue’s à la carte menu.

Now, about the gin: this is where the tour name can be a little misleading. Gin tasting is not included in the standard price. If you want it, it’s an opt-in add-on at Rochford—$25 for tasting of 4 gins.

So ask yourself honestly: do you want gin, or do you mostly want wine? If gin is a must, budget for the extra cost in advance. If gin is a “maybe,” you can decide once you see how the day’s tastings are landing in your body and taste buds.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: 12 chocolates and chef craft

The final tasting stop is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, with about an hour on the schedule. This is the sweet finish that makes the whole tour feel like a full “food day,” not just wine logistics.

You’ll get to witness chocolate chefs preparing and making chocolate, which turns the experience from passive tasting into something you can watch in real time. Then you’ll do a guided chocolate tasting with samples of 12 uniquely Australian chocolates.

The overview also notes complimentary samples, which is ideal late in the day—by this point you want variety and comfort, not another heavy wine session. And the ice cream element is a nice bridge between “rich chocolate” and “one last treat.”

If you have a sweet tooth, this is your payoff. If you don’t, the chocolate tasting is still a fun way to experience a different side of the region without spending money on separate stops.

Price and value: what $82.48 buys you in real terms

At $82.48 per person, this tour looks like a bargain when you tally what’s included. You’re paying for a full day with:

• Scenic driving with commentary
• Guided fruit tasting (including strawberries)
• Wine tastings at multiple vineyards
• A complimentary bottle of wine from Hubert Estate (+18)
• Snacks and bottled water
• Lunch at Rochford (with wine included per the tour description)
• Guided chocolate tasting with 12 Australian chocolates

Gin tasting is the one clearly separated cost. Since it’s opt-in ($25 for 4 gins), the base price stays more focused on wine, fruit, chocolate, and lunch.

The big question is pacing and inclusion. If you were to try to assemble the same set of stops on your own, you’d spend time figuring out transport, booking tastings, and staying safe with alcohol. The tour cost buys you less stress and more structure—plus tasting experiences that are already set up for you.

One small consideration: if you’re picky about lunch, you may want to decide ahead of time whether you’ll stick with the included option or pay for an upgrade. Some people love the lunch as-is; others prefer customizing the menu based on what day-of feels best.

The pacing: how to enjoy it without feeling rushed

This is a packed day by design—about 8 hours total. That can be great if you want your Yarra trip to feel like a highlight reel. It can feel less great if you want time to linger.

The good news is the stops are varied and guided, so you’re never totally wandering. The stops also have clear time blocks (roughly 1 hour for the initial drive segment, 25 minutes for fruit, 1h15 at Hubert Estate, 2 hours at Rochford for tasting and lunch, and 1 hour at the chocolaterie).

I’d plan for this like a tasting crawl, not like a leisurely countryside picnic. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring sunglasses. And if you’re sensitive to alcohol, pace yourself early so you enjoy the chocolate tasting later instead of just surviving the afternoon.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour is especially good for:

• First-time visitors to Melbourne who want an easy Yarra Valley day without navigation headaches
• People who love both wine and food, not just one
• Sweet-tooth travelers who want chocolate as a real part of the itinerary
• Groups that want a lively guide experience

The guide energy can make a big difference. In this kind of tour, names like Bernie, Rick, Melanie, Dirk, and Victor show up as tour leaders, and the recurring pattern is that the best days combine fun humor with clear guidance through tastings and timing.

Think twice if:

• Gin is your main goal and you want it included by default (you’ll pay extra)
• You dislike tight schedules and prefer one or two wineries max rather than several short stops

Practical tips before you go

A few things I’d do to make this day trip smooth:

• Eat something before the early start if you can. You’ll have snacks on the tour, but tastings still hit faster when you’re running on empty.
• Bring your ID. The take-home bottle is +18 only, so you’ll want no delays if you’re eligible.
• If gin matters to you, decide early whether you’ll do the opt-in tasting at Rochford.
• Keep space in your budget for take-home purchases. The tour includes a complimentary bottle from Hubert Estate, but additional buying is always an option if something really clicks.

Also, you’ll be on the go all day, so keep a light jacket or layer handy. Vehicles are air-conditioned, but temperatures can shift between Melbourne and the valley.

Should you book the Yarra Valley Food Wine and Gin Tour?

Yes—if you want a structured, full-day taste of the Yarra Valley without planning the logistics yourself. This tour earns its value with multiple guided tastings, lunch at Rochford, and a proper chocolate-and-ice-cream finale. The small group size is a real plus for conversation and flow.

Book with a small caveat: don’t expect gin to be included unless you add it at Rochford. If you’re a gin-first traveler, factor in the $25 opt-in fee. If you’re wine-first with a playful sweet tooth, you’ll likely love how the day balances fruit, wineries, lunch, and then chocolate.

If you’re flexible, this is the kind of tour that makes your Melbourne trip feel complete.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Yarra Valley Food Wine and Gin Tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What’s the price per person?

The tour price is $82.48 per person.

Where does the tour start in Melbourne?

The meeting point is the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, Flinders St & Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am.

Is the tour in a small group?

Yes. The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

Are wine tastings included in the tour price?

Yes. Wine tastings are included in the tour price.

Is gin tasting included?

No. Gin tasting is not included in the base price. It’s an opt-in experience at Rochford for $25 for tasting of 4 gins.

Do I get alcohol to take home?

At Hubert Estate, adults (+18 years) receive a complimentary bottle of wine to take home.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included at Rochford, with options available on the day to upgrade or order from the venue’s à la carte menu.

Is there free cancellation?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.