Chandon and gin in one day. This Yarra Valley wine and gin day trip packs a Champagne brunch at Domaine Chandon with a small-group route through cellar doors, plus tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy and the Chocolaterie. I love that you don’t need a rental car or a designated driver to get the full experience.

I also love the range of what you taste: sparkling wines at Chandon, bold wine and apple cider at Yering Farm, Pinot Noir at Yering Station, and small-batch gin at Stag Lane Farm Distillery. It’s the kind of lineup that keeps things fun even if you’re not a hardcore wine person.

One thing to consider: with an ~8-hour day, you won’t get unlimited time at each stop. If you want long, slow wandering at one property, this packed schedule may feel a bit tight.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Champagne lunch at Chandon with sparkling wine and h’ordeuvres
• Small-group touring (max 11) for a more personal tasting flow
• Wine + gin variety across multiple cellar doors and a working distillery
• Tasting stops for dairy and chocolate on the same day
• Kangaroo Safari stop on the way back, with lots of chances to spot kangaroos

From Melbourne pickup to Yarra Valley rhythm: the no-car advantage

A Yarra Valley day is better when you’re not fighting traffic, parking, or “how much did we drink?” math. This tour keeps it simple: you start around 11:30 am from the Federation Square pickup area, and the day ends back at the meeting point area.

You’re also told that pickup and return from your accommodation is part of the plan. In real life, that usually means you’re not stuck hauling yourself across town before the fun starts.

And because the tour uses mobile tickets (downloadable, no paper fuss), you can focus on the important stuff: getting settled, grabbing a water bottle, and enjoying the drive into the valley.

Champagne lunch at Chandon: what you’re really paying for

Chandon is the anchor stop for a reason. You get a Champagne brunch at the winery, with sparkling wine and h’ordeuvres included. Even if you’re not chasing bubbles for sport, Chandon’s style makes the lunch feel like an event, not a rushed snack.

This is where the day’s tone sets: polished tasting room energy, good pacing, and a chance to try sparkling wines in a proper winery setting. I like that you’re not just tasting later in the afternoon after you’re tired from transit—you start with a full, bubbly breakfast-lunch vibe that actually lands.

Practical note: Chandon tastings can be affected by seasonal closures. One past December departure had tastings closed at Chandon, so if Chandon is the whole point of your trip, it’s smart to double-check close to travel.

Domaine Chandon tastings: learning the difference between styles

After brunch, you spend time tasting sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon. The experience isn’t just sip-and-go. You’re set up to sample different sparkling styles and you also learn about the history and production of champagne before moving on.

That champagne education matters because it changes how you taste. Instead of guessing, you start noticing things like how producers shape flavor through the production process. You leave with a better vocabulary for what you like—dry versus fuller styles, lighter fruit versus more structured profiles.

From what I’ve seen in similar tours, this is also where a good host makes a big difference. The hosts on this tour tend to steer the day between facts and fun—sharing stories when it helps, then giving you room to enjoy the scenery or just relax in the van.

Yering Farm Wines: apple cider, country views, and a slower beat

Next up is Yering Farm Wines. This stop is known for rustic charm and views that stretch out for miles. The tasting mix includes bold wines and apple cider, which is a welcome change if you’ve spent the morning strictly in wine mode.

If you’re curious about non-wine options, cider here is a big part of the appeal. It also helps break up the day’s pace because cider pairs well with casual conversation and lighter tasting notes.

One nice detail: the vibe at Yering Farm feels outdoorsy and open. If the weather cooperates, you’ll likely feel like you’re in the middle of the valley instead of on a strict schedule.

Yering Station: Pinot Noir at Victoria’s first vineyard

Yering Station brings a more historic feel to the day. You’ll find tastings at this winery tied to Victoria’s first vineyard, plus a focus on wines like Pinot Noir.

This stop is shorter than the others, so it helps to go in with a simple game plan: ask the host what to try first, then pick one or two you want to understand more deeply. With limited time, that’s how you avoid tasting dozens of pours without really remembering what you liked.

The upside of a shorter stop is energy. You get a meaningful slice of Yering Station without dragging the day out. For most people, that keeps the whole day enjoyable instead of exhausting.

Stag Lane Farm Distillery gin tasting: small-batch taste, big laughs

Then you pivot from vines to spirits at Stag Lane Farm Distillery. This is where you sample a range of gins from a boutique, small-batch producer.

The distillery’s approach matters: the gins are made from produce grown on site. That gives the tastings a grounded, farm-to-bottle story rather than just a collection of labels.

This stop can be a fun mood shift. In past days, hosts have kept the energy high—one group even ended up singing along to ABBA in the van after the gin tasting. That’s not the reason to book, but it’s a strong sign the hosts know how to keep the day feeling light.

If you’re the type who likes comparing botanicals, this is the perfect time to take notes. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll remember the flavor differences longer than you think.

Yarra Valley Dairy and Chocolaterie: the sweet, creamy detour that works

This tour doesn’t ignore the things that make the Yarra Valley fun beyond alcohol. You also stop for tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

At the dairy stop, you might get cheese tastings (including mentions of camembert), which is a great pairing to balance your wine and gin consumption. At the chocolaterie, expect a serious temptation factor—this is the kind of place where people tend to buy more than they planned.

What I like here is timing. The dairy and chocolate stops are a relief valve: instead of another tasting room, you get breaks where food takes center stage. You walk away with flavors that aren’t just “another sip.”

And honestly, if you’re visiting with someone who doesn’t love wine, these stops help keep them engaged. It’s harder to complain when you’re about to try chocolate.

Kangaroo Safari stop: a quick nature moment with real odds

On the way back to Melbourne, you get a Kangaroo Safari stop. The setup is straightforward: you’re guaranteed to see many kangaroos hopping around while they’re out for their evening feed.

It’s only about 30 minutes, so don’t treat it like a wildlife expedition. Treat it like a bonus stop that adds variety to a day otherwise packed with tastings. It’s also a nice break for your body after hours sitting in a van.

Bring your phone for photos, but also keep your eyes up. The best sightings tend to happen when you’re actively scanning, not just framing shots.

Price and value: is $191.61 per person worth it?

At $191.61 per person, this isn’t a budget tour. You’re paying for three things that add up fast in the Yarra Valley: transport, guided tasting access, and a built-in food plan.

Here’s why the math can still work for you:

• You get Chandon lunch with sparkling wine and h’ordeuvres, not just small samples.
• You have multiple tasting stops across four alcohol-focused venues (Chandon, Yering Farm, Yering Station, Stag Lane Farm Distillery).
• You also add non-wine tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy and the Chocolaterie, plus the safari nature break.
• Pickup/return from the Melbourne area means you aren’t paying for a car—or losing vacation time driving between venues.

If you were to recreate this day on your own, you’d likely spend time coordinating transport and reservations, plus you’d still need a plan for the “food + tastings” part of the day. This tour hands you the structure.

The one place to be honest with yourself: because the schedule is tight, the value depends on whether you like variety and motion. If you’re the type who wants slow sipping at one place and zero hopping around, you may prefer a longer, single-winery-style day.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour fits you if you want:

• a wine-and-gin day trip from Melbourne without driving
• a mix of sparkling wine, cider, and gin rather than just one product category
• a small-group setup where you can chat with your host and get guidance on what to try
• food stops that aren’t an afterthought (lunch at Chandon plus dairy and chocolate tastings)

You might skip it if:

• you want lots of time to linger in one cellar door and you hate feeling rushed
• you only care about one style (like only Pinot Noir or only sparkling), because the schedule mixes priorities

The guide factor: why the host can make or break the day

The experience lives and dies with the host. This tour is led by local operators and guides, and names that show up for past groups include Craig, Mark, Kurt, and Stephen.

What people consistently like about these hosts is the blend of facts and people skills. You’re likely to hear stories about the valley, plus practical guidance while you’re tasting. You’ll also see flexibility—one group mentioned that their guide adapted the day for their preferences while still hitting the main stops.

Also, hosts sometimes bring little touches that make the day easier. Water, small snacks like chocolate, and a comfortable van setup can turn a long day into a smooth one.

The day is still a tasting loop, but a good host makes it feel like a day with someone who knows the valley rather than a strict bus itinerary.

Should you book this Yarra Valley wine and gin tour?

I’d book it if you want a fun, guided Melbourne day trip that mixes bubbles, wine, cider, gin, and food stops into one organized day. The Champagne brunch at Chandon is the centerpiece, and the rest of the stops keep the variety going without forcing you to drive.

I’d hesitate if you need unhurried time at one location. With about 8 hours, it’s designed for variety, not for slow wandering.

If you’re excited about Chandon sparkling, enjoy tasting multiple styles, and want the valley experience without the logistics headaches, this tour is a strong match. If you’re mostly a one-style person, consider a more focused tour instead.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The tour starts at 11:30 am and runs for about 8 hours.

Is lunch included, and what’s served at Chandon?

Yes. You get a Champagne lunch/brunch at Domaine Chandon with sparkling wine and h’ordeuvres included.

Which places do you visit for tastings?

You’ll visit Domaine Chandon, Yering Farm Wines, Yering Station, and Stag Lane Farm Distillery for tastings. You also include tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, plus a Kangaroo Safari stop.

How does pickup work in Melbourne?

The tour includes pick-up and return from your accommodation. The listed meeting point is the Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone in Melbourne, and the activity ends back at the meeting point area.

How many people are in the group?

This experience has a maximum group size of 11 travelers.

What’s the cancellation refund window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.