From Melbourne to the vineyards, it’s a smooth, well-timed wine day. I like that it balances major names with smaller producers, so you get variety without feeling rushed. The main trade-off is it’s a full 10-hour day, so plan for a long, happy stretch away from the city.

I also love the way the route is built around tasting moments that actually make sense: a cheese and wine start at De Bortoli, a special lunch stop at Yering Station, then two more vineyards that show the Yarra Valley’s range. If you’re the type who likes personal attention, this tour’s small-group approach is a real plus. One more consideration: the day runs on a smart casual dress code, and sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Small-group pacing that keeps the day feeling personal instead of mechanical
• Four vineyard styles in one run—from classic Chardonnay/Pinot to smaller-batch personalities
• Yering Station lunch with views plus an a la carte main and wine
• Cheese-and-wine at De Bortoli to start your palate on the right note
• Two smaller producers after lunch for contrast: Payten & Jones and Medhurst
• A flexible vineyard swap on Tue/Wed if Medhurst is closed

The Melbourne-to-Yarra Valley drive (and why timing matters)

This tour runs for 10 hours total, with hotel pickup in East Melbourne, Southbank, Fitzroy, or Melbourne City. Drop-off is back in those same areas. The ride itself is a big part of the experience—this is a north-east trip through bushy suburbs toward the Yarra Valley—so expect the guide to help you get oriented as you head out.

You’ll travel by bus/coach, and the transport consistently scores well for comfort and organization. Just remember that this is a single-day rhythm: you’ll have tastings and lunch lined up so you can taste without waiting forever.

One practical note: pickup may be easiest at or near the city. If your accommodation is outside the CBD, you might need to meet closer to central Melbourne, since pickup from far out won’t always be possible. Also, no oversize luggage, and the dress code is smart casual (no singlets/thongs).

De Bortoli Vineyard at Dixons Creek: cheese pairing to set the tone

The day begins with an elegant start at De Bortoli Vineyard in Dixons Creek. Before you even get to the full Yarra Valley “view and photo” moments, you’ll do a wine and cheese pairing—a smart palate warm-up.

Here’s why this stop works for me: it gives you an early reference point. When you start tasting later at different producers, you’ll notice how styles shift with region, elevation, and winemaking choices. If you’re new to wine, cheese pairings are an easy way to understand why certain flavors work together without needing wine jargon.

You’ll also get morning nibbles, plus bottled water throughout the day. That little “fuel” piece matters on a 10-hour tour, especially if you plan to taste multiple pours across the afternoon.

Yering Station: the 1859 winery, art, and an a la carte lunch with wine

The centerpiece stop is Yering Station, the site of the first vineyard in the Yarra Valley dating to 1838. You’ll taste their estate wines in the original winery building, which dates to circa 1859. There’s also local produce and artwork onsite, so it’s not only about pouring wine—it’s about atmosphere.

This is where the tour earns its reputation. You don’t just get “lunch included.” You get a la carte main course dining at their restaurant, with a world-class view and a selection that includes a glass of wine. After the tasting, it’s a reset—walk, look around, and then settle in for a meal where you actually get choices.

From a value perspective, this stop is doing heavy lifting. Your lunch includes the main course plus wine, and the schedule gives you time to eat properly. That’s often what separates a satisfying winery day from a rushed one.

My practical advice: wear something comfortable for sitting with a view. The day is long, and you’ll likely spend a chunk of time indoors and outdoors. Also, keep your smart casual setup simple—this is a vineyard restaurant, not a nightclub.

Payten & Jones: smaller-batch wine with personality (and variety)

After lunch, the tour changes pace with Payten & Jones, a smaller producer known for making approachable wines in small batches. This is a great “different voice” stop after the more iconic Yarra Valley name at Yering Station.

Based on what’s described for this tour, you’ll get familiar styles like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus options such as Syrah and some Mediterranean varietals. If you usually order by habit at restaurants—white, then red—this is where you can let your curiosity widen.

This stop also works if you care about how producers express individuality without going full experimental. It’s the kind of tasting that helps you answer real questions like: do you like a chardonnay that feels buttery and rich, or something more crisp? Do you want pinot that leans bright, or deeper and earthier?

Medhurst Vineyard (and the Tue/Wed swap): family-run and understated

Next up is Medhurst Vineyard, a family-owned place established in 1999. The vineyard is about 35 acres in the foothills of the Warramate Ranges, and the tasting focuses on a small selection of elegant table wines.

What I like about Medhurst as a final tasting block is that it tends to feel more “human-scale.” The Yarra Valley can be big-name famous, but this kind of vineyard stop brings you closer to how wine is made when it’s not chasing mass-market consistency.

There’s one important scheduling detail: Medhurst isn’t open on Tue and Wed. On those days, the tour visits a substitute instead—options listed include Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge Vineyards. So your exact experience might change depending on the day you go, but you’ll still get that “smaller, distinct character” feel.

Wine tasting reality: how to enjoy four vineyards without getting sloppy

The tour structure is built for tasting. You’ll spend time at each place—about 45 minutes at the first, another 45 minutes at the next, and another 45 minutes, then about 1 hour later in the day. Lunch is 1.5 hours.

That timing is useful because it keeps you from feeling trapped at one table for too long. But it also means you should pace your sipping.

Here’s how I’d do it to get the most out of the day:

• Take a few minutes at each tasting to decide what you’re trying to learn, like flavor differences or which reds you prefer.
• Use the water that’s provided. Don’t wait until you feel it.
• If you’re buying bottles, consider taking notes on what you loved while it’s still fresh. (You’ll thank yourself later.)

And remember: the minimum drinking age is 18, and the day is smart casual. Bring a calm attitude. Winery tours go best when you’re in “slow down and notice” mode, not “race to the next pour.”

Price and value: why $219 can feel fair on this schedule

At $219 per person for a 10-hour small-group wine day, you’re paying for more than bus transport. This tour includes:

• City hotel pickup
• Wine tastings (multiple vineyards)
• Morning nibbles
• A main course a la carte lunch at Yering Station
• A glass of wine and coffee at Yering Station
• A cheese platter at De Bortoli
• Guide support throughout
• Bottled water

So the real question isn’t just the headline price. It’s whether the included food and tasting time make it worth it versus piecing together tastings yourself.

In my view, it leans good value because you’re getting a full meal with wine at the most notable venue on the route, plus structured tastings across multiple producers. If you’ve ever tried to build a Yarra Valley day solo, you know how quickly costs add up once you factor in tastings, transport, and eating without a plan.

What’s not included is also clear: any personal purchases. If you want bottles, add that budget on top.

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

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a guided day without planning every stop
• like a mix of classic Yarra Valley grapes and smaller-producer style
• enjoy food paired with wine, not just wine tastings on repeat
• prefer small-group energy where you can ask questions

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and you’ll need to follow the dress code rules (smart casual, no sandals/flip-flops, no singlets/thongs). Also, it’s a long day, so if you want a short half-day taste, you might be happier with something less time-intensive.

Should you book Yarra Valley: Winery Tour with Lunch at Yering Station?

I’d book it if you want one organized day that hits the Yarra Valley essentials: a classic producer and an iconic lunch stop, then two more vineyards that help you see beyond just Chardonnay and Pinot labels.

If your goal is maximum bottles at the lowest price, this may not be the best match. But if your goal is a smooth, structured day where you get proper tastings plus a memorable a la carte lunch with a glass of wine, it’s a very reasonable way to do it.

FAQ

How long is the Yarra Valley winery tour with lunch?

The tour lasts 10 hours.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup is available in East Melbourne, Southbank, Fitzroy, or Melbourne City. Drop-off is in Fitzroy, Melbourne City, East Melbourne, or Southbank.

Which wineries are visited, and what if Medhurst is closed?

The tour includes tastings at De Bortoli Vineyard (Dixons Creek), Yering Station, Payten & Jones, and Medhurst Vineyard. On Tue & Wed, Medhurst may not be open, and the tour visits Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge Vineyards instead.

What’s included in lunch at Yering Station?

Lunch at Yering Station is a la carte, with you selecting your main course, plus a glass of wine. You also get coffee at Yering Station.

Is there cheese included on the tour?

Yes. You’ll have a cheese platter at De Bortoli Vineyard.

Do you get tastings at multiple wineries?

Yes. The tour includes wine tastings at multiple vineyards, with set tasting times throughout the day.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $219 per person.

What is the dress code, and what items aren’t allowed?

The dress code is smart casual. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed, and you should avoid singlets or thongs.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.