Ready for a Yarra Valley tasting day? This tour works because the air-conditioned vehicle takes you between stops while alcohol is included, so you can focus on trying things instead of driving. It’s a full day out of Melbourne, built around wine, chocolate, and the kind of relaxed group energy that makes the hours fly.

I especially like the way the day is structured for comparison. You hit multiple cellar doors, starting with Soumah, so you taste different styles back-to-back and pick up what you actually enjoy. And yes, the day has a dedicated sweet stop: the guided chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is a standout moment.

One thing to consider: the tour name promises gin and whisky, but the day’s guaranteed stops are mainly wine and chocolate. You should also budget for lunch at Hubert Estate, since food is extra beyond what’s included.

Key things to know before you book

• Meet-up is easy: NGV Australia at Federation Square, right by Flinders Street station
• Included tastings, not just one stop: multiple wineries plus a guided chocolate sampling
• Real group size: maximum 19 people, which keeps it from feeling chaotic
• Music-friendly driver: you can make requests during the drive between stops
• Lunch costs extra: Quarters at Hubert Estate is where you’ll likely spend your midday
• Gin/whisky may vary by day: the core flow centers on wine and chocolate

Starting at NGV Australia: Getting on the bus without stress

Your day begins at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, at Federation Square. It’s on Flinders Street, right near Russell Street, and it’s extremely convenient if you’re arriving by train. The meeting point is opposite 154 Flinders Street, and you’re looking at about a two-minute walk from Flinders Street Railway Station.

This matters more than it sounds. In Melbourne, getting to the tour bus on time can make or break your mood. Here, the location is simple, and it sits in the Free Tram Zone—handy if you’re taking public transit to the start and want options after.

I’d aim to arrive a few minutes early so you can confirm which vehicle you’re on and get your seat sorted. With a group that’s capped at 19, there’s usually less crowding than the big coach-style tours.

The 60-minute Yarra Valley drive: countryside time and music requests

Once you start rolling, you spend about an hour getting to your first winery. The route includes a freeway chunk and then the quieter stretch through countryside and vineyards. You also pass through Warrandyte, which gives the drive a “settle in and start vacation mode” feel.

The bus is air-conditioned, and the driver curates the vibe with a music selection that takes requests. That sounds like a small detail, but it makes a difference when you’re moving for hours. You’re not just stuck on a vehicle; you’re actually doing the in-between parts with some entertainment and momentum.

Practical tip: plan for alcohol included today, so drink water between tastings. The pacing works best when you stay comfortable rather than pushing to the max.

Soumah winery tasting: a guided mix that helps you find your taste

The first winery stop is Soumah. The format here is a guided tasting of five wines, and the lineup spans a few different styles—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, and Brachetto.

I like this approach because it avoids the classic problem: you don’t just taste what you already know you like. Nebbiolo and Brachetto alone can change how you think about what Yarra Valley wines are capable of. If you’re curious, this is a good early stop to calibrate your palate.

You’ll be overlooking the rolling vines during the tasting. That view part is not just for photos—it adds calm. It’s easier to enjoy the explanations when you’re not rushing and you can take in where the wine comes from.

St Huberts Cellar Door: four wine tastings plus beer, cider, and optional spirits

Next up is St Huberts Cellar Door. You get a guided tasting of four well-known wines, and the tour is thoughtful about options. If wine isn’t your thing that day, you can swap to a can of beer or cider.

There’s also an option for a spirit tasting for a small fee, depending on what’s running at the cellar door. This is where the tour’s broader gin and whisky theme starts to fit in, but it’s not an automatic “distillery tour” guarantee in the way the wine stops are.

If you’re going specifically for gin or whisky, I’d treat those as “possible add-ons,” not the backbone of the day. The day is designed to deliver multiple wine tastings and a guided chocolate tasting as the consistent anchors.

Hubert Estate and Quarters lunch: wine country plus indigenous art

Hubert Estate is your midday anchor. At the cellar door, you’ll head to Quarters restaurant for lunch, and you’ll also have a chance to look around the indigenous art gallery on the floor below the cellar door.

This stop has two rewards that pair well together:

• Lunch that’s set in a winery environment rather than tacked on as a random restaurant stop
• Art in the same physical space as the cellar, which gives the estate more personality than a quick photo-and-go

Lunch is extra expense. If you brought your own food, the tour notes that you can eat it somewhere away from the restricted area. The key detail: only food bought at the winery can be consumed at the winery.

Translation for you: don’t plan on sneaking your own picnic into the main lunch zone. If you want maximum convenience, choose from the Quarters menu. If you prefer flexibility, bring snacks for later, but plan to follow the site rules for where you eat.

Domaine Chandon: a short sparkling-wine pause for photos and browsing

On the way to lunch at Hubert Estate, there’s a stop at Domaine Chandon. This is more of a break than a full tasting event. You can pull in for a photo and to browse the shop, and there’s time to choose lunch there if you prefer that plan.

This is a nice option if you’re a sparkle person or if you want to pick up a bottle without adding extra stress. It’s also useful when you’re trying to keep the day moving—so you’re not stuck in a long line or stuck at one location for too long.

If you’re sensitive to crowding, remember that cellar doors and chocolate stops can get busy. Timing and patience matter.

Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: guided tasting of 10 chocolates

Then comes the part that many people remember first: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The experience includes a guided tasting of 10 chocolates out of their 500 options.

That number alone tells you why it works. You’re not trying to taste everything. You’re getting a curated introduction. It’s a smart way to learn what you like while staying within the flow of the day.

I also like that the stop includes a guide-led format. Without that, you can end up standing in front of a wall of sweets, trying to guess which box will be worth it. Here, you get structure.

One consideration: the chocolate stop can feel crowded at times, so don’t assume you’ll have the quietest moment of your vacation here. If you want a slower experience, pace yourself during the tasting and keep your questions short and specific.

Yarrawood Estate and Balgownie: finishing with views and another wine round

The itinerary includes a wine option if you’re not into the chocolate stop, or if you want an alternate tasting experience. Yarrawood Estate is one swap option where you can buy yourself a glass of wine.

After that, Balgownie Estate is another key wine stop with guided tastings of five wines, plus incredible views. Balgownie is also an award-winning hotel, so the setting feels like a true getaway rather than an industrial tasting room.

This part of the day is where you decide your direction:

• If you’re building a “buy list,” you’ll want to focus on what you’ve tasted and what you keep thinking about
• If you’re already a fan of a few styles, you can narrow down and enjoy the views without overthinking every sip

Either way, the combination of guided tastings and scenery is what makes this day feel like it’s more than a simple checklist.

Price and logistics: what $93.24 really buys you

At $93.24 per person, the headline value is that you’re not paying only for transportation. Your included package covers:

• An air-conditioned vehicle
• Alcoholic beverages
• Wine tastings at multiple stops
• A guided chocolate tasting
• A driver with good music (and requests are welcome)

Lunch is not included. Food is up to you, with the Quarters restaurant stop being the place where you’ll decide what to eat and pay.

So what does that mean in plain terms? You’re paying for a curated day where the driving and the tasting fees are mostly handled for you. If you tried to DIY this, you’d spend time coordinating transport, booking tastings, and still likely face a long day with fewer guaranteed included stops.

Also, there are no hotel pick-ups or drop-offs. You meet at NGV Australia and end at 30 Flinders St, which is back in the Free Tram Zone. If you like public transit and you don’t mind walking a bit, you’ll find that easier than meeting at random hotels.

Group size and timing: how to survive (and enjoy) the 8 hours

This is an eight-hour tour run with a group size capped at 19. That’s a sweet spot. Large enough to meet people, small enough that instructions tend to be clear and you’re not shouting over a hundred strangers.

The day has multiple tasting points, so you should expect:

• Short to medium time windows at each location
• A bit of waiting while groups move through guided tastings
• A steady pace where you’ll taste, listen, then move on

Alcohol is included, so pace matters. The best strategy is not to “beat the clock.” It’s to enjoy each stop, rinse your palate with water, and keep your feet comfortable for walking between shop areas and tasting rooms.

If you want the day to feel relaxed, do a light breakfast before you go and keep your expectations about food in line with the fact that lunch is extra at Quarters.

Who this Yarra Valley wine-and-chocolate day is perfect for

This tour suits you if you want an organized Yarra Valley day without planning every detail. It’s also a good fit when you like social energy—people swap favorites and compare what they tasted.

It’s especially strong for:

• Wine people who like variety more than one-style-only tastings
• Chocolate lovers who want a guided, educational sampling rather than random browsing
• Solo travelers who prefer meeting a small group and making friends fast
• Couples and small friend groups who want a day that feels like a treat but still runs on a clear schedule

If your top priority is a full gin and whisky distillery circuit, you should take a close look at what’s actually running on your date. The tour’s included tastings and guaranteed stops are wine and chocolate; gin/whisky elements can depend on what’s available that day.

A few practical tips that make the day smoother

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk between tasting areas and shops.
• Bring a light layer. Winery shops and buses can swing between cool and warm.
• Don’t try to buy everything early. Taste first, then decide what you’ll take home.
• If you’re not drinking wine, take advantage of the beer/cider option at St Huberts.
• If chocolate is your thing, plan to take your time during the guided tasting even if the room feels busy.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour in Melbourne?

You meet at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square on Flinders Street near Russell Street. The start point is the same street as the end.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

What tastings are included?

Wine tastings are included, along with a guided chocolate tasting.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included. At St Huberts, you can also have beer or cider instead of wine.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is extra. You stop at Quarters at Hubert Estate for lunch options.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

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

My Take: Should you book the Melbourne Yarra Valley wine, gin, whisky and chocolate tour?

I think you should book this if you want a high-value day where the hard parts—transport and most tastings—are handled. The included wine stops plus the guided chocolate tasting make it feel like a real experience, not just a bus tour with quick sips. I also like the small-group feel and the fact that the driver keeps things friendly, including music requests.

Skip it only if you’re specifically hunting for a guaranteed gin-and-whisky distillery lineup. The day you get is centered on wineries and chocolate, and the gin/whisky theme may be less consistent than the wine-and-chocolate core. If you’re okay with that—and you want an easy, fun Yarra Valley day from Melbourne—this one is a strong choice.