A day like this is hard to beat for food lovers. You’ll move from the city to the Yarra Valley for winery tastings plus the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, all with a live host. I love the way the day mixes classic cellar-door tastings with real chocolate making you can see, and I also like the vineyard scenery that goes back to the 1800s. One possible drawback: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for a meal at St’Huberts Estate.

I did the tour with Adrian as the guide. His style is practical and friendly, and you’re not stuck guessing what’s next. You’re also not stuck in a long, slow “drive and wait” kind of schedule.

If you’re after a super light, totally low-effort day, this is not it. It’s a full-day loop with tastings, a lunch break, and a chocolate stop that includes both sampling and time to shop. Still, it’s set up to feel relaxed and well paced.

Quick hits: what makes this Yarra Valley tour a great day

• Adrian runs the show, so you get one consistent host and a clear flow from start to finish
• 3 wineries with 10+ wine tastings, including varietals like Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay
• St’Huberts Estate underground Aboriginal Art Gallery, a standout cultural stop during lunch time
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie includes a sample tasting and shopping time, plus a view of how it’s made
• City centre pickup and return from NGV on Flinders St, with air-conditioned transport

Starting at NGV Flinders Street: getting on the bus without stress

Your day starts at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, on Flinders St. The meeting point is directly opposite the Forum Theatre, across the road, near the corner of Russell St Extension. You’ll spot the white Mercedes tour bus there.

Departure is at 9:30 am, and the return is around 4:00 to 4:30 pm. So you’ll want to treat this like a proper day trip, not an afternoon wander.

Transport is air-conditioned, and the operator uses either a Mercedes-Benz Valente 8-seater or a Toyota 22-seater depending on the group. The small group option can feel more personal, and the larger bus option can mean you meet more people. Either way, the tour is built so you’re moving together and staying on schedule.

The 1-hour Yarra Valley drive: scenery plus momentum

Once you leave Melbourne, it’s about a one-hour drive into the wine area. That might not sound like much, but it helps set the tone. You’re out of the city early, and by the time you arrive, you’re already in the mood for cellar doors and tastings.

The drive also means you don’t have to plan transport or parking. For many visitors, that’s a big part of the value of a guided tour—your only job is to show up.

Bring what you need for the day. Sunscreen and sunglasses are smart, and a light jacket helps because weather can change quickly in Victoria. The tour runs rain or shine, so pack for the worst-case day, not the perfect one.

Soumah of the Yarra Valley: start with a lineup of favorites

The first wine stop is Soumah of the Yarra Valley. Plan on about 40 minutes here, which is enough time to taste, ask questions, and settle into the pace of the day.

You’ll do wine tasting from a range that can include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. The Soumah stop is listed as 6 wines, which is a helpful heads-up: you’ll get variety right away, and you won’t feel like you’re waiting forever for your first pour.

This is a good place to calibrate your palate. If you’re a white wine person, you’ll get Pinot Gris and Chardonnay into the mix. If you prefer reds, Pinot Noir and Shiraz will likely be part of what you sample. Either way, you’re building a baseline for what you like before you move on to the next cellar doors.

One practical note: tastings add up. Pace yourself. Take a few breaths between pours so you can actually taste the differences instead of just collecting sips.

St’Huberts Estate: lunch, the cellar door, and an underground Aboriginal Art Gallery

Lunch is at St’Huberts Estate, and this is where the day turns from pure tasting into something more memorable.

At St’Huberts, you’ll have about 1.5 hours for lunch, plus a guided 15-minute stop for the Aboriginal Art Gallery located underground. That underground element matters. It’s not just another room of shopping or a quick photo moment. It’s a focused visit during your break, which helps the day feel balanced.

Food is not included in the tour price, but you do get real freedom here. You can buy your own lunch, and the estimate given is $20–$30. The tour operator highlights the wood-fired pizza as a top choice, so if pizza is your thing, you’ll probably be happiest with that route.

St’Huberts also gives you the chance to slow down without losing momentum. You’re not stuck eating in a rushed way. You get time to eat, then you get guided into the art gallery segment before you head back out.

If you want one reason to book this specific tour over generic tastings, it’s this pairing: wine day plus a guided art stop in a unique setting.

Greenstone Vineyards: another tasting block before chocolate

Next up is Greenstone Vineyards. This stop is longer—about 45 minutes—so you can spend time on tasting and still have room to regroup.

Like the other wineries, the tastings are part of the included experience, and the overall day includes tasting of over 10 wines. That matters for value: you’re not paying to stand around. You’re paying to taste.

By this point in the day, you’ll likely know what you want more of. If you found a red you liked earlier, this is where you may decide whether to buy a bottle. If you loved a particular white, you might focus your remaining tastings on similar styles.

There’s a nice rhythm here. Soumah sets the stage, St’Huberts gives you the cultural lunch break, and Greenstone is the final tasting “work” before the treat.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie: sampling, seeing the process, then shopping

After the last winery, you head to the Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory (also known as the Chocolaterie). Expect a quick food tasting around 5 minutes, followed by 25 minutes of shopping.

That tasting window is short on purpose. It’s enough to sample, get the flavor notes, and decide what you want to take home. The shopping time is where you actually turn that tasting into purchases.

What makes this stop satisfying is that you can view the production while you’re there. It’s a busy place, and that activity level adds energy to the day. You’re not just consuming chocolate. You’re watching it being made, which makes your purchases feel more connected to the place.

Also, because the day already includes multiple wine tastings, chocolate is a nice shift. It’s sweet, it’s different, and it gives you something to look forward to at the end.

How the timing works: a full day that doesn’t feel chaotic

This tour runs long enough to feel complete—450 minutes is about 7.5 hours. But the plan avoids dead time. You’ve got:

• winery time for tasting
• a proper lunch break
• a guided stop inside the estate
• a short chocolate tasting plus shopping

You also get a guide with you all day. That matters for comfort and confidence. You’re not left to coordinate between stops. You can relax and just enjoy the day.

The tour is designed to work rain or shine, so don’t count on the weather saving you. Plan to bring a jacket and wear shoes you don’t mind walking in during cellar door visits.

Price and value: what $70 buys you and what you still plan for

The cost is $70 per person, and the value is in what’s included. You get:

• air-conditioned transport (Mercedes or Toyota bus)
• entry to all wineries and the Chocolate Factory
• wine tasting as part of the stops (over 10 wines)
• a live English-speaking guide
• chocolate sampling plus shopping time
• skip-the-line entry via a separate entrance

What isn’t included is the one piece that can change how “comfortable” the day feels: lunch. At St’Huberts, you buy your own meal, estimated around $20–$30.

So your realistic day spend looks like:

• $70 tour price
• plus lunch you choose at St’Huberts

If you’re the type who normally orders a pricey lunch anyway, the price feels straightforward. If you prefer packing snacks or keeping meals very cheap, this tour won’t match that style because lunch is part of the schedule and you’ll be eating at the estate.

Still, the tour price covers the hardest parts: getting there, wine tastings, entries, and guided timing.

The guide factor: Adrian makes the day feel easy

One of the biggest reasons this tour works is the host. Adrian is front and center: friendly, informative, and the kind of guide who makes sure everyone feels comfortable from the start.

The tour also avoids the awkward feeling that you’re just another number on a clipboard. You travel with the business owner and your wine tour guide, and the day stays organized without feeling rigid.

And you’ll notice the people-first details in the small things, like clear instructions for the meeting point, smooth transport, and a pace that’s relaxed enough that you’re not rushing through tastings.

If you’re traveling solo, that matters even more. A solo day trip can go one of two ways: either it feels awkward, or it feels welcoming. Here, the group dynamic is clearly set up to include everyone.

Who this Yarra Valley tour is best for

This is a strong match if you want:

• a guided Yarra Valley day without planning transport
• multiple wine tastings with an easy pace
• a mix of food stops, not just cellar doors
• a chocolate visit that includes both sampling and shopping
• an added cultural moment at St’Huberts’ Aboriginal Art Gallery

It may not be your best choice if you want a super quiet day, or if you hate the idea of buying your lunch on the spot.

Also note the age and group rules. The tour is not suitable for children under 18, and bachelor/bachelorette party groups are not allowed. Smoking is restricted (including in the vehicle and indoors), and there are limits on luggage and large bags.

Should you book this Yarra Valley wine and chocolate tour?

If you like the idea of three winery tastings plus chocolate, and you want a guide who keeps the day moving without stress, I’d book it. The value is strong for the amount of tasting time and the included entry fees. The St’Huberts lunch + underground Aboriginal Art Gallery adds a layer that most wine-only tours skip.

Book it especially if you’re short on time in Melbourne and want a day that feels “complete”: wine, a real meal option, art, and chocolate.

Skip it if you need lunch included in the price, or if you’re looking for a light half-day. This is a full-day tasting experience, rain or shine.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour leave Melbourne?

The tour departs at 9:30 am.

When do you return to Melbourne?

You return around 4:00 to 4:30 pm.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, on Flinders St near the corner of Russell St Extension, directly opposite the Forum Theatre, on the other side of the road. A white Mercedes tour bus is used.

Which wineries are included?

You visit Soumah of the Yarra Valley, St’Huberts Cellar Door (for lunch at St’Huberts Estate), and Greenstone Vineyards.

Is lunch included in the $70 price?

No. Lunch isn’t included. You can buy your own lunch at St’Huberts Estate, with an estimate of $20–$30.

How much wine tasting is included?

Wine tasting is included, covering over 10 wines across the winery stops.

Do you do chocolate tasting and shopping?

Yes. You get a chocolate food tasting (about 5 minutes) and then 25 minutes of shopping at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie/Chocolate Factory.

What transport do you use?

You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle: either a Mercedes-Benz Valente 8-seater or a Toyota 22-seater tour bus, depending on the day.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour runs rain or shine.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 18. Smoking is also not allowed on the vehicle or indoors.