Frequently Asked Questions – Yarra Valley Wine Tours

When do your public Yarra Valley wine tours run?

Our popular public Yarra Valley winery tours operate Seven days per week:  This schedule provides flexible options for both weekday and weekend wine tasting experiences in Melbourne’s premier wine region. The Mornington Peninsula public tour operate three days per week: Friday Saturday and Sunday. The Bellarine Peninsula Public tour Operate on Saturday and Sunday.

What should I wear on a Yarra Valley wine tour?

We recommend smart casual, comfortable clothing for your wine tasting day tour. As long as you look neat and presentable, you’ll be welcomed at all our partner wineries. The Yarra Valley can experience cooler temperatures, especially during autumn and winter months, so we suggest bringing a light jacket or warm layer to ensure your comfort throughout the day.

Where are your Melbourne pickup locations for Yarra Valley tours?

We offer convenient pickup locations across Melbourne and surrounding areas to make joining our wine tours as easy as possible:

Main Melbourne CBD Pickup:

• Grand Hyatt Russel Street entrence (Under the giant stone birds)
  Pickup: 9:30 AM | Return: approximately 5:15 PM

Additional Melbourne Pickup Locations:

• Hotel Indigo formally the Holiday Inn Melbourne On Flinders (corner Flinders Lane & Spencer Street, 575 Flinders Ln)
  Pickup: 9:15 AM | Return: approximately 5:40 PM

Eastern Suburbs Pickup Locations:

• McDonald’s Nunawading (corner Springvale Road & Maroondah Highway)
  Pickup: 9:50 AM | Return: approximately 4:40 PM
• Ringwood Train Station (wait outside main Maroondah Highway exit)
  Pickup: 10:00 AM | Return: approximately 4:30 PM

Yarra Valley Pickup Locations:

• The Sebel Chirnside Park (Heritage Avenue, wait outside reception)
  Pickup: 10:20 AM | Return: approximately 4:20 PM
• Lilydale Train Station (Maroondah Highway, wait outside station)
  Pickup: 10:20 AM | Return: approximately 4:20 PM

What happens if I’m running late for pickup?

Since we collect your phone number during the booking process, our tour guides will attempt to contact you if you’re not at the designated pickup location a few minutes before departure. However, due to our carefully planned winery visit schedule, we cannot wait for late arrivals. We strongly recommend arriving at your chosen pickup location 10-15 minutes early to ensure a stress-free start to your wine tour experience.

What are the alcohol consumption guidelines on wine tours?

We encourage our guests to enjoy wine tastings and have a wonderful experience discovering Yarra Valley wines. All our partner wineries maintain responsible service of alcohol policies and reserve the right to refuse service if they believe a guest has consumed too much alcohol. Our experienced guides help ensure everyone enjoys their day safely and responsibly.

Can we consume alcohol on the tour bus?

Victorian law prohibits the consumption of alcohol in moving vehicles, so drinking is not permitted on our tour bus. However, we’re confident that our comprehensive wine tasting experiences at multiple premium wineries will provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy exceptional Yarra Valley wines throughout your day tour.

Can I purchase wine to take home?

Absolutely! Discovering and purchasing wines to enjoy later is one of the highlights of our Yarra Valley wine tours. Most wineries offer cellar door sales with special prices for tour participants, and we can arrange secure storage on the bus for your purchases.

How do I book a Yarra Valley wine tour?

Online booking is the most convenient way to secure your spot on our wine tours. Our easy-to-use booking system allows you to select your preferred date, pickup location, and any special requirements, with instant confirmation of your reservation. For more information and booking at our website here 

What’s the minimum group size for private wine tours?

Our private Yarra Valley wine tours typically require a minimum of four people, though we occasionally accommodate smaller groups depending on availability and circumstances. Private tours offer the flexibility to customize your itinerary, pickup times, and winery selections to match your group’s preferences.

Do public tours have a minimum number requirement?

Yes, our public wine tours require a minimum of four participants to operate. If a tour has fewer than four bookings, we reserve the right to cancel and will work to accommodate affected guests on alternative tour dates at no additional cost.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies?

We absolutely cater to dietary requirements and food allergies. When making your booking, please specify any dietary needs, and we’ll coordinate with our restaurant partners to ensure suitable meal options are available during your wine tour experience.

How do I organize a private group wine tour?

Arranging a private group wine tour is simple – just contact our team directly. We’ll work with you to create a customized itinerary featuring your preferred wineries, dining venues, and pickup arrangements. Private tours are perfect for special celebrations, corporate events, or groups wanting a more personalized Yarra Valley experience.

Private Tour Booking Requirements:

• $300 deposit required to secure your booking
• Final payment due 2 weeks before your tour date
• Flexible itinerary options available
• Customizable pickup locations and times

Can I find a wine tour in Yarra Valley that includes lunch and tastings?

Absolutely! Chillout Wine Tours offers fantastic Yarra Valley wine tours that combine premium wine tastings with delicious lunch experiences. Our Yarra Valley tours are designed to give you the complete gourmet experience in one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions.

Our Yarra Valley tours typically include:

• Wine tastings at 3-4 carefully selected boutique wineries
• Gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant or local eatery featuring fresh, seasonal produce
• Expert commentary from our knowledgeable guides about the region’s wine-making heritage
• Comfortable transportation with convenient pickup points across Melbourne

The Yarra Valley is famous for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the region’s restaurants perfectly complement these wines with farm-to-table dining experiences. Many of our lunch venues offer stunning vineyard views, making your meal as memorable as the wines you’ll taste.

We offer both small group tours for a more intimate experience and can arrange private tours for special occasions. Tours typically run for a full day, allowing plenty of time to savor both the wines and the culinary delights the Yarra Valley has to offer.

To book your Yarra Valley wine and lunch tour, contact us at 0428 161 662 or social@chilloutwinetours.com.au . We’ll help you choose the perfect tour package and arrange all the details for your unforgettable day out.

How do I book a group wine tasting tour in the Mornington Peninsula?

Booking a group wine tasting tour with Chillout Wine Tours is easy! For group bookings, we recommend contacting us directly to ensure we can accommodate your party size and preferred dates. You can reach us by:

• Phone: 0428 161 662
• Email: social@chilloutwinetours.com.au
• Online Contact Form: Available on our website Here

When you get in touch, please let us know:

• Your preferred tour date and time
• Group size (we cater to groups of various sizes)
• Any special dietary requirements or accessibility needs
• Preferred pickup location (we offer convenient pickup points across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula)

Our team will work with you to customize the perfect wine tasting experience, selecting the best wineries to visit based on your group’s preferences. We’ll also provide details about pricing, inclusions, and pickup arrangements.

For the best availability, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Group discounts may be available depending on your party size.

Ready to explore the beautiful Mornington Peninsula wineries? Contact us today and let’s plan your unforgettable wine tasting adventure!

Can I customize a wine tour for a special occasion like a birthday or hens party?

Absolutely! Chillout Wine Tours specializes in creating memorable, customized wine tours for special celebrations. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, hens party, anniversary, or any other special occasion, we’ll tailor the perfect wine tour experience just for your group.

Our special occasion packages can include:

• Personalized itinerary featuring wineries that match your group’s wine preferences
• Special decorations and celebratory touches (balloons, banners, etc.)
• Premium lunch venues with private dining options where available
• Flexible pickup and drop-off locations to suit your convenience
• Extended tour times to accommodate your celebration schedule
• Special add-ons like chocolate tastings, cheese platters, or sparkling wine toasts

For hens parties, we can arrange visits to wineries with beautiful photo opportunities, fun tasting experiences, and venues that welcome celebratory groups. Birthday celebrations can include surprise elements and visits to wineries that specialize in your favorite wine styles.

We work closely with you during the planning process to ensure every detail is perfect. Our experienced team knows the best wineries and venues across the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley that cater to special celebrations.

To start planning your customized wine tour, contact us at 0428 161 662 or Social@chilloutwinetours.com.au. We recommend booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance for special occasions to ensure availability at your preferred venues.

Let us help make your special day truly unforgettable with a bespoke wine tour experience!

How far is Yarra Valley from Melbourne and are there day tours for small groups?

The Yarra Valley is conveniently located just 45-60 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The exact travel time depends on your pickup location and traffic conditions, but you’ll be sipping wine among the vines in no time!

Yes, we absolutely offer day tours for small groups! At Chill Out Wine Tours, we specialize in intimate, small group experiences that allow for a more personalized and relaxed wine tasting adventure. Our small group tours typically accommodate 6-12 people, creating a friendly, social atmosphere where you can really get to know your fellow wine enthusiasts.

Our Yarra Valley day tours include:

• Comfortable return transport from Melbourne with convenient pickup points
• Full day itinerary visiting 3-4 premium wineries
• Wine tastings at boutique cellar doors with expert hosts
• Gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant
• Knowledgeable guide sharing insights about the region’s wine history and varieties
• Small group atmosphere for a more personal experience

Tours typically run from mid-morning to early evening, giving you plenty of time to explore the region’s renowned Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate wines while enjoying the stunning valley scenery.

Ready to discover the Yarra Valley with a small group of fellow wine lovers? Contact us at 0428 161 662 or Social@chiiloutwinetours.com.au to book your day tour or learn more about our small group packages.

Who offers the most affordable private wine tours from Melbourne?

When comparing private wine tour prices from Melbourne, it’s essential to look beyond the initial advertised price to understand what’s truly included. Many tour operators advertise lower base prices, but these often exclude crucial elements like lunch and wine tastings, which can significantly increase your final cost.

What to Watch For When Comparing Prices:

• Wine tastings fees – Many tours charge extra for tastings at each winery
• Lunch costs – Some tours exclude meals entirely or offer basic options
• Hidden fees – Transportation surcharges, booking fees, or gratuities
• Group size minimums – Additional charges for smaller private groups

Chillout Wine Tours Value Proposition: Our private wine tour packages are highly competitive when you compare like-for-like inclusions. Our comprehensive packages include:

• All wine tastings at premium wineries
• Gourmet lunch at carefully selected venues
• Luxury transportation with professional driver-guide
• No hidden costs – transparent, all-inclusive pricing
• Flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences

Money-Saving Tip: Always read the fine print and ask specifically what’s included before booking any wine tour. Calculate the total cost including tastings (typically $10-20 per person per winery), lunch ($40-70 per person), and any additional fees. You’ll often find that our “all-inclusive” approach offers better value than tours with lower advertised prices but multiple add-on costs.

Get a Transparent Quote: For an honest, no-surprises quote for your private wine tour, contact us at 0428 161 662 or social@chilloutwinetours.com.au . We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of exactly what’s included so you can make an informed comparison.

Remember: the cheapest advertised price isn’t always the best value when you factor in the complete experience!