Yarra Valley Wine Tours from Melbourne
Full-day small group wine tour · 4 hand-picked wineries · 2-course lunch · $169pp
There’s a reason Chillout Travel’s Yarra Valley Wine Tours have been putting smiles on faces since 2008: we keep groups small, we keep the price honest, and we take you to wineries that actually deserve a full afternoon of your attention — not a rushed ten-minute pour before the bus moves on.
Whether you’re a couple after a relaxed day among the vines, a small group of mates ticking off a Melbourne bucket-list experience, or an overseas visitor wanting to taste what Victoria’s cool-climate wine region is famous for, our daily public tour is built to feel like a day out with friends who happen to know the Yarra Valley inside and out.
Why Choose a Yarra Valley Wine Tour?
Getting yourself to the Yarra Valley independently means renting a car, appointing a (very unlucky) designated driver, and cold-calling cellar doors to check they’re not fully booked. A guided wine tour solves all three problems at once: you’re picked up in the Melbourne CBD, driven in comfort by an experienced guide who knows the back roads and the winemakers, and delivered straight to cellar door tastings that are already booked and waiting for you. All you have to do is enjoy the wine.
Why Visit the Yarra Valley?
Just over an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated cool-climate wine regions, framed by the Warramate and Yarra Ranges. Its elevation and cool nights are ideal for producing elegant, food-friendly Chardonnay, silky Pinot Noir, and internationally awarded sparkling wine — which is exactly why French Champagne house Moët & Chandon chose the valley for its Australian home, Domaine Chandon. Rolling vineyards, historic cellar doors, and long lunch tables with mountain views make it one of the most scenic day trips from Melbourne, whatever the season.
The Yarra Valley’s cool-climate vineyards, an hour from Melbourne
Why Choose Chillout Travel?
- Small group, guaranteed: a maximum of 11 guests per tour, so you get real face time with winemakers, not a coach-load shuffling through a tasting room.
- All-inclusive pricing: $169 per person covers pickup, all cellar door tastings, and a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine — no surprise add-ons at the counter.
- Local knowledge: our guides know the region’s wineries, winemakers, and history, and they’re happy to talk you through what makes each drop distinctive.
- Comfortable transport: air-conditioned vehicles with an experienced guide/driver for the whole day.
- Since 2008: we’ve been running Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Bellarine Peninsula wine tours for well over a decade.
- Book direct and save: booking straight through Chillout Travel means no OTA booking fees and direct access to our team if your plans change.
- About Chillout Travel
What Wineries Are Visited?
Our public Yarra Valley wine tour visits four hand-picked wineries in one day:
Domaine Chandon
Begin the day with sparkling wine tastings at the Australian home of Champagne house Moët & Chandon. Set against the Yarra Ranges, Chandon blends Old World sparkling wine tradition with genuinely excellent cool-climate technique.
Sparkling wine tastings at Domaine Chandon, the first stop on our Yarra Valley wine tour
Soumah
Tucked along a quiet country lane in the Warramate foothills, Soumah is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and for vineyard views that make you want to slow right down. This is also where your 2-course lunch, paired with a glass of wine, is served.
Lunch at Soumah — a relaxed, shared 2-course meal included in every tour
Squitchy Lane
Set amidst the serene beauty of the Yarra Valley, away from the beaten path, cellar door perches on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the vineyard. Here, you can relish a personalized tasting of our Estate range.
Sweeping valley views from Squitchy Lane
Yering Farm
A family-owned, fifth-generation winery specialising in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon from estate-grown grapes, plus a handmade apple cider worth trying if you need a change of pace from wine.
Yering Farm’s cellar door, home to five generations of winemaking
On rare occasions a listed winery may be unavailable due to a wedding or private event… we substitute a comparable Yarra Valley cellar door of equal standard.
The Small Group Advantage
Most of our competitors run big-bus tours with 20-40 people per vehicle, which usually means rushed tastings and less time to actually enjoy a winery. We deliberately cap our public tour at 11 guests (with a maximum of 6 in any one group booking), so you get a genuinely relaxed pace, more time with each winemaker, and a group small enough to actually get to know over lunch.
Comfortable, air-conditioned transport for up to 11 guests
What’s Included
- Return transport from the Melbourne CBD in an air-conditioned vehicle
- An experienced, knowledgeable tour guide/driver
- Guided tastings at four Yarra Valley wineries
- A 2-course seasonal lunch with a glass of wine at Soumah
What’s Not Included
- Additional wine purchases or bottles to take home (available for purchase at each cellar door)
- Gratuities (never expected, always appreciated)
- Hotel pickup outside the CBD meeting points (call ahead to check availability)
- Travel insurance
Pickup Locations
Our main pickup point is the Grand Hyatt, Russell Street entrance (under the giant stone birds) at 9:30am, returning approximately 5:30pm. We also offer alternative pickups on the way to the Yarra Valley:
Main pickup point: Grand Hyatt, Russell Street
Staying somewhere else on route? Give us a call on 0428 161 662 — we’re flexible where we can be, and can sometimes arrange CBD hotel pickups on request.
Typical Itinerary
A typical day runs from around 9:35am to 5:15pm, starting with sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon, moving through Soumah for tastings and lunch, then on to Squitchy Lane and Yering Farm for the afternoon, before the drive back into Melbourne. Exact running order can vary slightly depending on winery bookings on the day.
The Lunch Experience
Lunch is served at Soumah and typically features a shared 2-course, seasonal antipasti-style spread followed by mains, paired with a glass of wine — a relaxed, sociable way to break up the day of tastings rather than a rushed sit-down meal.
Lunch at Soumah — a relaxed, shared 2-course meal included in every tour
Seasonal Differences
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Fresh growth in the vineyards, mild days, and the valley at its greenest.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Long, warm days — ideal for lingering over lunch outdoors and taking in the views.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Arguably the region’s most photogenic season, with vines turning gold and red.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Quieter cellar doors, cosy tastings, and often a chance for a more relaxed, personal experience with winemaking staff.
Wine Varieties You’ll Taste
The Yarra Valley’s cool climate makes it one of Australia’s premier regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, alongside internationally regarded Sparkling wine (thanks in large part to Domaine Chandon) and increasingly, Cabernet Sauvignon from estate-grown fruit at wineries like Yering Farm. If you’re new to wine, our guides are happy to talk you through what makes cool-climate examples different from warmer-region styles.
Why Book Direct?
Booking directly through Chillout Travel means the price you see is the price you pay — no OTA booking fees layered on top, and direct access to our team by phone or email if your plans change. You’re also booking with the operator who actually runs the tour, not a reseller, so any questions go straight to the people who know the day inside and out.
Cancellation Policy
Need flexibility? For an extra $50 per person you can upgrade to a Fully Flexible ticket, which allows you to change your date or cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your tour (9am the day before). Standard tickets require full payment to secure your booking — get in touch if your circumstances change and we’ll always do our best to help.
Best Time to Visit
The Yarra Valley is a genuinely great day trip year-round, but if you want the most comfortable weather for a long lunch outdoors, spring and autumn are hard to beat. Summer is popular for warm, long days; winter offers a quieter, more intimate cellar door experience with smaller crowds.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes — some cellar doors involve short walks across vineyard grounds.
- Bring a light jacket even in warmer months; the valley’s elevation means it can cool down quickly.
- Eat a light breakfast before your pickup time — you’ll be tasting from mid-morning.
- Let your guide know about any dietary requirements ahead of time so lunch can be adjusted.
Gift Vouchers
Not sure exactly when to go? A Chillout Travel gift voucher lets the lucky recipient choose their own date — a popular pick for birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas.
Private Tours
Travelling as a larger group (7+), or want the itinerary tailored entirely to you? Our Yarra Valley Private Winery Tours offer a fully customisable day for your group alone.
For more details on our Private tour →
Public Tours
Our public tour (this page) is the perfect fit for couples, small groups, and solo travellers who want to join a small, friendly group without the cost of chartering a private vehicle.
Nearby Attractions
Combine your day with a visit to Healesville Sanctuary to see native Australian wildlife, or take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Steam Railway through the Dandenong Ranges — both popular add-ons for visitors extending their Yarra Valley trip.
Yarra Valley More Than Wine Tours→
Things to Do After Your Tour
Back in Melbourne by late afternoon (approximately 5.30pm), you’ll have time for dinner in the CBD, a stroll along the Yarra River, or simply to put your feet up — most guests agree a Yarra Valley wine tour makes for a very satisfying, very full day.
Relaxing at Yering Farm’s cellar door, home to five generations of winemaking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Yarra Valley wine tour? The best tour for you depends on group size and budget. Our public small-group tour (max 11 guests) suits couples, friends, and solo travellers wanting an all-inclusive day without the cost of a private charter; larger groups may prefer our private tour option.
How much does a Yarra Valley wine tour cost? Our public tour is $169 per person, all-inclusive of pickup, tastings at four wineries, and a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine.
Are wine tastings included? Yes — tastings at all four wineries on the itinerary are included in the tour price.
Can you visit Domaine Chandon? Yes, Domaine Chandon is the first stop on our public tour and one of the most popular Yarra Valley cellar doors for sparkling wine tastings.
How far is the Yarra Valley from Melbourne? The Yarra Valley is around an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, depending on traffic and pickup location.
Are lunch and tastings included? Yes, a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine and all winery tastings are included in the $169pp price — there’s nothing extra to pay on the day.
What wineries produce Pinot Noir? Several stops on our tour, including Soumah and Yering Farm, are known for their Pinot Noir, reflecting the Yarra Valley’s reputation as one of Australia’s top cool-climate Pinot regions.
When is the best time to visit? The Yarra Valley is enjoyable year-round; spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable weather, summer offers long warm days, and winter offers a quieter, more intimate cellar door experience.
How long does the tour take? The public tour runs from approximately 9:35am to 5:15pm, though exact times vary slightly by pickup location.
Where does the tour depart from? Our main departure point is the Grand Hyatt on Russell Street, with several alternative pickup points around Melbourne’s east and on route to the Yarra Valley.
How many people are on the tour? We cap our public tour at a maximum of 11 guests to keep the experience relaxed and personal.
Can I book for a group of 7 or more? Groups of 6 or fewer can join our public tour; larger groups are better suited to our private tour option, which can be fully customised.
Is the tour suitable for solo travellers? Yes — our public tour is a popular option for solo travellers wanting to join a small, friendly group.
Is transport air-conditioned? Yes, all our tour vehicles are air-conditioned and driven by an experienced guide.
Can I cancel or change my booking? Standard bookings require full payment upfront. For flexibility, you can upgrade to a Fully Flexible ticket for an additional $50pp, allowing free date changes or a full refund up to 24 hours before departure.
Do you offer hotel pickup? We offer pickup from several fixed CBD and en-route locations, and can sometimes arrange hotel pickup on request — call us to confirm availability.
Is lunch suitable for dietary requirements? Yes, please let us know your dietary requirements ahead of time and we’ll arrange this with the winery.
Do you run tours every day? Yes, our Yarra Valley public tour runs daily, seven days a week (our office is closed on public holidays).
What should I wear? Comfortable, casual clothing and closed shoes are recommended, along with a light jacket, as the Yarra Valley can be cooler than Melbourne CBD.
Can I buy wine to take home? Yes, all wineries on the tour offer wine for purchase, which isn’t included in the tour price.
Do you offer gift vouchers? Yes, Chillout Travel gift vouchers are available and let the recipient book their own preferred date.
What’s the minimum number of people for the tour to run? Our public tour requires a minimum of four guests to operate; if numbers fall short, we’ll always try to move you to another available date.
What happens if a winery on the itinerary is closed or booked out? On rare occasions a winery may be unavailable due to a wedding or private event. If this happens, we arrange a comparable Yarra Valley winery of equal standard so your day goes ahead as planned.
Guest Experiences: Chillout Travel Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Gavin – Jul 11, 2026 – Trip Advisor
1. Squitchy Lane
2. Sumah (inc lunch)
3. Chandon
4. Yering Farm
Loads of wine samples, a great variety of white, rose, sparkling and red wines representative of the valley . Driver was informative and polite and car was immaculate. Bought six bottles at reasonable prices and enjoyed talking with the other guests. A really good day out all in all.
