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Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc
About This Tour
12 Years ago we started a surfing and camping tour that became very popular through word of mouth. It was because we created a social, relaxed and laidback atmosphere that everyone felt so refreshing and personal. Then 7 years ago we thought we'd apply the same method to something else we love: Wine tours. And we've nailed it!
The itinerary has been perfectly structured over the years to give everyone a choice throughout the day. This is done by choosing venues that are very close to one another, allowing us to split the group up easily to please all sorts of people.
We'll start the tour by inviting everyone to a communal Spotify playlist so you can add songs from your own phone. We'll explain how the day will work and get to know everyone organically.
We go to 2 wineries, a choice of 2 restaurants for lunch at your expense, then onto your choice of a gin distillery, a winery or brewery, and finally a choice between chocolate or more alcohol!
Ranked #1 of all tours in Melbourne!
The itinerary has been perfectly structured over the years to give everyone a choice throughout the day. This is done by choosing venues that are very close to one another, allowing us to split the group up easily to please all sorts of people.
We'll start the tour by inviting everyone to a communal Spotify playlist so you can add songs from your own phone. We'll explain how the day will work and get to know everyone organically.
We go to 2 wineries, a choice of 2 restaurants for lunch at your expense, then onto your choice of a gin distillery, a winery or brewery, and finally a choice between chocolate or more alcohol!
Ranked #1 of all tours in Melbourne!
What's Included
✓ Included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Flexible itinerary- We give you a choice throughout the day
- We use a bus with 24 seats and smaller vans of 11-13 seats.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Included in price is tastings of 5-6 wines/offerings at each venue we visit (except lunch venue)
- Collaborative Spotify playlist which everyone can add to, so you can hear the songs you want!
- Plenty of leniency with timings if the day/group demands it.
- Driver/guide who is young, charismatic and will create a fun atmosphere.
- Chocolate tasting of 10-12 chocolates in a private room tasting
- A relaxed, social and laid back style of tour guiding
✗ Not Included
- Lunch-We will split the group b/w Hubert Estate OR Domain Chandon. You can order/pay at your expense
Itinerary
1
Our bus will arrive at 8:40am at 74 Spring Street, East Melbourne, which is the bus stop directly across the road from THE HOTEL WINDSOR, Melbournes oldest hotel. We will expect you there at 8:45 so we can depart at 8:55am. There is a cafe called Cafe Excello across the road to get caffeinated before the tour.
2
After departing, We will drive for 60 minutes to our first venue.
Along the way we will invite you to add songs to the playlist we have for the day via Spotify, so everyone can add songs from their own phone.
We will spend a bit of time getting to know everyone and explain how the day will work and give you a chance to tell us if there is anything specific you want to do today.
With all that said, we have structured this itinerary below to please all types of people. We will also give everyone a few choices throughout the day to make this day perfect for you. This is how it will flow....
Along the way we will invite you to add songs to the playlist we have for the day via Spotify, so everyone can add songs from their own phone.
We will spend a bit of time getting to know everyone and explain how the day will work and give you a chance to tell us if there is anything specific you want to do today.
With all that said, we have structured this itinerary below to please all types of people. We will also give everyone a few choices throughout the day to make this day perfect for you. This is how it will flow....
3
Try 5 wines ranging from Savignon Blanc, Chardonay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, and an incredible Pink Lady Apple Cider at this very small, boutique and family run vineyard. This one gives the feel of a rustic, converted barn yard from the 1800's. You'll learn about the wine making process and about what varietals thrives in this cool climate region with a gorgeous vineyard view in the background.
4
Wine tasting of 5 amazing wines at this medium sized Italian style winery. A stunning 40 acre property with all sorts of varietals including Pinot noir and a Spanish Tempranillo. This tasting is often outside on some picnic tables overlooking the vineyards. Arguably the best photo opportunity of the day to get up nice and close to the vineyards. If you don't like wine, we can get you a beer or cider instead. There are also cocktails and snacks to purchase at your expense here.
5
CHOICE: Your first choice of the day will involve where you want to go for lunch. The most popular choice is THIS restaurant called 'Quarters', which is located at St Huberts Estates winery. The food and service here is incredible. Whether you are a 'foodie' or easily pleased with a burger or pizza, they have something for everyone.
The entire menu is QR coded, you can order with wait staff.
Lunch is not included in the price so this would be at your own expense.
The venue itself is really architecturally impressive. They also have a cellar door that can do free wine tastings and a more detailed paid wine, whiskey or gin tasting, as well as an Indigenous art museum all done by First Nations people around Victoria.
We will split the group up between this place and the next stop...Domaine Chandon
The entire menu is QR coded, you can order with wait staff.
Lunch is not included in the price so this would be at your own expense.
The venue itself is really architecturally impressive. They also have a cellar door that can do free wine tastings and a more detailed paid wine, whiskey or gin tasting, as well as an Indigenous art museum all done by First Nations people around Victoria.
We will split the group up between this place and the next stop...Domaine Chandon
6
CHOICE: Instead of Huberts for lunch we can take you Chandons 'lounge bar' where you will have 80 minutes to enjoy lunch/drinks at your expense. This place has absolutely stunning views and incredible sparkling wines, but one thing to note is that the food here is a lot smaller and a bit more expensive than the other lunch spot, Huberts Estate. It's a great option if you have dinner plans later. Think: Oysters and cheeseboards. Nothing like steaks or burgers.
Another thing is they only have sparkling wines. No beers. No wine itself. Nothing else whatseover.
You will need to let us know before the tour if you want lunch here so we can make a booking for you.
Note: The menu in their lounge bar is different to their proper restaurant. The restaurant is a 3 hour set menu which we don't have time for.
If you want, we can stop here just for a quick 5 min photo opp.
We find all people want to do here is just have a glass and enjoy the scenery anyway, so 70 minutes Is plenty of time!
Another thing is they only have sparkling wines. No beers. No wine itself. Nothing else whatseover.
You will need to let us know before the tour if you want lunch here so we can make a booking for you.
Note: The menu in their lounge bar is different to their proper restaurant. The restaurant is a 3 hour set menu which we don't have time for.
If you want, we can stop here just for a quick 5 min photo opp.
We find all people want to do here is just have a glass and enjoy the scenery anyway, so 70 minutes Is plenty of time!
7
CHOICE: After lunch we will drive 10 minutes to the main town within the Yarra: Healesville. In this pocket of town there are 3 venues extremely close to each other so we can split the group up. Here at the world famous Four Pillars Gin Distillery you will try a tasting flight of 4 gins along with tonic or soda water to mix with. Staff here will explain how they make the gin and explain what you are having. You will also be able to view the factory floor and distillery rooms from windows.
If you don't like gin or want something else, we can get you any type of drink there.
Or if you want a different venue entirely then............>>>>
If you don't like gin or want something else, we can get you any type of drink there.
Or if you want a different venue entirely then............>>>>
8
CHOICE: Instead of the gin distillery, we can provide you a wine tasting at this locals favourite, Payten and Jones. Often done by the owners themselves, this personal,casual and entertaining wine tasting is arguably the best of the day with 5 quality wines. If you've come to try the best of Melbournes wines, then THIS is a must.
9
CHOICE: If you are a bit of a beer-nuffie, then we offer the chance to go to the local brewery where you can try 4 beers on their beer paddle which is included in the price. Small local craft brewery and locals favourite. It gives the energy of a 'dads garage' kind of brewery, so nothing too fancy/commercial.
Note: This place is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Note: This place is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
10
Here at this very popular and scenic spot, you will be escorted to a private room to have a private tasting of 10-12 chocolates over 25 minutes. You'll then have about 30 minutes afterwards to buy any chocolate or to try their delicious ice cream. There is also a cafe here.
We would start heading back to Melbourne after this stop at about 3:50pm.
If you don't wan't to end on this sugar high, then the next stop mentioned would be for you.....
We would start heading back to Melbourne after this stop at about 3:50pm.
If you don't wan't to end on this sugar high, then the next stop mentioned would be for you.....
11
CHOICE: If people are not interested in the chocolate tasting, we offer the chance to drive people to this winery which is around the corner from the chocolate place. This would be simply a round of drinks but would be at your own expense. Its a nice scenic way to end the day if you want to keep drinking. Perhaps the most scenic stop of the day. You can get wine or beer here.
If you came here, you would not be able to do the chocolate tasting.
If you came here, you would not be able to do the chocolate tasting.
12
Finishing anywhere between 4:50pm and 5:20pm (Depending on traffic).
Most weekdays end at 5pm, but weekends are often 5:20.
We will end the day by giving out great recommendations on things to do, places to go and venues to eat and drink at before we say goodbye!
Most weekdays end at 5pm, but weekends are often 5:20.
We will end the day by giving out great recommendations on things to do, places to go and venues to eat and drink at before we say goodbye!
Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We do not do Hotel pick ups unless you can meet us on the way the Yarra Valley and it's not a detour.
- We do not have space for luggage of any sort.
- We have 2 vehicles that run this tour. We primarily use a 24 seater bus but try not to fill it up to still give the tour an intimate and small-group feel. We only allow 22 people max book. We also run a second vehicle of 13 seats which is a smaller van. If group size is important to you, please let us know so we can best accomodate you!
- This is a public group tour where you’ll be joined by others. You can book this tour however as a large group and we can discuss doing a private tour for your group