We’ve found the best attractions in the Yarra Valley – from tasting local wines to eating cheese and chocolate!
The Yarra Valley is Melbourne’s renowned wine region. At just 45 minutes drive from the city, it a great day trip. Our Gourmet Tour from Melbourne is a wonderful way to be introduced to the Yarra Valleys main attraction – the food and wine!
Yarra Farm Fresh
Yarra Farm Fresh is a working fruit farm and onsite produce store. The store stocks not only the farms fresh produce, but other local products. They give preference to local growers and producers and source high quality products from further afield if they do not grow in the region.
We start the day with an exclusive farm gate visit at for a palate-cleansing fruit tasting experience. At this boutique, third-generation orchard, we’ll sample a range of seasonal fruits and other local produce. We will also learn a little about the wide range of farm-fresh fruits grown on the property.
There is time to explore the produce store and perhaps purchase some goodies to take home. Their range includes jams, relishes, fruit juices, nougat, honey, chocolate, fruit, vegetables and much more.
Balgownie Estate
Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley is home to 17 acres of vineyards – about 50-50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wine is at the heart of everything at Balgownie. Their focus is on elegant cool climate wines from the Yarra Valley. They also have a range of deeply complex and distinguished cellaring styles from the old vines growing in the original Balgownie Bendigo vineyards.
We love to visit Balgownie for the first wine tasting session of our tour. We taste wines from their extensive range. You’ll learn how to swirl, sniff, and slurp like true connoisseurs while tasting some of the very finest cool climate wines.
Yarra Valley Dairy
The cheeses at the Yarra Valley Dairy will truly melt in your mouth. The dairy shop is located in the century-old milking shed on the property. They specialise in soft cheeses and fetas – which you can taste on tour. The cheeses here are truly stunning and will have your tastebuds working overtime!
Coldstream Dairy
On the weekends we visit the Coldstream Dairy to taste their delicious cheeses. Seated on the patio with views out to the farm and surrounding hills, we sample their finest creations. The Dairy specialises in cheeses made using Yarra Valley milk. In particular Italian-style handmade cheeses, fresh feta and yoghurt.
Rochford Wines
Your gourmet lunch is served at Rochford Wines. In winter it is by the open fireplace and year round you’ll enjoy views of the vineyards. For lunch you can choose from four different main meals – each using fresh, in-season local produce – served with a glass of wine and tea or coffee. After lunch, take some time to explore the Rochford gift shop, or perhaps climb the spiral staircase to enjoy the panoramic views of the property.
Yering Station
For the final winery of the day you’ll visit Yering Station, where Victoria’s first grape vines were planted back in 1838. This winery is a member of the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame and a tasting of their exceptional wine range is not to be missed.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
To finish the tour you’ll visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. This is where you’ll be welcomed with an exclusive chocolate tasting. Afterwards, check out the displays of thousands of premium chocolates, plus watch the expert chocolatiers hard at work handcrafting chocolate creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Yarra Valley?
Spring
Spring in the Yarra Valley is when leaves return to the vines and the weekends become busier with Melburnians visiting the renowned wine region. If you want to see the vineyards with leaves blooming and tour fantastic wineries with gardens blossoming, then Spring is the time to do it.
Summer
Summer is a time when fruit and produce is in abundance in the Yarra Valley. The sun shines and the days are meant to be spent outdoors exploring the vineyards and winery gardens. You can taste strawberries, apples, pears and other fresh local produce. It’s also a great time to take pictures of the rolling hills and vineyards.
Autumn
Autumn is the time when the Yarra Valley is buzzing with activity and the vines look spectacular with their autumn colours. The grape harvest happens in March each year, with the following months being the optimal time for winemaking. A visit to the wineries is a great opportunity to learn about the winemaking process.
Winter
Winter is a great time to escape the city and spend a day touring the Yarra Valley. You won’t regret your decision when you indulge in a delicious gourmet lunch by an open fireplace, sip wines in the comfort of a cellar door with vineyards views, or return to Melbourne with a full belly and big smile on your face!
Where is the Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley is a scenic 45 minute drive from Melbourne. Located to Melbourne’s north east, it provides a great day trip for foodies and wine-lovers alike.
What wines are produced in the Yarra Valley?
The region is renowned for its wines and wineries – most of which specialise in chardonnay and pinot noir. There are big name wineries like Yering Station, Balgownie Estate and Domaine Chandon, as well as a host of smaller boutique wineries scattered around the scenic valley.
Can we take a Private Tour of the Yarra Valley wine region?
Yes! If you like the sound of taking a tour to the Yarra Valley wine region, but would prefer to tailor the itinerary yourself – we can help you out. Our private tours can cater for 1 to 100 guests and can be completely arranged to meet your needs. In addition to wine and produce you might like to add some of the following options to your itinerary.
- Micro-breweries
- Distilleries
- Healesville Sanctuary
What should I to take on a visit to the Yarra Valley?
- Your mates – this is a fun group day out, so bring your friends to enjoy it together
- Your phone / camera – to take photos and capture memories of your day
- A bag to carry all the local produce and goodies you might be tempted to buy
- Your wallet (see above – so much delicious produce on this tour!)
- A jacket in the cooler months
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
