Yarra Valley: Winery Tour with Lunch at Yering Station

Wine, cheese, lunch, and four very different cellar doors. This 10-hour trip from Melbourne gives you a generous taste of the Yarra Valley without asking you to drive after sampling wine. I especially like the small-group format, which makes it easier to ask questions and get personal attention, and the contrast between large, historic, and boutique vineyards. The main drawback is the length and price: at $219 per person, this is not a quick or budget outing, and the full day may feel tasting-heavy if you prefer a slower pace.

The lunch at Yering Station is a real strength, with an a la carte main course, a glass of wine, and coffee in one of the region’s most impressive settings. Guides including Paul, Rob, Adrian, and Cam have been praised for their local commentary and wine knowledge. Pickup is designed to be easy, though you may need to meet in central Melbourne if your hotel is outside the city area.

Key points at a glance

• Four principal vineyard visits: De Bortoli, Yering Station, Payten & Jones, and Medhurst form the advertised route, though the exact number of tasting venues can vary.
• Cheese and wine begin the day: De Bortoli pairs selected wines with a cheese platter, a pleasant way to ease into the tastings.
• Yering Station anchors the experience: You get estate wine, an a la carte main course, a glass of wine, coffee, local artworks, and views.
• Small producers add personality: Payten & Jones and Medhurst offer a useful contrast to larger and better-known wineries.
• Transport removes the hard part: City pickup, bottled water, a guide, and a comfortable coach or van mean you can focus on the valley.
• Plan for a long tasting day: Smart casual clothing, sturdy shoes, and an 18-plus drinking age are required.

Why this Yarra Valley day trip works

The Yarra Valley is close enough to Melbourne for a day trip, yet the journey quickly changes from city streets to bush-lined suburbs and open vineyard country. The route heads north-east through Templestowe, Eltham, and Kangaroo Ground before reaching Dixons Creek.

That gradual change matters. You do not simply appear at a tasting room after a motorway transfer. The drive gives you a sense of how the valley relates to Melbourne, and a good guide can fill in details about the area, local culture, and wine production along the way.

I like this tour because it treats the Yarra Valley as a region with several personalities. You are not sent to four nearly identical tasting rooms. The day moves from a large established producer to a historic winery, then to smaller makers with a more personal feel.

The small-group setup also improves the experience. The operator does not publish a fixed group size in the supplied details, but the tour is specifically designed as a small-group outing. That usually means less time waiting for people to regroup and a better chance to speak with the guide.

Past guides have included Paul, Rob, Adrian, Cam, and Shane. Paul is often praised for his warm hosting and commentary, while Rob and Adrian are noted for explaining both the wines and the region. Cam has also been praised for making introductions at each venue and keeping the day moving. The guide matters here because four or more tastings can otherwise become a blur of glasses, names, and tasting notes.

De Bortoli begins with wine and cheese

The first major stop is De Bortoli Vineyard at Dixons Creek. It is an elegant opening rather than a sudden rush into heavy tasting.

You receive a selection of wines paired with cheese. That pairing gives the first tasting more structure than a simple lineup of samples. You can notice how the food changes the wine, and the cheese also provides something substantial before the day gets further along.

De Bortoli is a useful first stop because it introduces a larger and established Yarra Valley producer. The setting and service give you an accessible starting point, even if you are not confident with wine terminology.

Morning nibbles are included, along with the cheese platter at De Bortoli. That is worth noting when judging the $219 price. The tour is not just transport plus a series of samples. Some food is built into the schedule before lunch, which helps make a long day more comfortable.

The limitation is pace. A 45-minute tasting can pass quickly, especially if you want to study every wine or ask detailed questions. If you like to linger over one glass, take notes, or browse at length, the schedule may feel brisk.

Yering Station brings history, lunch, and the best pause

Yering Station is the centrepiece of the outing. It occupies the site of the Yarra Valley’s first vineyard, established in 1838, and the original winery dates from around 1859.

You taste estate wines in that original winery, which also features local artworks and produce. The setting gives the tasting a stronger sense of place than a plain modern room would. Even people who are more interested in scenery and food than wine should find this stop worthwhile.

Then comes lunch at the Yering Station restaurant. You select an a la carte main course and receive a glass of wine and coffee. The supplied details do not list the menu, so I would not choose this tour based on a particular dish. The useful point is that you get a proper main course rather than only snacks or a shared platter.

Lunch lasts about 90 minutes, giving you the longest pause of the day. That break is important. By this point, you will already have tasted wine and spent time on the road, so sitting down for a full meal helps reset the pace.

The restaurant is also praised for its setting and views. Several people have described the lunch as elegant, gourmet, or exceptional. That fits the role Yering Station plays in the day: it is not merely another tasting room, but the point where food, wine, architecture, and scenery come together.

A glass of wine is included with lunch, but extra purchases are not. If you want to take bottles home, buy additional food, or choose something beyond the included meal, budget for it separately.

Payten & Jones shows the Yarra Valley’s smaller side

After lunch, the tour changes pace at Payten & Jones. Behn Payten and Troy Jones make small-batch wines with an approachable style and a clear personality.

The familiar Yarra Valley choices, chardonnay and pinot noir, appear here alongside syrah and some Mediterranean varieties. That wider mix is useful if you think the region is only about cool-climate white and red wines.

This stop is a good reminder that wine regions are not defined only by their biggest names. A smaller producer can give you a more direct sense of experimentation and personal style. You might find the tasting less formal than at a large estate, though the exact presentation can vary by day.

The afternoon timing also works in its favor. After the grander setting at Yering Station, Payten & Jones feels like a change of register. I would pay attention to the guide’s explanation here, since the value of a small producer often lies in understanding the choices behind the wines.

Medhurst offers views in the foothills

The final named stop is Medhurst Vineyard, a family-owned property established in 1999. Its 35 acres sit at an appealing elevation in the foothills of the Warramate Ranges.

Medhurst produces a small selection of elegant table wines. The visit adds another useful contrast: family-owned, relatively small scale, elevated setting, and a focus on a limited range rather than an enormous catalogue.

The scenery is one of the reasons to leave Melbourne for this valley, and Medhurst gives you a good chance to appreciate it. The day is not only about what is in the glass. Rolling vineyard views, the foothills, and the changing character of each property keep the outing from feeling like four identical indoor tastings.

Medhurst is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On those days, the tour instead visits one of several alternatives: Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge Vineyards. This flexibility is helpful, but it also means the exact experience depends on your departure date.

How many wineries will you actually visit?

The planned route names four principal vineyards: De Bortoli, Yering Station, Payten & Jones, and Medhurst. The schedule lists four tasting periods, lasting about 45 minutes, 90 minutes for lunch, 45 minutes, 45 minutes, and one hour.

However, some departures have included five or even six winery visits, often with extra tasting venues or substitutions. You should treat four main vineyard stops as the dependable outline and regard a higher number as possible rather than guaranteed.

That distinction matters. More wineries sound appealing, but one person specifically felt that two extra stops left too little time to taste and appreciate every wine. If you are a serious wine student, fewer stops with more time can be better. If you want broad exposure and enjoy a lively social day, additional venues may be welcome.

The tour has also been described as offering more than 30 wines on some departures. The exact total will vary, but you should expect a substantial amount of tasting. Eat the included morning nibbles, use lunch as a proper meal, and pace yourself.

Transport, timing, and pickup details

The experience lasts about 10 hours, including the drive from Melbourne and the return journey. Pickup and drop-off are offered from or near four city areas: Melbourne City, East Melbourne, Southbank, and Fitzroy.

The operator tries to collect you from your city hotel when possible. If your hotel is outside the city area, you may need to meet in central Melbourne. One person who stayed barely outside the CBD wished hotel pickup had been available, so check this before booking if convenience is important.

Transport is by bus or coach, with past departures also using a Mercedes van. The transport has received particularly strong marks for comfort and condition. Since the day includes several road sections, a clean and well-run vehicle makes a real difference.

The pickup time and driver details are reconfirmed by email or mobile the evening before. Keep an eye on your messages, especially if you are staying somewhere with several entrances or a large hotel complex.

Dress is smart casual. Do not wear singlets, thongs, sandals, or flip flops. Closed, secure footwear is the sensible choice around vineyard grounds, and oversize luggage is not allowed.

Is $219 good value?

At $219 per person, this tour costs more than a basic coach trip to one or two wineries. I think the higher price can make sense if you value convenience and a polished full-day experience.

The price includes:

• City hotel pickup where possible
• Transport and a live English-speaking guide
• Wine tastings
• Morning nibbles
• Cheese pairing at De Bortoli
• An a la carte main course at Yering Station
• A glass of wine with lunch
• Coffee at Yering Station
• Bottled water

Lunch is the key value point. A quality restaurant meal, wine, and coffee would add to the cost if arranged separately. Add the transport, several tastings, the guide, and the fact that nobody in your party has to drive, and the price becomes easier to justify.

I would not call it the cheapest way to see the Yarra Valley. It is better viewed as a higher-end day with food and wine built into the cost. The value is strongest for couples, first-time visitors to the region, and anyone who wants the day handled from start to finish.

The value is weaker if you already have a rental car, know the wineries you want to visit, and prefer to spend several hours at one property. In that case, self-driving can give you more control, though you will need a designated driver and separate reservations.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad introduction to Yarra Valley wine without making your own route. It suits people who enjoy trying different styles, eating well, meeting other wine drinkers, and learning as they go.

It also works well for a special occasion. One couple used the outing for an anniversary, and the combination of scenery, lunch, and personal hosting fits that purpose.

You do not need to be a wine expert. Guides are used to explaining wines to people who are unfamiliar with the region, and the range of producers gives you several ways into the subject.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group travel, prefer long unhurried tastings, or rarely drink wine. Ten hours is a long commitment, and the tour is built around repeated tastings.

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. The minimum drinking age is 18. You should also be comfortable with a full day away from Melbourne and with moving between several venues.

Booking, cancellation, and practical tips

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Melbourne plans are still shifting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, but confirmed cancellations within 24 hours carry a 100 percent fee. Cancellations within 72 hours carry a 50 percent fee, so read the exact booking terms before confirming.

Minimum numbers apply. The operator can cancel after confirmation if too few people book, in which case you are offered an alternative or a full refund.

I would keep the day before departure flexible enough to watch for the pickup reconfirmation. Bring a phone, wear smart casual clothing and closed shoes, and avoid bringing large bags.

Most of all, do not plan a demanding evening immediately afterward. A 10-hour day with several tastings, lunch, and road time is best followed by an easy dinner near your hotel.

Should you book the Yarra Valley winery tour?

I think you should book it if you want the easy, food-focused version of the Yarra Valley: comfortable transport, a small group, several contrasting wineries, cheese, and a proper lunch at Yering Station.

The strongest reasons are the well-planned variety, the restaurant stop, and the guides. Paul, Rob, Adrian, and Cam have all been praised for adding useful local and wine commentary, not simply driving between venues.

Skip it if $219 feels too high, you want complete control over your tasting schedule, or a full day of wine sounds excessive. For most first-time visitors from Melbourne, though, this is a polished and generous introduction to one of Victoria’s best-known wine regions.

FAQ

How long does the Yarra Valley winery tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including transport from Melbourne, the vineyard visits, lunch, and the return journey.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup and drop-off are available from or near Melbourne City, East Melbourne, Southbank, and Fitzroy. Pickup from your city hotel may be possible, but hotels outside the city area may require you to meet in Melbourne.

Which wineries are included?

The main route includes De Bortoli Vineyard, Yering Station, Payten & Jones, and Medhurst Vineyard. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when Medhurst is closed, the tour may visit Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge Vineyards instead.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You receive an a la carte main course at the Yering Station restaurant, plus a glass of wine and coffee.

Are food and snacks included before lunch?

Yes. Morning nibbles and a cheese platter at De Bortoli Vineyard are included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted in English with a live guide.

What should I wear?

The dress code is smart casual. Singlets, thongs, sandals, and flip flops are not allowed. Oversize luggage is also not permitted.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Confirmed cancellations within 24 hours incur a 100 percent fee, while cancellations within 72 hours incur a 50 percent fee.