by In the heart of one of Australia’s best wine regions, the Yarra Valley is a wine lover’s and traveller’s paradise. Famous for its wines, views and boutique wineries, the Yarra Valley invites you to taste your way through glass after glass of premium, award-winning wines. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, the valley has something for everyone, from sparkling wines to intimate cellar-door experiences and food pairings. With each stop on the map, from Yering Station to artisan chocolate makers, the Yarra Valley is an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions.
Iconic Wineries and Cellar Doors for Every Taste
The Yarra Valley has over 80 wineries, each with its own character and speciality. Here are a few to get you started:
Yering Station
Established in the 1830s, Yering Station is one of the most famous wineries in the region, offering a wine-tasting tour of its premium wines. Famous for its glass of estate wine and vineyard dining, Yering Station has a range of excellent wines, including sparkling, reds and whites. The restaurant, with 2-course lunch specials, has a stunning view of the vineyards, making it perfect for any occasion lunch.
Rochford Wines
Rochford is more than a beautiful winery; it’s an experience. With stunning views, award-winning wines and a welcoming cellar door, Rochford Wines is a must-do. Enjoy a glass of Rochford’s premium wines with a gourmet lunch that showcases the valley’s best seasonal produce or a wine-tasting experience led by experts. Rochford’s winery setting is a memorable experience for those who want to experience the Yarra Valley’s wine culture.
Levantine Hill Winery
This winery is a wine lover and foodie’s paradise. Levantine Hill’s Single Vineyard range has wines that are highly complex and highly awarded. The winery offers intimate tastings and an indulgent lunch menu with dishes designed to match their exceptional wines.
Greenstone Vineyards
Famous for its views and friendly tour guides, Greenstone Vineyards will captivate you with every glass of wine. The estate makes small-batch wines that are true to Yarra Valley terroir, with guided tastings that take you through their range of reds and whites. The warm and beautiful vineyards make it a must-stop on any Yarra Valley Wine Tour.
Coldstream Hills
Founded by wine critic James Halliday, high-quality focuses on producing high-quality wines with a strong sense of terroir. This boutique winery offers a tasting journey where you can taste a glass of beer or a paddle of gins at the nearby Coldstream Brewery, a great option for those who want to try something other than wine.
A Tour for Every Taste: Wine-Tasting Packages and Private Tours
Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tours has a range of options to suit every interest and schedule. If you want a short and sweet experience, a half-day tour will take you to some of the best wineries in the valley, including exclusive boutique cellar doors where you can taste premium wines. Full-day tours are also available and include gin distilleries, artisanal chocolate factories, cider tastings and cheese pairings.
Private Yarra Valley Wine Tours are also available, and they are especially popular with groups and couples who want a more bespoke experience. Private tours allow you to customise your day with stops at wineries, craft breweries, cider houses and scenic viewpoints throughout the valley. With dedicated guides to enhance your experience, private group tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s wine culture, peace of mind, personal attention and breathtaking views.
Craft Beverages, Chocolate Tastings and Gourmet Lunches
For those who want to take their wine tasting to the next level, Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tours often include more than just wine. Many tours include additional tastings at craft breweries like Coldstream Brewery, where you can enjoy a beer or cider paddle. The valley’s artisanal chocolate factory, just a short drive from some of the top wineries, is another indulgent stop. Here, you can taste handcrafted chocolates made with fresh ingredients from local food producers. These gourmet additions take the wine-tasting experience beyond normal wine-tasting.
Lunch options are plentiful in the Yarra Valley, and a delicious lunch with seasonal produce is a highlight for many. Wineries like Hubert Estate and Rochford Wines offer lunch specials, and others offer restaurant lunch packages with a glass of estate wine. These dining options allow you to get into the valley’s flavours and turn your wine tour into a day of pampering.
Wine Tasting
To get the most out of your wine-tasting experience:
- Start with Sparkling Wines – Start with lighter wines and work your way up to the heavier reds. This way, you’ll be able to appreciate each varietal fully.
- Get a Knowledgeable Guide – Yarra Valley’s wine tour operators have guides who can tell you the story of each winery, the wine making process and tasting notes so you can enjoy each sip even more.
- Take it all in – From the views of the nearby orchards to the boutique cellar doors, every detail is part of the experience. Take your time, soak up the views and capture the memories of this trip.
More to Explore
While wine is the heart of the Yarra Valley experience, there’s more to enjoy in the area. Nearby, the Chocolate Factory offers artisanal chocolate tastings that pair beautifully with wine, a sweet interlude on your journey. And the Coldstream Brewery, where you can try a paddle of beer or cider and taste the valley’s best.
Hubert Estate is also a fave, art and wine combined for the ultimate experience. From a large range of wines to a glass of premium sparkling wine, Hubert Estate offers a full day tour experience for all types of travellers.
Plan Your Yarra Visit
Visiting Yarra Valley is a treat any time of the year, but spring and autumn are the best, with mild weather and beautiful scenery. Many Yarra Valley wine tour operators offer package deals, and some, like Chillout Winery Tours and Wine Tours Victoria, offer special occasion tours so you can plan your perfect day. Public holidays and weekends are usually busier, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, weekdays might be more intimate.
Custom tours can be tailored to your preferences with extra stops at gin distilleries or cider houses. Private groups for larger bookings and guides will make the whole day unforgettable.
FAQ
What wines should you try in the Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley is famous for its great wines, sparkling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many wineries also have Single Vineyard options that showcase the region’s terroir.
Can I book a private wine tour in Yarra Valley?
Yes, many wine tour operators offer private tours. Want to visit chocolate factories or cideries or have a custom itinerary? You can book a private tour.
Are food available on the tours?
Yes! Many wineries offer gourmet lunch options, 2-course and 3-course meals using seasonal produce: artisanal food producers and lunch options at wineries with stunning views.
Are there non-wine activities on the tours?
Yes, Yarra Valley tours often include visits to chocolate factories, craft breweries and cider houses, so there’s something for everyone.
When is the best time to visit?
September to November and March to May are the best times, but wineries are open all year round, and each season has its own magic.
