Yarra Valley: Winery Tour with Lunch at Yering Station

The best part of this Yarra Valley day is the mix of grand and boutique wineries. You begin with wine and cheese at De Bortoli, eat a proper a la carte lunch at historic Yering Station, then shift to smaller producers with more personal character. I like the thoughtful variety, and I like that the day is handled in a small group rather than on a large coach.

I also like the guides. Paul, Rob, Adrian, and Cam are named repeatedly as warm hosts who add useful commentary about Melbourne, local culture, vineyards, and wine. The main drawback is the long 10-hour day and the sheer number of tastings. If you want to study every glass closely, the schedule may feel full.

Why this Yarra Valley tour earns attention

• Four contrasting winery stops: Move from established De Bortoli and Yering Station to small-batch Payten & Jones and family-owned Medhurst.
• A real restaurant lunch: Choose an a la carte main course at Yering Station, with a glass of wine and coffee included.
• Cheese with the first tasting: De Bortoli pairs selected wines with a cheese platter, giving the morning a pleasant start.
• Small-group transport: Pickup and return are arranged from central Melbourne areas in a comfortable van or coach.
• Guides who add context: Paul, Rob, Adrian, and Cam have been praised for clear commentary and strong wine knowledge.
• Flexible winery lineup: When Medhurst is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the stop is replaced by Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge.

Four wineries, four different views of the valley

This tour works because it does not treat the Yarra Valley as one big tasting room. You see different sizes, styles, settings, and approaches to wine production over the course of the day.

The region is about an hour northeast of Melbourne and is especially known for chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wine. You will also encounter syrah and Mediterranean varieties, particularly at Payten & Jones. That range matters if your taste is not limited to one grape.

The route leaves Melbourne through Templestowe, Eltham, and Kangaroo Ground. Those bush-lined suburbs provide a gradual change from city streets to open country before you reach Dixons Creek and the main wine area.

De Bortoli begins the day with wine and cheese

The first stop is De Bortoli Vineyard at Dixons Creek. It is an elegant opening rather than a rushed first pour, with selected wines matched to cheese.

I like this pairing because it gives you something to focus on beyond simply counting tasting glasses. The cheese helps show how food changes the taste of wine, and the morning nibbles make the early part of the day more comfortable.

De Bortoli is also a useful introduction to an established Yarra Valley producer. You can expect a more polished winery setting here, before the tour moves into smaller operations later in the afternoon.

The tasting lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough time for a guided introduction, though not enough for a leisurely tasting of every bottle in great detail. If you are new to wine, listen for the guide’s explanation of how chardonnay and pinot noir fit the local climate.

Yering Station combines wine, art, and lunch

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

The tasting takes place in that historic winery, which also features local art and produce. This gives the stop more shape than a standard cellar-door visit. You are tasting estate wines in a place tied closely to the development of the region.

The most valuable part, though, is lunch. You choose an a la carte main course at Yering Station’s restaurant, then receive a glass of wine and coffee. The setting is known for wide views across the valley, and the meal provides a proper pause after the morning tasting.

Past choices have included several main-course options, with one traveler noting five choices at the time of their visit. Menus can change, so do not treat that number as fixed. The important point is that lunch is not a basic sandwich or a quick shared plate. It is a sit-down restaurant meal built into the price.

That makes a real difference on a full wine day. You can eat properly, take in the view, and reset before the afternoon tastings. I would give yourself the full 1.5 hours here rather than treating lunch as a minor stop.

Payten & Jones brings smaller-batch personality

After lunch, the mood shifts at Payten & Jones. Behn Payten and Troy Jones make small-batch wines designed to be approachable and expressive.

This is where the tour becomes especially useful for anyone trying to understand the difference between a large producer and a small one. The wines include familiar Yarra Valley choices such as chardonnay and pinot noir, but also syrah and Mediterranean varieties.

The stop lasts about 45 minutes. You may find this tasting more conversational than the earlier visits, although the exact style depends on the day’s host and group. The variety is welcome after lunch, when another run of similar wines could begin to blur together.

If you usually prefer bold reds, syrah and the Mediterranean grapes may hold your attention here. If you prefer lighter or fresher wines, the chardonnay and pinot noir provide a more familiar reference point.

Medhurst offers a quieter final stop

The afternoon ends at Medhurst Vineyard when it is open. This family-owned property covers 35 acres and was established in 1999. Its position on elevated ground near the Warramate Ranges gives it a scenic setting and a different feel from the larger estates.

Medhurst makes a small selection of elegant table wines. The tasting lasts about an hour, so it is the longest of the four listed winery visits. That extra time can be useful at the end of the day, when you have enough context to compare what you are drinking with the earlier wines.

Medhurst is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On those days, the tour substitutes another winery, such as Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge. This is worth checking if a particular producer matters to you. The replacement keeps the day going, but it means the exact lineup is not fixed across every departure.

A full day with a well-paced rhythm

The standard structure is simple:

• Pickup from East Melbourne, Southbank, Fitzroy, or Melbourne City
• Drive by bus or coach into the Yarra Valley
• About 45 minutes at De Bortoli
• About 1.5 hours for lunch at Yering Station
• About 45 minutes at Payten & Jones
• About 1 hour at Medhurst or a replacement winery
• Return to one of the four central drop-off areas

The day lasts 10 hours, including transport. That is a serious commitment, but it is also the reason the experience feels more complete than a quick half-day outing.

You are not just stopping at one cellar door, taking a photo, and heading back. The route gives you time to compare producers and see how the valley changes from one property to the next. The tradeoff is that the schedule can feel packed for serious wine students.

Some past departures have included five or even six winery visits, depending on the route. The supplied program centers on four winery experiences, so confirm the exact plan for your date if the number of stops is important. Either way, expect plenty of wine. One past visitor counted more than 30 wines across the day.

Small-group transport makes the long day easier

Pickup is offered from or close to a central city hotel when possible. The listed pickup areas are East Melbourne, Southbank, Fitzroy, and Melbourne City. If your hotel is outside central Melbourne, you may need to meet the group in the city instead.

The evening before the tour, you receive confirmation of the pickup time and driver details by email or mobile. Keep an eye on both. This is especially useful in Melbourne, where a nearby pickup point may be simpler than trying to arrange a direct hotel collection.

The vehicle has been described as a comfortable, immaculate Mercedes van on some departures, though the exact vehicle can vary. Transport scores are very strong, with 95 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score. That matters on a route with several hours of driving.

Small groups also help the personal side of the day. Guides can introduce you to hosts at each winery, answer questions, and adjust the conversation to the group. Paul, Rob, Adrian, and Cam have all been singled out for friendly hosting and useful commentary. Shane has also been praised for being accommodating.

The guide is not just there to drive. You can expect commentary about Melbourne, the road into the valley, local culture, vineyard history, and the wines you are about to taste. That extra explanation helps you get more from each stop.

What is included for $219?

The price is $219 per person. Included are city pickup, transport, an English-speaking guide, wine tastings, morning nibbles, a cheese platter at De Bortoli, an a la carte main course at Yering Station, a glass of wine, coffee, and bottled water.

For a 10-hour small-group day with multiple tastings and a restaurant lunch, the price sits toward the premium end of Melbourne wine tours. It is not the right choice if your only goal is the cheapest possible trip to the valley.

I think the value is strongest for you if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, tastings, lunch, and a designated driver. The meal is a major part of the equation. So is the range of wineries. You are paying for a well-organized full day, not just for wine samples.

Personal purchases are not included. If you find a bottle you like, bring a payment method and allow room for purchases in your luggage. Oversize luggage is not allowed.

Who will enjoy this most?

This tour suits you if you want a polished introduction to the Yarra Valley without renting a car. It is also a good fit for couples marking a special occasion, as the lunch setting and small group give the day a more refined feel.

You do not need to be a wine expert. The guides are used to explaining wine to people with different levels of experience, and the range of styles makes it easy to find something you enjoy.

It also suits people who value regional food. The cheese pairing at De Bortoli and the restaurant lunch at Yering Station add substance to the day. You are not left with an empty stomach after several tastings.

You may prefer another outing if you want a slow, single-estate visit, a cellar tour with extensive technical detail, or a short schedule. Four wineries, and sometimes more depending on the route, can be too much if you want to linger over every wine.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Dress is smart casual. Singlets, thongs, sandals, and flip flops are not allowed, so wear closed, comfortable shoes and clothing that works for changing weather. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Booking and cancellation points to keep in mind

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Melbourne plans are still moving around. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

The penalties become stricter close to departure. Cancellation within 72 hours carries a 50 percent fee, and cancellation within 24 hours carries a 100 percent fee.

Minimum numbers apply. Even after confirmation, the tour can be cancelled if too few people book. In that case, you are offered an alternative or a full refund.

Since pickup details arrive the evening before, do not plan a tight connection immediately after the scheduled return. A 10-hour regional outing can be affected by road conditions, winery timing, and group pace.

Should you book the Yering Station wine tour?

Book it if you want an easy, full-day Yarra Valley introduction with several wine styles, a proper lunch, and personal guiding. The strongest features are the contrast between established and boutique wineries, the historic Yering Station setting, and the inclusion of a restaurant main course rather than a token meal.

I would be comfortable paying the $219 when you value convenience and a more polished experience. You get transport, food, tastings, water, and a guide who adds useful context throughout the day.

Think twice if you dislike long days, drink only a small amount, or want to spend an hour at every winery. The schedule is generous but busy. For most people looking for a well-run wine day from Melbourne, though, the combination of scenery, food, and varied cellar doors makes this a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the Yarra Valley winery tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including transport between Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from or close to city hotels when possible, with listed pickup areas in East Melbourne, Southbank, Fitzroy, and Melbourne City.

Which wineries are included?

The core program visits De Bortoli Vineyard, Yering Station, Payten & Jones, and Medhurst Vineyard. When Medhurst is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the stop is replaced by Punt Road, Dominique Portet, Giant Steps, or Oakridge.

Is lunch included?

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

Is the cheese platter included?

Yes. A cheese platter is included at De Bortoli Vineyard, along with selected wine pairings.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Oversize luggage is also not allowed, and the dress code is smart casual with no sandals or flip flops.