The Yarra Valley is known for its' beautiful countryside, food and wine. I have visited many time to work with brides for their wedding day makeup but never, in all of the years I've lived in Melbourne have I visited a winery for fun. It took a visit from Queensland friends to get us there.
With no hesitation on my part.
With no hesitation on my part.
The tour we chose was by Yarra Valley Wine Tasing Tours, "Domaine Chandon
and Wineries Daily Tour" that included pickup and drop off directly opposite our apartment on Flinders Street. This tour consisted of 4 winery visits and tastings, lunch at Rochford Winery, chocolate tasting at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamerie and a cheese tasting at the Yarra Valley Dairy. In February, 2019, we paid $125 per person and let me say, it was worth every cent.
After being picked up by our friendly tour guide, we headed to a few other pick up points and then onto the Yarra Valley (about a 50 minute drive) and to our first stop for wine!!!!!
We visited Yerring Station Winery for a tasting and tour of their grounds, gift shop and gallery. The tour gives you plenty of time to wander and shop before heading off to our next stop, Chandon for a full glass of sparkling wine and tour.
Next up was cheese tasting at the Yarra Valley Dairy, where you try an assortment of their artisan cheeses. We all purchased take home goodies which our tour operator kept cool in the on-board refrigerator until we were dropped off home.
A wine tasting and lunch at Rochford Wines was AMAZING. My husband had the 16 Hour Oyster Blade of Beef with slow roasted pumpkin tagine with feta & toasted almonds, while I had the Roasted Fillet of Salmon with chermoula, zucchini, toasted quinoa & saffron labneh. Lunch was included in the tour price and far exceeded our expectations. We will definitely be back for lunch again soon.
Our last two stops before heading back home were St Huberts Winery and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamerie for some chocolate delights and ice cream.
I suggest to book ahead (you can book online) to avoid missing out on the dates you prefer. I'd also pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water. You've got to stay hydrated when drinking all of that beautiful wine. This is not a tour that is suitable for kids.
I highly recommend this tour and I'll certainly be checking out other tours in the very near future.
Now, where to next?
Marnie x