Yarra Valley Full Day Grazing Tour: Gin, Wine, Pizza, Cheese

Planning a day trip in Victoria and wondering if a tour that combines wine tasting, gin, cheese, and chocolates is worth it? We haven’t done this particular tour ourselves, but we’ve looked into what makes it stand out—and it does seem like a solid choice for those wanting a relaxed, flavorful day out.

What really catches our eye are the all-inclusive tastings—no surprise costs—and the small group size, which promises a more intimate experience. Plus, the knowledgeable guides enjoying a consistently high review rating suggest you’ll be in capable hands.

On the flip side, a key consideration is the busy itinerary, especially the chocolate stop, which some find a bit crowded. If you’re after a laid-back, leisurely experience, this might feel a tad full-on for some.

This tour seems best suited for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone looking for a comprehensive taste of the Yarra Valley without the fuss of planning yourself. It’s a good pick if you want variety and a friendly, guided day out.

Key Points

• Small groups (max 24) ensure a more relaxed, personalized experience.
• All tastings included mean you can enjoy each stop without worrying about extra costs.
• Variety of stops: wine, cheese, spirits, chocolate, and pizza—something for all.
• Expert guides and an audio guide in 16 languages add insight and accessibility.
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned coaches makes for a smooth day.
• Tour runs rain or shine, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Yarra Valley Full Day Grazing Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded day exploring the Yarra Valley, a vineyard-rich area just outside Melbourne. It’s designed to pack in a variety of flavors and scenery in around eight hours, balancing guided commentary with free time at each stop. With over 16,000 five-star reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, it’s clear many find it worthwhile.

You’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned coach, with a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way. The small-group setting (up to 24 people) lets you feel more like you’re hanging out with friends than being herded through a crush of travelers.

An important selling point is all tastings included. That means no hidden costs—whatever you try at each stop is covered, making it better value than many other tours that nickel-and-dime you for each sample.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Departure

You can be picked up from one of six Melbourne locations, including top hotels like The Hotel Windsor, Crown Promenade, and Europa Melbourne. The flexibility in pickup points makes it easier to fit into your plans. Expect to be on the road for about an hour before reaching the first stop.

Rochford Wines

Your first stop is Rochford Wines, where you’ll settle into the vineyard atmosphere and taste a selection of premium wines. Expect around 40 minutes here, enough to get a sense of the region’s signature flavors. Reviewers mention that the wines reflect the character of the Yarra Valley, and many appreciate the chance to sample a variety of styles.

More Great Tours Nearby

Coldstream Dairy

Next, you’ll visit Coldstream Dairy—a beloved cheese farm. Here, artisan cheeses are crafted on-site, and you’ll enjoy a 45-minute tasting. Many reviews highlight the high quality and freshness of the cheeses, with some saying it was their favorite part of the trip. The opportunity to see how cheese is made and taste multiple varieties adds a tangible, authentic feel.

Stag Lane Distillery

This boutique distillery is a highlight for spirits lovers. Over 75 minutes, you’ll enjoy Roman-style pizza—light, crispy, and flavorful—paired with a gin tasting. The guide typically shares stories about the distillery’s approach to spirits, and travelers note the finely crafted gins are well worth trying.

Healesville

The charming country town of Healesville offers a break for a beverage of your choice, along with free time for wandering or shopping. It’s a nice palate cleanser, and many reviews mention enjoying the relaxed vibe and local cafés, such as Monte Santo Coffee Roasters.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Your sweet tooth will thank you here. You’ll take a guided tasting of eight different chocolates, each a small indulgence. Some reviews note that the chocolate stop can get busy, particularly on weekends, but most enjoy the variety and quality.

Return Journey

After the chocolate stop, the coach heads back to Melbourne, with a planned return around 5:00-5:30 pm. You get plenty of time to reflect on the day, and many travelers share they felt it was well-paced.

What Travelers Say: The Good, the Not-so-Good

Many reviews praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides—names like Cloe, Graeme, and Chris H come up repeatedly for their enthusiasm and insights. They’re seen as the key to making the experience engaging and enjoyable.

The variety of tastings—wine, gin, cheese, and chocolates—comes through as a major plus. People love the chance to try multiple products without extra charges, making the day feel both indulgent and good value.

The scenery of the Yarra Valley is often described as picturesque, with rolling vineyards and lush countryside providing a beautiful backdrop for the tastings.

Some reviewers mention that the bus can be noisy or crowded, especially at busy venues like the chocolate shop. Also, the winery experience at one stop was critiqued for using small wine glasses that limited the ability to truly appreciate the bouquet.

Despite minor issues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback revolves around the warm guides, quality tastings, and beautiful views.

Is the Tour Worth the Price?

Considering the inclusion of all tastings, comfortable transport, and expert guides, many reviewers feel it offers good value. The experience is designed to be seamless—no fuss, no hidden costs—and the small group size makes it more personal than larger tours.

For around 8 hours, you get a well-rounded snapshot of the Yarra Valley’s offerings, especially suited for those who want variety without the hassle of planning each stop.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re a foodie or wine enthusiast seeking a guided day that balances learning and tasting. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer a small group and want to avoid the chaos of larger, more rushed tours.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for adults who enjoy casual outings, good food, and scenic landscapes. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed, and educational day out near Melbourne, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Final Thoughts

The Yarra Valley Full Day Grazing Tour offers a comprehensive, tasty, and scenic introduction to one of Australia’s premier wine regions. With high praise for its guides, quality tastings, and well-organized itinerary, it’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a hassle-free day of indulgence.

The mix of wine, gin, cheese, chocolates, and pizza provides plenty of variety, making it especially appealing to those who appreciate a bit of everything—and want a friendly, guided experience. While it’s not without small drawbacks like bus noise or busy venues, most find the day exceeds expectations.

If you’re after a well-priced, all-inclusive trip that combines scenic views with delicious samples, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers who value good guides, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to taste some of Victoria’s best produce—all in one memorable day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 8 hours, with the return around 5:00–5:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Are all tastings included in the price?
Yes, all wine, gin, cheese, and chocolate tastings are covered, so there are no hidden costs.

What is the group size?
The tour is kept small, with a maximum of 24 people, for a more personal experience.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, you can select from six Melbourne pickup points, including major hotels.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English?
An audio guide in 16 languages is available via the free app, which you can listen to during the day.

If you’re curious about exploring Victoria’s culinary and scenic delights without the stress of planning, this tour seems like a popular, well-loved option. It strikes a good balance between guided insight and free time, making it perfect for those eager to taste and see a lot in just one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: