Yarra Valley wine and gin tour with Champagne Lunch at Chandon!

Chandon is the polished opening act, but this tour quickly moves beyond sparkling wine into the broader pleasures of the Yarra Valley: rustic cider, boutique reds, farm-made gin, cheese, chocolate, and a sunset kangaroo stop. You get a full day out without renting a car or appointing a sober driver.

I like the small maximum group of 11, which gives the guides room to adjust the day and keep tastings personal. I also like the range: Chandon brings the sparkling wine and brunch, while Yering Farm, Yering Station, and Stag Lane Farm Distillery show different sides of the region.

The main point to check is pickup. The advertised meeting point is Federation Square in Melbourne, yet some bookings have involved accommodation or Lilydale station pickup. Confirm your exact pickup details before the day, and remember that some stops may feel brisk during a full eight-hour schedule.

Key points at a glance

• Chandon begins the day with sparkling wine, brunch, and small bites, giving the tour a polished start.
• Yering Farm adds rustic charm, with boutique wine, apple cider, and broad valley views.
• Yering Station connects you with Victoria’s first vineyard, including Pinot Noir and other local styles.
• Stag Lane Farm Distillery breaks up the wine tasting with small-batch gin made using produce grown on site.
• Kangaroo Ground provides a wildlife stop on the return journey, with kangaroos expected in the area.
• Craig, Kurt, Mark, and Stephen have all led this experience, with flexibility and local stories forming a major part of the day.

Why this Yarra Valley day works so well

The Yarra Valley is close enough to Melbourne for a day trip, but spread out enough that driving between wineries is part of the experience. This tour handles that transport for you and lets you concentrate on the glass in front of you rather than the road ahead.

At $191.61 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to visit a winery. You are paying for roughly eight hours of transport, several tasting sessions, the Chandon stop, a meal component, a gin tasting, and a small-group host. If you planned to hire a car, pay for fuel, arrange tastings, and keep someone from drinking, the price becomes easier to justify.

I would think of this as a guided regional food and drink day rather than a simple wine shuttle. The appeal is the sequence. You begin with sparkling wine, move through still wine and cider, pause for cheese or chocolate opportunities along the route, taste gin, and finish with kangaroos. That variety keeps the day from becoming a blur of similar cellar doors.

The tour starts at 11:30 am and ends back at the meeting point in Melbourne. That later start suits anyone who wants a relaxed morning, though it does mean you will spend the afternoon and evening in the valley rather than arriving early for a full morning of tastings.

Chandon sets the tone with sparkling wine

Domaine Chandon is the first major stop, with about two hours allocated and admission included. You can expect tastings of several sparkling wine styles, along with an explanation of how sparkling wine is made and how the Chandon name fits into Australia’s wine story.

This is the most polished stop of the day. Chandon is designed for visitors, so it provides a smooth introduction to the region and to sparkling wine production. The brunch and small bites make it more substantial than a quick tasting at a cellar door.

The word Champagne needs a little care here. Chandon serves Australian sparkling wine, not wine made in France’s Champagne region. The experience focuses on sparkling wine styles and production, which is exactly what you want if you are curious about the differences between bottles, methods, and grape blends.

Two hours is generous compared with the shorter winery stops later. That gives you time to taste, eat, listen, and enjoy the setting without rushing through the opening stop. If sparkling wine is your main interest, Chandon may be the strongest part of the day.

The tradeoff is that this stop can feel more formal than the smaller producers. You get presentation and consistency, while the later venues offer more of the personal, hands-on feel that many people seek in a regional wine tour.

Yering Farm brings cider and country character

Yering Farm Wines follows with about an hour. This boutique producer is described as rustic, with bold wines, apple cider, and views extending across the valley.

I like this contrast with Chandon. Instead of a large, highly polished sparkling wine setting, Yering Farm gives you a smaller producer with a more relaxed country mood. The cider also matters. It changes the rhythm of the tasting and gives non-wine drinkers another option.

The setting is part of the point. You are not only sampling what is in the glass. You are also seeing the rural side of the Yarra Valley, where vineyards, orchards, and open views share the same region. One account of the day describes drinking apple cider in an outdoor apple orchard bar, though you should not assume that exact setup on every departure.

Allow yourself to browse and ask questions here, but keep an eye on the clock. The tour has several stops, and the schedule needs to keep moving. If you want a slow, private afternoon at one boutique winery, this is not that kind of outing. If you want several distinct tastes in one day, the pace makes sense.

Yering Station connects wine with Victoria’s past

The next tasting takes place at Yering Station, with about 45 minutes set aside. It is the home of Victoria’s first vineyard and offers a broad selection of wines, including Pinot Noir.

This stop adds useful context to the day. Yering Valley wine is not a new visitor attraction created for weekend crowds. Vine growing here reaches back to the early days of Victorian wine production, and Yering Station gives that story a physical place.

The shorter visit means you will likely focus on tasting rather than a long property tour. That is fine for a first look, especially after the longer Chandon session and the more relaxed Yering Farm stop. You will get a useful sample of the region’s wine styles without spending the whole afternoon in one room.

Pinot Noir is a natural point of interest here, especially if you usually associate Australian wine with Shiraz or crisp whites. Ask the guide or tasting staff how the local conditions affect the wines if that subject interests you. The tour attracts people with different levels of wine experience, so you do not need to arrive with specialist knowledge.

Stag Lane adds a welcome gin break

Stag Lane Farm Distillery gives the itinerary a change of pace, with about an hour devoted to gin tasting. It is a boutique producer making small-batch gins with produce grown on site.

This is one of the smartest inclusions in the schedule. Three winery visits in a row could feel repetitive, especially for the person in your group who likes wine less than you do. Gin gives your palate a reset and introduces another way to use local plants and produce.

The tasting also creates a more relaxed social moment. Several guides, including Craig and Kurt, have been praised for keeping the group comfortable and lively, and the gin stop seems to be where the day often becomes especially playful. One group even ended up singing ABBA in the van afterward, though that is clearly not a scheduled activity.

You should pace yourself here. The day includes multiple alcoholic tastings, and the enjoyment comes from sampling rather than trying to finish every pour. Water is provided, and one guide was noted for keeping the van stocked with water and chocolate. Still, bring your own sense of moderation, especially if you plan to buy bottles along the way.

Kangaroo Ground closes the day outdoors

On the return toward Melbourne, the vehicle stops at Kangaroo Ground for about 30 minutes. The purpose is a kangaroo search, with the tour promising that you will see many wild kangaroos feeding in the area.

This is a useful ending because it takes you away from cellar doors and back into the natural setting of the region. It also gives you a chance to stretch your legs after a day spent tasting and riding in the van.

Keep your expectations sensible. The stop is short, and it is not a wildlife park or a formal animal encounter. You are looking for wild kangaroos in their own setting. The exact view and light will depend on the day, but the tour treats this as a regular part of the route rather than an optional extra.

If you are carrying a camera, have it ready before the stop. You may not have much time to adjust settings once the animals appear. The 30-minute break is also a good reason to wear shoes suitable for a brief outdoor stop rather than dressing only for the wineries.

Small groups make the guide matter

The vehicle carries no more than 11 people, and that limit changes the feel of the outing. You are not being moved through the valley on a large coach with a fixed script. The guide can explain a point, answer questions, or adjust the mood to suit the group.

Craig, the owner of The Yarra Valley Touring Co., is frequently associated with this experience and has personally led many departures. He is described as a local who shares stories about the valley, its past, and current events, while also knowing when to let people enjoy the scenery or rest quietly.

Kurt, also referred to as Curt in some accounts, is praised for creating an easy atmosphere and sharing useful wine information. Mark and Stephen are also named as friendly, professional hosts. The exact guide depends on the date, so you should not book expecting one particular person unless the company confirms it.

The guide can make or break a small-group tour. Here, the strongest feature is not just factual commentary. It is the ability to keep a mixed group together, including people with different ages and levels of wine experience. Some groups have enjoyed new friendships, shared jokes, and a relaxed van ride between stops.

Flexibility appears to be part of the appeal, but it has limits. One booking included a change to visit Four Pillars while still covering the wineries, and another adjusted pickup arrangements. Treat those as examples of what may be possible, not as guaranteed inclusions. The published route is the five-stop program described here.

Pickup, timing, and what to plan

The listed meeting point is the Federation Square Bus and Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone on Russell Court. The tour returns to that same meeting point, with an 11:30 am start.

The general description refers to pickup and return from accommodation, while the meeting-point information specifies Federation Square. Because of that difference, confirm the arrangement after booking. A few people have been collected from Melbourne CBD or Lilydale station, but you should not rely on an unconfirmed pickup.

The mobile ticket is useful. You can download the ticket to your phone and avoid carrying printed paperwork. Confirmation is normally sent at booking, unless you book within 12 hours of departure, when confirmation depends on availability.

The tour is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transport, but the activity itself is built around a private vehicle and a set route. If you need a specific accessibility arrangement, ask before paying rather than assuming the standard vehicle will suit you.

What the price really buys you

At $191.61, this is a mid-to-upper priced day trip, but the included variety helps explain the cost. You are not paying only for wine samples. You also get transport from Melbourne, a small group, a guide, a Chandon brunch with sparkling wine and small bites, several winery tastings, gin, and the kangaroo stop.

The value is strongest for couples or friends who would otherwise hire a car. Add rental fees, fuel, parking, tasting charges, and the cost of giving one person a dry day, and the gap may narrow quickly. The price is less compelling if you only want one winery or if you do not drink alcohol.

Lunch deserves a close look. The experience is promoted with a Champagne-style lunch or brunch at Chandon, plus sparkling wine and small bites. The supplied details do not provide a full menu, so contact the operator if you have dietary needs or want to know exactly what the meal includes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the tour requires a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels because that minimum is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this day

I would book this tour if you want a broad taste of the Yarra Valley in one day and prefer not to manage driving. It suits first-time visitors, couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who likes mixing wine with cider, cheese, chocolate, gin, and wildlife.

It is also a good choice if you care about the guide. The personal style of hosts such as Craig and Kurt is a central part of the experience, and the small vehicle gives the day a friendly, social feel.

I would look elsewhere if you want a long, quiet tasting at one estate, a strictly luxury setting, or a detailed vineyard walk. The schedule covers a lot of ground, so each stop has a defined time. You should also check the pickup details and Chandon’s current tasting arrangements before booking, especially if that first stop is the main reason for your trip.

FAQ

How long is the Yarra Valley wine and gin tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours, starting at 11:30 am and returning to the meeting point in Melbourne.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is the Federation Square Bus and Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone on Russell Court, Melbourne. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

Is pickup from accommodation included?

The tour information says pickup and return from accommodation are provided, but the specific meeting-point details list Federation Square. Confirm your exact pickup location after booking.

What is included at Chandon?

The Chandon visit includes sparkling wine tastings, a brunch or lunch component, and small bites. The itinerary allows about two hours there.

Does the tour include gin as well as wine?

Yes. Stag Lane Farm Distillery is included, with a tasting of small-batch gins made using produce grown on site.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the Yarra Valley in broad, sociable strokes: polished Chandon sparkling wine, rustic cider, historic wine production, local gin, and kangaroos before the ride back to Melbourne. The small group and strong local guides give it more character than a basic coach excursion.

The best reason to choose it is the mix. You get enough wine to feel that you visited a serious wine region, but enough cider, gin, food, scenery, and wildlife to keep the day varied. Just confirm pickup, check the meal details if you have dietary concerns, and accept that the full schedule leaves little time to linger at every stop.