Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade

Address: Arts Centre Melbourne Spire 6/2 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3006 NOTES: Please meet at this central pickup location at 8:45AM. We am to depart at 9:00AM so please plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays. TIP to getting here: From Flinders Street Station, walk across the Princes Bridge towards the Arts Centre Melbourne Spire and wait near the Protagonist Cafe at the front there.

On most days, this is one of our winery visits. We'll enjoy a tasting here with an opportunity to explore their lovely estate. Yering Station is a renowned winery in the Yarra Valley, offering a wide range of high-quality wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Established in 1838, the winery features a stunning estate and historic cellar door, providing visitors with a unique wine-tasting experience. In addition to wine, Yering Station also offers fine dining at their restaurant and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

On most days, this will be our second winery. Here you get to enjoy guided wine tastings followed by lunch. Soumah is a boutique winery located in the Yarra Valley, Australia. They specialize in producing Italian and French varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, and Brachetto. Their wines are known for their elegance and complexity, reflecting the unique terroir of the Yarra Valley. Soumah also offers a range of food and wine experiences, including tastings, tours, and a restaurant serving Italian-inspired cuisine.

Please note: On rare occasions [when Soumah is unavailable or we have a second bus running], this will be our second winery. Here you get to enjoy guided wine tastings followed by lunch. Here you'll enjoy a wine tasting of several styles including their acclaimed Tempranillo. Afterwards, we'll sit down in their intimate restaurant overlooking their vineyards to enjoy a premium shared 2 course lunch with a glass. For starters you'll enjoy warm bread, shared antipasto and olive oil. For mains, you'll enjoy a variety of seasonal shared dishes such as lamb, chicken or fish of amazing quality and taste. And to further to enhance the experience you'll enjoy a glass of their estate wines of your choice!

On most days, this will be our third winery. Here you get to enjoy more fabulous wines and walk around their beautiful lake. Helen & Joey Estate is a winery located in the Yarra Valley region of Australia. The winery produces a range of premium wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, and offers wine tastings and tours of its vineyards and facilities. The estate features a restaurant, cellar door, and outdoor seating area with scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

On most days, this will be our fourth winery. Here you get to enjoy really cool eclectic wines or have the option to switch the tasting to a glass of wine or beer. Payten & Jones is a small winery in the Yarra Valley known for its handcrafted wines made from local grapes. Their focus is on producing high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of the region. The winery offers a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and more. They also have a cozy cellar door where visitors can taste their wines and learn about their winemaking process.

Visit here when you've selected "CLASSIC WINE & BEER" tour option (available Thursday-Monday). At this local brewery, you can enjoy a guided tasting of 4 core beers. Alternatively you can opt for a glass of beer instead. Watts River Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery in Healesville, Yarra Valley. Founded by former White Rabbit brewers, it offers a relaxed, family-friendly venue with a range of refreshing core and seasonal beers.

Visit here when you've selected "CLASSIC WINE & GIN" tour option (available 7-days). At this local distillery, you can enjoy a tasting flight/paddle of 4 gins with a mixer. Alternatively you can opt for a glass of beer instead. Four Pillars Distillery is a renowned gin distillery located in the Yarra Valley. They offer a range of handcrafted gin varieties, including their award-winning Rare Dry Gin and Navy Strength Gin. The distillery also offers guided tours and tastings, as well as a cocktail bar and retail space. They pride themselves on using local and native ingredients in their gin-making process, and have gained a reputation for their unique and high-quality products.

This is our last stop, something sweet to finish on. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a popular attraction in the Yarra Valley, known for their wide variety of handmade chocolates and delicious ice cream. Visitors can watch the chocolatiers at work, sample their products, and purchase gifts to take home. The venue also offers chocolate-making classes, high teas, and other events throughout the year.

We'll be dropped back in the CBD in front of Fed Square along Flinders Street near the ACMI side by usually by around 5:30pm.