Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Food and Wine experiences are a fabulous way to connect with any city and region. There are many options available for you to explore with Food and Wine Travel and to choose the best way to match your preferences for eating, drinking, story telling and sight seeing. Keep reading for some information on the Yarra Valley.
The Yarra Valley is Victoria’s first wine growing district. Cabernet Sauvignon vines were first planted at the site of Yering Station in 1838 by the Ryrie brothers, on their property known today as Chateau Yering. Viticulture spread rapidly through the 1860s and 1870s, lead by the early settlers including the de Castella and de Pury families, who were exporting local wines to the British and European markets and were winning awards around the world. However, increased demand for fortified wine and the lure of high prices being paid for other farming pursuits meant that all vines had been pulled out by the early 1920’s. Replanting took place in the late 1960s and by the early 1990s the area under vine passed the high point of the 19th century.
Today it is one of the worlds leading cold climate wine growing regions, with internationally known names such as Domaine Chandon, St Huberts, De Bortoli Estate, Yering Station, Oakridge, Coldstream Hills and Dominique Portet.
The Yarra Valley has continued to play an important role in agricultural berry and fruit production along with its acclaimed reputation for cool climate wines. You will taste Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs which is the majority of plantings in the Yarra Valley. Over the decades the region has developed a reputation for innovation and winemakers exploring lesser known varietals so other tastings will include cool climate Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Tempranillo and Sparkling wines.
The Yarra Valley remains Victoria’s favourite food and wine tourism destination and home to over 80 cellar doors, vineyards and leading winery restaurants, breweries, gin distilleries, farm gates and producers.
The Yarra Valley is a world class wine region and a must see when visiting Melbourne. Located just over an hour from Melbourne City, the journey into this region for a Yarra Valley Wine Tour will take you on an interesting drive along beautiful country roads with the chance to see a mob of Kangaroos.
The wineries we have chosen for you to visit on your Yarra Valley wine tour “AS SEEN IN BEST OF THE YARRA VALLEY” reflect the very essence of the region. Epicurean offer a Yarra Valley Wine Tour that includes premium wine tasting events that are unique and memorable.
We bring the Yarra Valley alive for you with the people and their stories.
We present the areas winemakers and compelling family histories. We show you the resilience of Yarra Valley wine making families and their travels through the seasonal challenges that go back many generations. Through persistence and passion saw them build on humble beginnings to become the magnificent wineries they are today. Big and boutique, we connect you with fascinating family stories attached to this amazing group of wineries on the ultimate Yarra Valley winery experience.
Epicurean Food and Wine Experiences
Group sizes are small with 2 to 6 guests (Speak with us about a Private tour upgrade for 2 guests with Tours for Two) so we can introduce you to private and intimate experiences away from crowds. This means that you can enjoy a relaxed and easy pace where you can get a real connection with the region, winery and wine tasted.
Epicurean Food and Wine Tours boasts over 20 years of food and wine touring excellence!
Connecting you with the best food and wine experiences in the Yarra Valley & Mornington Peninsula wine regions
Our partnerships with the very best wineries and restaurants mean we can access and offer the best Premium Wine Tasting Events.
We partner with the wineries that offer the best cellar door experience, wine and food quality giving you an excellent and in depth representation of the region visited.
Our luxury food and wine tours have been designed for a maximum of 6 guests with a focus on “time well spent” where guests are relaxed, not rushed while enjoying food and wine of the region. We tour in luxury Mercedes 8 seater vans or mini vans when more space is required.
Private Winery Tours Yarra Valley
Your Private Winery Tour Yarra Valley includes transfers, a 930/10am pick up from Melbourne City Centre or nominated suburb (1 location unless otherwise organised)
- Cheese and Wine Pairing at De Bortoli Estate
- Oyster and Sparkling Wine Match at Coombe Estate
- Lunch at chosen or suggested lunch location. All chosen or suggested from the very best winery restaurants in the region. 2 course lunch with a glass of wine
- Private Barrel Room Tasting at Dominique Portet
Please note that this is the suggested itinerary so all requests and food and wine preferences will be considered when finalising the day. You may decide to swap out some wineries for other activities.
Tour Vehicle is luxury Mercedes Valente for 3 to 7 guests and Toyota Hiace for 7 plus
Small Group, Special Event Wine Tastings and Dining Bringing People Back together for the Love of Food and Wine
Our post Covid 19 slogan is “Time Well Spent” where we invite you to join a small group of local food and wine lovers or explore a private tour option. Your day includes Premium Wine Tasting Events and a relaxing 2 Course Lunch with wine enjoyed at our partner wineries in the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula Wine Regions
Your day starts with a 10am pick up from Melbourne City Hotel/accommodation where you will be introduced to a friendly and fully qualified guide. Our guides are local to the region visited so they are passionate about the family owned business’s visited. They are also knowledgeable about food and wine but are relaxed and down to earth food and wine lovers happy to share their experiences with you.
Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
- 10am pick up. Exact time will be confirmed with you after we have received your booking and closed the day
- 11.30am Premium Wine Tasting Event. This may be a Private Tasting, Museum or Back Vintage Tasting, Tasting of a singular varietal over several vintages, behind the scenes tour of the winery and barrel tasting (subject to time of year), food and wine pairing, masterclass, Gin Tasting, Chocolate and Wine. Cheese and Wine Pairing
- You may also choose Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Gin Tasting.
- Leading wineries chosen: De Bortoli Estate, Dominique Portet, Tokar Estate, Soumah, Rochford Estate, Four Pillars, Domaine Chandon, Coombe Estate, St Huberts, Maddens Rise
- 1pm Wine Tasting at Restaurant Lunch Venue for guests to match wine with lunch
- 1.30pm 2 Course Lunch with a glass of chosen wine. (Please include any dietary requirements when booking)
Leading Winery Restaurants include : Tokar Estate, Dominique Portet, Levantine Hill, Trattoria d’Soumah and Greenpoint at Domaine Chandon
- 3pm 2nd Premium Wine Tasting Event
- 530pm (approx) return
Pick up time will be confirmed when we finalise your booking. Please include any dietary requirements we should be aware of.
