Wine and chocolate, with a dash of art. This full-day Yarra Valley outing pairs cool-climate tastings with a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, plus time at St’Huberts Estate. It’s a great way to see more than one side of the region in a single, guided day.

What I really like is the way the day is built around real taste-learning, not just standing around with a glass. You’ll sample over 10 wines across Pinot, Chardonnay and Shiraz, with a guide (Adrian) walking you through what you’re drinking and why it tastes the way it does.

One heads-up: lunch is not included in the price. You can buy it at St’Huberts (wood-fired pizza is on the menu), but you’ll still want to budget a bit extra.

Key highlights before you go

• Small group cap (16 max): easier conversations with Adrian and more time at each stop.
• Over 10 wine tastings: multiple pours that focus on cool-climate styles like Pinot, Chardonnay and Shiraz.
• St’Huberts underground Aboriginal Art Gallery: a cultural visit that pairs well with the estate setting.
• Chocolate factory stop: samples are included, and you’ll also have the option to add more treats.
• Air-conditioned transport from Melbourne: Mercedes-Benz 8-seater or a Toyota tour bus, with a guide the whole way.

Yarra Valley cool-climate wines: what you’ll taste and why it matters

The Yarra Valley is famous for cool-climate wines, and this tour steers you straight into the styles that people come for. Expect tastings built around Pinot, Chardonnay and Shiraz, plus additional wines along the way. That variety matters because it shows how climate, soil, and vineyard choices change the flavor, not just the label.

What I like about this format is that it’s not a speed-run. You’re tasting in the vineyard/estate environment, and you get an introduction to the wines as you go. That helps you connect the glass to what you’re seeing outside—vines, rows, and the broader countryside—so tasting feels more like learning and less like drinking for drinking’s sake.

Also, the “over 10 wines” part is important for value. At this price point, it’s the kind of experience where you want to make sure your money buys meaningful samples, not tiny sips of only a couple of wines. Here, the day is set up so you can actually taste your way across styles.

St’Huberts Estate: underground Aboriginal art and a real lunch option

Your first stop is St’Huberts Estate (listed as Hubert Estate), and it’s doing more than just hosting tastings. You’ll also go underground to visit the Aboriginal Art Gallery showcasing Aboriginal art. If you’re the type who wants more than wine scenery, this is a standout add-on because it adds cultural context right in the middle of a wine day.

This is also the stop where lunch happens. Lunch is not included, but the tour does set you up with options at St’Huberts, including wood-fired pizza, plus fish, beef, chicken, and multiple sides. The restaurant can cater for dietary restrictions, which is a practical win if you’re traveling with someone who needs specific choices.

Practical tip: because chocolate sampling is part of the tour later, you’ll want to eat something that’s satisfying but not too heavy if you’re hoping to keep your tasting palate sharp. A wood-fired pizza slice plus a drink tends to hit that sweet spot.

Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: included samples and how not to overdo it

After the first winery, you’ll head to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The tour includes chocolate samples, which is perfect for trying different styles without committing to a whole suitcase of sweets on day one.

Here’s how I’d think about the timing: you’ll likely have a few tastings at the first estate, then chocolate samples, and then more wine tastings later. If you know you get sugared up easily, keep your chocolate sampling to the included portions first. You can always buy more if you’re still craving it when the urge hits.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s more excited about chocolate than wine, this stop helps keep the day balanced. It gives the group an activity that feels like a break, not just another tasting flight.

Soumah of the Yarra Valley: estate tastings with a cool-climate focus

Next up is Soumah of the Yarra Valley. This is a named winery stop and part of the core wine experience. You’re not just touring; you’re tasting wines with an intro, so you can follow along instead of guessing what you’re supposed to notice.

Soumah fits well into the tour’s overall style because it supports the cool-climate theme. You’ll taste across the kinds of varietals the Yarra Valley is known for—especially Pinot and Chardonnay, along with Shiraz—so the day feels cohesive rather than random.

A small advantage of having multiple estate stops is comparison. You can go from one winery’s approach to another and start picking up patterns: how fruit expression differs, how acidity shows up, and how the winemaking choices steer the finish.

Greenstone Vineyards: finishing strong with more pours

The last winery stop is Greenstone Vineyards. Like Soumah, this is included as a full tasting visit, with the guide helping you understand what you’re tasting as you go.

By the time you reach Greenstone, you’ll have enough tastings behind you to make your palate feel like it has context. That’s when you often start enjoying the day more, because the question stops being What is this? and becomes What’s the difference?

This is also where you’ll likely find your personal favorites—maybe a particular Pinot style, maybe a Chardonnay that hits a certain balance, or a Shiraz you didn’t expect to like. The best part of a guided tasting like this is you’re not left alone to figure it out at the end.

Melbourne to the Yarra Valley: timing, comfort, and Adrian’s role

The tour leaves at 9:30 a.m. from central Melbourne, at the Ian Potter Centre/NGV Australia area (Federation Square, Flinders St & Russell St), specifically roadside bus parking outside the Ian Potter Gallery. You’ll head out for about a one-hour drive into the Yarra Valley.

From there, the day runs until roughly 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., and it returns you back to the same meeting point. It’s a full day, but it’s structured so you’re not stuck in transit constantly. You’re tasting and visiting throughout, with transport doing the heavy lifting.

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle: either a VIP Mercedes-Benz 8-seater (for smaller groups) or a Toyota tour bus for larger groups. Groups are capped at a maximum of 16 travelers, which usually means more comfort and less waiting around.

One detail I appreciate: you’re not dealing with “truck-driver logistics.” The tour notes that they don’t use truck drivers, and it also states the driver and bus have Victorian government accreditation. That’s the kind of boring-but-important detail that translates into peace of mind when you’re spending a whole day in someone else’s hands.

Adrian is the named guide and escort for the day, and the tour description emphasizes that you’re looked after every step of the way—so you’re not just dropped at each stop with a map and a loose schedule.

Price and value: what $63.83 buys you for a full day

At $63.83 per person, the value is in how much is included for a day that’s long enough to feel like a real trip, not a quick half-day add-on.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Wine tasting with entry to the wineries
• Guide for the day (Adrian)
• Transport round trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Chocolate samples at the chocolate factory
• Aboriginal Art Gallery access at St’Huberts Estate
• Time at multiple estates, not just one

Lunch is the main extra cost. You buy what you want at St’Huberts, where wood-fired pizza is available along with other choices and dietary accommodations.

So is it worth it? If you want a guided day where you don’t have to coordinate transport, don’t have to choose wineries yourself, and still get over 10 wine tastings plus a cultural stop and chocolate samples, this is priced like a “do the work for me” day. That’s especially compelling if you’re staying in Melbourne and don’t want to rent a car.

One more practical signal: this tour is commonly booked about 19 days in advance on average. That suggests demand, so if your dates are firm, earlier booking is smart.

Who should book this Yarra Valley wine-and-chocolate tour

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a guided introduction to cool-climate wines without a lot of planning
• Like the idea of mixing wine with Aboriginal art and a chocolate stop
• Prefer a small group (16 max) and a guide staying with you
• Would rather pay for structure than spend time researching winery schedules

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re looking for a very long sit-down meal included in the price (lunch is not included)
• You don’t want any cultural content, since the underground Aboriginal Art Gallery visit is part of the day
• You’re the type who dislikes tasting multiple wines (you are getting over 10)

If you’re visiting Melbourne and want one full, memorable day that feels distinctly Australian—cool-climate wine country, estate visits, and chocolate—this does that.

Should you book this Yarra Valley wine and chocolate day?

I’d book it if you want an easy, well-paced way to experience the Yarra Valley without driving. The combination of over 10 tastings, a guided visit to St’Huberts (including underground Aboriginal art), and the included chocolate samples makes it feel like more than the sum of its stops. Just plan for lunch as an add-on, and you’ll be set.

If your main goal is to spend hours shopping or lounging, this isn’t that kind of day. It’s a tasting-focused tour with a few smart breaks—built for people who want to taste, learn, and enjoy the scenery.

FAQ

What time does the chocolate and wine tasting tour start and end?

The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes. It returns around 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Where is the meeting point in Melbourne?

You meet at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, at Flinders St and Russell St. The pick-up is outside the Ian Potter Gallery roadside bus parking.

Which wineries and attractions are included?

The tour includes visits to St’Huberts Estate, Soumah of the Yarra Valley, and Greenstone Vineyards. It also includes a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

How many wines will I taste?

You’ll taste over 10 wines during the tour.

What wine styles are featured?

The tastings focus on cool-climate varieties, including Pinot, Chardonnay and Shiraz, along with other wines.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy lunch at St’Huberts, with options including wood-fired pizza, plus fish, beef, chicken, and sides. Dietary restrictions are catered for.

What’s the transportation like, and how big are the groups?

You travel in an air-conditioned VIP Mercedes-Benz 8-seater, or a Toyota tour bus for larger groups. The group maximum is 16 travelers.

Who is the guide?

The tour description names Adrian as the guide and escort on the day.

Is chocolate tasting included?

Yes. The tour includes chocolate samples at the chocolate factory, plus chocolate samples.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.