enjoyaus

Tour highlights

• Gourmet Produce Tasting at Gateway Estate Farmhouse
• Delicious chocolate samples at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery
• Try local beers at a Craft Brewery
• Explore Healesville with time to purchase lunch (at own expenses)
• Handpicked Boutique Cellar Door Tasting

Your Day

Wineries, itinerary and timing are subject to change due to availability and special events in the region.

With just less than an hour drive from Melbourne, Yarra Valley has been in the business of producing and delivering world-class wines for over seventeen decades. The region's proximity to the city makes it a favourite Melbourne wine tours destination.

The wines of Yarra Valley are simply sensational. They're artistically crafted to deliver a brilliant front to back finish on the palate. The different varieties of wine ranging from dry to red to sparkling will make your day at the Yarra Valley all worth it. Understand the mystery and the secret hidden underneath the soil that grows the best vines that produce world-class wines. Australian wine is truly the best in the hemisphere because the fertility gods and cool climate made them so!

• Yarra Valley Gateway Estate
  Locals supporting locals, the first stop begins at the Yarra Valley Gateway Estate. A gourmet farmgate with 5000 square metres of greenhouses, here you'll be able to sample a sharing platter of the best quality produce, including relishes, jam, cheeses plus their own strawberry Port and Liqueur. See how it's all grown with a tour behind the scenes, learn about their eco-approach to hydroponically producing the likes of basil, capsicum and strawberries. You can purchase a selection of seasonal fruit and veg and the finest of free range and grass-fed beef, lamb, chicken and smallgoods. As a working farm, there's even the opportunity to 'pay for what you pick' strawberries and for those less-labour inclined, a range of decadent, frozen chocolate strawberries to take home.
  
  
• Helen & Joey Estate
  This sensory adventure continues with a visit to Helen & Joey Estate. This beautiful 200-acre winery, located in the Gruyere sub-district of the Yarra Valley, right at the base of the Warramate Ranges, is split between 65% red and 35% white varieties of grapes and was purchased in 2010 by its namesakes. Excitingly, the senior winemaker here is Meg Brodtmann MW, the first Australian born female to be admitted to the Institute of Masters of Wine. Catering to a variety of different thirsts, there's the easy drinking Inara label, which includes a sparkling, a rosé, three reds and two whites; premium wines under the Layla and Alena labels and vegan-friendly experimental choices, as part of the Wayward Child collection. Remember to keep your eyes peeled as you raise your glass, as you may spot a kangaroo or two, hopping between the vines and across the hillside.
  
  
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery
  Chocoholics rejoice, as you stop at the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-like wonderland. Sample and take home from over 250 different chocolate products, showcasing locally sourced ingredients, the best quality single origin, plus Belgian couverture chocolate and cocoa butter. You will learn about the history of chocolate and understand how cacao beans travel from the jungles of South America and Africa, all the way to your mouth. Watch how chocolate is made and see how it is transformed into all its delightful varieties. Proudly part of the Cocoa Horizons program, you will also hear about the importance of improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, their communities and the environment, through sustainable farming.
  
  
• Watts River Brewing
  After local wines, cheeses and chocolate it's time to indulge to the barrels of brew. Travel up the road to Watts River Brewing for a pint of the good stuff. Brewing in a small, industrial-chic warehouse, in the heart of Healesville; the super knowledgeable staff are always willing to talk you through your options, whether you're a beer beginner or craft expert. Driven by a young team of brewers that constantly strive to be innovative, here you can sample from an impressive barrel program that includes blondes, IPAs, pale ales and stouts. Hopheads can delight in the fragrant fruity aromas of easy drinking brews, beer that is light in alcohol, right through to the big bold punches of malted barley, devoured by Belgian yeast. No matter what, there's sure to be a hoppy beer that you'd love to drink.
  
  
• Healesville Township
  Next, hop to the centre of the Yarra Valley where lies the township of Healesville. Discover the town's galleries, meander through the boutiques of fashion, gifts and antiques and find your favourite of the local bakeries and cafes for a lunch (at own expense) or picnic at the Maroondah Reservoir Park. For those wanting to continue exploring refinement in all its forms, highly recommended is a visit to the Alchemy Distillery. With a variety of spirits from citrus vodka and chamomile gin to whisky, this award-winning distillery has a cocktail bar and outdoor beer garden, perfect for you to continue on your sipping adventure.
  
  
• Helens Hill Boutique Winery
  After lunch, head to the final cellar door destination, Helen's Hill in Coldstream. Named after the previous owner of the property, Helen Fraser, this family run and owned vineyard, with a passion for great viticulture and producing wines that leave an impression, has two wine labels, Helen's Hill Estate and Ingram Road, of which you can sample. Here you can enjoy the best of red and white varietals, including a blanc de noir sparkling, plus a select range of beers (each named after a beloved pet). To pair with your tastings, there's delicious pizzas and grazing boards (imaginatively served on old wine barrels), showcasing the finest of Yarra Valley produce. With huge floor to ceiling windows, walls lined with French Oak barrels and a panoramic terrace to admire the rolling valley of vines; this the perfect setting to sip and savour the sunset before your journey home.