By Pamela Nandi | Jun 13, 2025

To experience the delights of Victoria’s famed wine region, I joined a curated day tour from Melbourne — an indulgent journey through Yarra Valley’s most iconic vineyards.

🍷 The adventure began at 10:00 AM with the fresh countryside air setting the mood. Yarra Valley – with its rolling hills, lush vineyards, and cool-climate varietals truly lived up to the dream. Another unforgettable experience checked off my bucket list ✔️

Ideal Time to Visit: 📅 Spring (Sep–Nov) or Autumn (Mar–May) for comfortable weather and stunning vineyard views.

Getting There: 🚗 Just an hour’s scenic drive from Melbourne — ideal for a day trip or a leisurely weekend getaway. What an Exciting Day! 🍷🌿

🍇 Stop 1: Tokar Estate – Boutique Elegance with a View

Nestled amidst rolling vineyards and lush green valleys, I indulged in a luxurious wine tasting at the renowned Tokar Estate Winery.

I savoured a curated selection of award-winning wines paired perfectly with a gourmet charcuterie board laced with artisanal cheese, crackers and dips.

From robust reds to crisp whites and delicate rosés, each bottle reflected the passion and craftsmanship of the winemakers – nurtured carefully from vineyard to bottle.

Personalized wine guidance by an expert sommelier elevated the experience into a masterclass in flavour and finesse.

An unforgettable sensory journey in the heart of Victoria’s wine country. 🍇🥂

Pamela’s Recommendations for a Yarra Valley Wine Day 🍇🍷

A must-visit for its boutique charm, award-winning wines, and sweeping views of the Yarra Ranges. Their warm hospitality and knowledgeable staff make the tasting experience both enjoyable and educational.

🍷 What to Try:

• Pinot Noir – Smooth, elegant, and perfectly balanced.
• Tempranillo – Bold and earthy with a hint of spice.
• Rosé – Light, refreshing, and perfect for a sunny afternoon.
• Estate Chardonnay – A refined, creamy texture with citrus and oak notes.

🍽️ Stop 2: Hubert Estate – Where Wine Meets Artful Dining 🍷

After a delightful morning at Tokar Estate, I continued my Yarra Valley journey to the elegant Hubert Estate – a destination that beautifully blends fine wines, seasonal cuisine, and contemporary architecture.

Lunch at their Quartermasters Dining Room was nothing short of spectacular. Set against panoramic vineyard views, the space offered a calm and luxurious ambiance for a slow lunch.

I savoured a beautifully plated Char-Grilled Prawn Campanelle, perfectly balanced with roasted cherry tomatoes, baked parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of farm-fresh parsley. The dish was both comforting and sophisticated – a celebration of locally sourced ingredients and refined flavours.

After lunch, I explored their wine shop, where you can sample and shop their signature wines – perfect for gifting or curating your personal wine cellar.

Pamela’s Recommendations for Hubert Estate 🍇

Dine at: Quartermasters Dining Room
A refined farm-to-table restaurant that pairs seasonal produce with premium estate wines.

🍝 What to Try:

• Char-Grilled Prawn Campanelle – Delicate yet flavour-packed.
• Lamb Rump with Garden Greens – If you’re craving something heartier.
• Artisan Bread & Olive Oil – The perfect starter.

🍷 Wine Picks:

• Hubert Estate Shiraz
• Chardonnay Reserve
• Sparkling Rosé

🛍️ Wine Shop:
Don’t miss the estate’s stylish wine shop to take home some of their best vintages. They often have exclusive cellar door offerings you won’t find elsewhere.

🌾 Stop 3: Yarrawood Estate – A Serene Escape into Wine Country 🍇🌾

The charming family-owned Yarrawood Estate, a hidden gem tucked in the heart of Victoria’s iconic wine region. Spanning over 150 acres, this estate is known for its handcrafted, single-vineyard wines that embody the character and cool-climate elegance of Yarra Valley.

With 360° panoramic views of the vineyard and distant ranges, it offered the perfect countryside retreat to unwind and sip slowly.

At their Cellar Door and Café, I enjoyed a relaxed tasting session in a laid-back, family-friendly setting. The highlights included a curated flight featuring:

• Rosé – Fruity and dry with a refreshing finish
• Pinot Noir – Light, silky, with earthy undertones
• Riesling – Crisp and citrus-forward
• Merlot – Smooth and velvety

It’s no surprise that Yarrawood has won multiple awards and gained international recognition for its wines. The experience here was personal, warm, and reflective of the family’s passion for winemaking.

Pamela’s Recommendations for Yarrawood Estate 🍷

📍 Must-Visit: Yarrawood Cellar Door & Café
Ideal for couples, friends, or families looking for a relaxed tasting with breathtaking views.

🍷 What to Try:

• Estate Pinot Noir – A true expression of Yarra Valley terroir
• Dry Riesling – For those who enjoy sharp, clean flavours
• Merlot – Soft tannins and plum notes make this a cozy pick
• Summer Rosé – Light-bodied and refreshing for a sunny day

🌿 Stop 4: Soumah Winery – A Taste of Cool Climate Sophistication 🍷🌿

Tucked away at the base of the majestic Warramate Ranges, and true to its name — Soumah Winery (short for South of Maroondah Highway).

This award-winning vineyard has become one of the Yarra Valley’s most prestigious wine producers since its founding in 1997.

Our visit to Soumah Winery was a refined, sommelier-led tasting experience that celebrated the vineyard’s regional specialties.

Serene, scenic, and sophisticated – ideal for those who appreciate the art of wine.

Under the expert guidance of their sommelier, I explored some beautifully distinct wines:

Savarro Pinot Grigio – A vibrant white with citrusy brightness, generous ripe fruit on the nose, and a striking copper-pink hue that added visual appeal to its clean finish.

Rosato – A fuller-bodied rosé with vivid fruity notes; crisp, refreshing, and perfect for the warm afternoon breeze.

Estate Chardonnay – Lively and well-balanced, this classic white brought forward fresh stone fruit aromas and zesty acidity – elegant yet approachable.

Pamela’s Recommendations for Soumah Winery 🍇

🍷 Must-Try Wines:

• Savarro Pinot Grigio – Unique and beautifully expressive
• Rosato – Ideal for rosé lovers seeking depth and character
• Chardonnay (Estate or Single Vineyard) – Fresh, fruity, and a Yarra Valley classic

✨ Bonus Stop: Chardonnay – The Chic Crowd Favourite

I made a brief stop at Chardonnay, a popular weekend hotspot that’s elegant, inviting, and brimming with vibrant weekend energy. The stylish space and scenic vibe instantly caught my eye — the kind of place that promises great pours and even better conversations. Unfortunately, they were completely sold out during the peak rush, a testament to its growing popularity among both locals and wine lovers visiting the region.

Though I didn’t get to sip and savour this time, Chardonnay is officially on my list for a return visit — ideally with a reservation in hand!

🍸 Final Stop: Four Pillars Gin Distillery – A Spirited Ending

For a change of pace from wines to botanicals, I ventured into the world of gin at the iconic Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville, a charming town located within the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

This was my first-ever visit to a gin distillery, and what an introduction it was!

Recognized globally for its innovative and premium craft gins, Four Pillars blends creativity, Australian botanicals, and distillation excellence in every bottle. Experienced the essence of an award-winning collection of premium gins from classic dry and barrel-aged.

With the warm guidance of our tasting expert, Sonia, we explored an award-winning lineup that included:

• Australian Christmas Gin – Infused with festive spices and aged in muscat barrels; rich, warm, and nostalgic.
• Bloody Shiraz Gin – Vibrant in color and flavour, with juicy Shiraz grapes balancing the dry gin base.
• Fresh Yuzu & Lemonade Gins – Zesty, citrus-forward and perfect for refreshing summer spritzes.

The space itself is modern yet welcoming – a true celebration of craftsmanship and creativity

Pamela’s Recommendations for Four Pillars Distillery 🍋

📍 Must-Visit:
If you’re in the Yarra Valley region, this gin distillery is a must-stop for gin lovers and curious tasters alike.

🍸 Top Gins to Sample:

• Bloody Shiraz Gin – Iconic one
• Australian Christmas Gin – Limited release, grab it if you can
• Lemonade Gin or Fresh Yuzu – Bright and perfect for cocktails

🍹 Tasting Experience:
Book a gin tasting paddle or upgrade to a gin masterclass for a deeper dive into distillation, flavour profiles, and mixology.

✨ Final Thoughts

From vineyard valleys to gin artistry, Yarra Valley served up a day of elevated indulgence, incredible flavours, and unforgettable views. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a foodie, or just craving a stylish escape from Melbourne — this tour is a must-experience for every luxury traveller.

📍 Plan Your Own Yarra Valley Escape

Ready to sip, savour, and soak in the beauty of Yarra Valley?

✨ Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a celebration with friends, or a solo day of indulgence, this wine and gin trail promises unforgettable moments.

➡️ Follow my journey on Instagram and Facebook for more travel inspiration, luxe experiences, and behind-the-scenes stories.

🧳 Planning a trip? Drop your questions or itinerary requests in the comments — I’m happy to share more tips!

🍷 Here’s to your next glass, next stop, next memory.