Three stops, one very smooth day.

This private Yarra Valley wine tour is built for easy going fun, with pickup, a chauffeur, and a tight plan that still leaves you time to enjoy the wineries. You get three tastings across well-chosen cellar doors, then a proper winery lunch, all wrapped into one ticket.

I especially like how the schedule keeps things human, not rushed, with about 45 minutes at each tasting and a longer lunch break. I also like the group size, minimum 6 and maximum 13, which helps you stay social without feeling stuck in a huge bus crowd.

One thing to consider is alcohol timing. You will taste wine at three stops, and while you are not driving, you may still want to pace yourself and bring a little sun and rain protection because umbrellas and sunscreen are not included.

Key highlights you should know

• Private group, not a mixed crowd: you go only with your group, with a max of 13 guests.
• Three tasting stops with set timing: roughly 45 minutes at Soumah, Yering Station, and Greenstone Vineyards.
• Lunch is part of the deal: wood-fired pizza at Hubert Estate, with dietary requirements catered for.
• A dedicated chauffeur experience: bottled water onboard and petrol and tolls included, so you are not tracking logistics.
• A mix of winery styles: from classic Yarra names to a newer, more alternative cellar door vibe.

Why this Yarra Valley private day fits real plans

If your idea of a great travel day is simple, this tour matches it. You show up, get collected, and then the Yarra Valley runs on someone else’s calendar. That matters because the Yarra Valley is not hard, but it is slow. Roads, winery timing, parking, and the little delays that happen everywhere add up. A private chauffeur turns that into a calm, do-it-once plan.

This is also a good format if you want variety, not just one winery you liked online. You hit Soumah first, then a more iconic stop at Yering Station, then lunch, then Greenstone Vineyards. That arc gives you a classic Yarra start, an educational middle, and a more laid-back finish.

Finally, the “private” part is more than a marketing word here. Your group is kept together in your own vehicle, and that pacing helps conversation flow. In one group scenario, the driver was described as accommodating and relaxed while still keeping the day on track, which is exactly what you want from a chauffeur service.

Price and what $142.73 per person really covers

At $142.73 per person, you are paying for an all-in-one experience that usually costs more when you build it yourself. You are not just buying tastings. You’re buying private transportation, a driver/tour guide, petrol and tolls, and onboard bottled water. You’re also buying lunch, not a snack.

Here’s the practical value: if you tried to self-drive or hire a ride service for the whole day, you would still face parking stress, back-and-forth timing, and the risk that one stop runs long. Wine days get weird that way. This tour keeps the stops timed and bundled.

The only meaningful extra cost to plan for is drinks at lunch. A glass of wine is listed at 13 USD, and drinks at lunch are not included. So if you want wine with lunch, budget a little. If you do not, you can keep it simple and just enjoy the food and tastings.

Your chauffeur, pickup, and the rhythm starting at 10:00am

The tour starts at 10:00am, and the total duration is about 7 hours, including travel time. That duration is important. It means you are not getting a “half a day” that feels like it ends right when you get comfortable. You have time for the three tastings, plus a longer lunch slot.

You also get pickup offered, and the private vehicle drops you back at the end of the day. That is a big deal in the Yarra Valley because tastings often mean you are parking, walking, and then finding your way back. You skip all of that friction.

Bring the basics. Sunscreen and umbrellas are not included. That sounds obvious, but wine country weather changes fast, and winery days are long enough that you will feel it. Also pack something light for layering, because you might move between cellar doors and open areas.

Stop 1: Soumah tasting, a confident Yarra Valley opener

Soumah is your first tasting stop, with 45 minutes on the clock. This is a smart way to start because it sets expectations early. You get into the flow, meet the tasting room rhythm, and you have enough time to ask questions without feeling like you are being shoved along.

Soumah is also a good “first palate” choice if you are not sure what you like yet. You are tasting through the Yarra Valley style, which helps you notice what works for you before lunch. If you plan to buy later, tastings like this can help you remember the exact flavors when you are making a decision.

One small strategy: try not to overthink your order. Take a sip, note what you like or dislike, then adjust. With four or five tastings worth of chances across the day, you can afford to learn as you go.

Stop 2: Yering Station, iconic and more educational by design

Next up is Yering Station, again with 45 minutes for a private wine tasting. This stop leans into the “learn something” side of winery visiting. You are not just sampling, you are also getting context, and that tends to make your tasting notes feel sharper later.

Why that matters: when you understand a little about how a winery thinks, you taste differently. You start noticing structure, balance, and why certain styles show up in that region. Even if you are not a wine nerd, this kind of educational pacing helps you feel confident ordering at restaurants after the tour.

This is also a solid midpoint before lunch. You should be comfortable in the day by now, and your palate is warmed up. If you go in hungry, you might find yourself steering your tastes too fast. If you go in comfortably fed, you can enjoy it more and keep the day fun.

Lunch at Hubert Estate: wood-fired pizza plus dietary care

Lunch is at Hubert Estate and runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That extra time makes a real difference. You are not only eating, you’re resetting. You get a break from tasting room walls, and you get breathing space before the final cellar door.

The lunch itself is described as a generous winery lunch with wood-fired pizza. It is also sharing style, which is great for groups because it keeps everyone engaged. You get to try pieces without feeling locked into one plate.

Dietary requirements are catered for, which is reassuring if your group has needs. The tour does not list what specific diets they cover, so if you have anything beyond standard preferences, it is worth confirming in your booking details so the kitchen can plan.

A practical note on drinks: drinks at lunch are not included. The listed price for a glass of wine is 13 USD. If alcohol is part of your plan, decide ahead of time so lunch stays smooth.

Stop 3: Greenstone Vineyards, the more alternative finale

You finish at Greenstone Vineyards, with another 45 minutes tasting. This stop is described as a fun, alternative style cellar door, and that’s exactly the role it plays at the end of the day.

By the final stop, you usually know what you want. You have already tasted at two earlier venues, so now you can compare and decide whether you want something familiar or if you want to end with a surprise.

This is also a nice energy reset for groups celebrating birthdays and group trips. One group had a 30th birthday plan and ended up having a great time, with the day guided smoothly by the tour team. That kind of relaxed, social atmosphere works well at a finale stop where you can enjoy conversation and settle into your favorites.

What I’d do to enjoy all three tastings without rushing

Three wine tastings in one day is a lot of fun, but it can also get heavy if you barrel through it. The tour is paced with set timing, so you are not sprinting between stops, but you still want to manage your personal pace.

Here’s a simple plan:

• Take smaller sips and focus on what you like, not every detail.
• Drink the bottled water onboard, then maybe take a glass during the day when offered.
• Eat during lunch without rushing so the final tasting feels enjoyable, not just dutiful.

Also, plan your mindset. This is a full day, and the goal is not to collect facts. The goal is to taste well, learn a little, and enjoy the scenery drive between stops.

The private group experience: numbers, comfort, and real-day pacing

This tour operates as a private activity for your group only. Your group size runs from minimum 6 to maximum 13 guests, which is a good balance. Big enough to feel like a social trip, small enough that it does not turn into a “constant wait” situation.

You also get a chauffeur who navigates the roads with expertise, which helps keep the ride comfortable and reduces stress. That matters more than people think, especially if your group includes mixed comfort levels with car travel.

In the kind of experience where drivers are described as keeping you on time but relaxed, the big win is confidence. You never feel like you are chasing the schedule. You also do not lose the day to delays, because someone is tracking everything.

One more comfort detail: bottled water is included onboard, one bottle per person. It is small, but it saves you from turning every stop into a hydration hunt.

Who should book this tour, and who might want something else

This is a great fit for:

• Friend groups and couples who want privacy without planning.
• Birthdays and celebrations that need structure and comfort.
• People who want a Yarra Valley day that includes lunch and tastings without booking multiple things separately.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a deep, long educational deep-dive at one winery. This tour is about breadth across three tasting stops.
• You want to bring your own picnic and do everything slowly with lots of free time. This itinerary is structured, and travel time is baked into the schedule.
• Your group has very strict drink-free goals. Wine tastings are included, and while you can pace and choose, the experience is built around wine.

Should you book Private Yarra Valley Wine Tour With Lunch?

Book it if you want a low-stress wine day with pickup, a private vehicle, and a set plan that still feels relaxed. The value is strong because transport, tastings, and lunch are bundled, and you only have to think about extras like drinks at lunch.

I would especially recommend it if your group wants the Yarra Valley experience without turning it into a logistics project. Three tastings plus lunch in one day is a sweet spot, and the choice of wineries gives you a classic start, an iconic learning stop, and an upbeat finale.

If you do book, plan your outfit and supplies like a real outdoor day. Sunscreen and a light rain layer can save you, and deciding on lunch drinks ahead of time keeps your day feeling smooth. With the chauffeur handling the road and the schedule, you can spend the day doing the fun part, tasting, eating, and enjoying the drive.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 7 hours, and the duration includes travel time.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00am.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

How many wine tastings are included?

The tour includes 3 wine tastings across the listed wineries.

What is included with lunch?

Lunch is included and is described as a generous winery lunch on a sharing style. At Hubert Estate, lunch is wood-fired pizza, and dietary requirements will be catered for.

Are drinks at lunch included?

Drinks at lunch are not included. A glass of wine is listed as 13 USD.

What is the minimum and maximum group size?

The minimum is 6 guests, and the maximum is 13 guests.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.