Wine, vino, wijn, pútáojiǔ, wein – however you say it, cultures across the world love a good one, and what better way to enjoy it than by going straight to the source!
Victoria has some exquisite wine, and two popular grape-growing regions are only a short one-hour drive from Melbourne, meaning that lovely glass of Pinot Noir is not far away.
As travel restrictions ease now is an exciting time to start planning the best wine tasting day trip for you and your friends. Now, do you choose to visit the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula? Or do you travel further to the splendour of the King Valley, the Victorian Pyrenees or Rutherglen regions?
The Yarra Valley is perhaps Australia’s most easily accessible wine region, and for this reason it is also one of the most visited. The cool climate terroir means that there is high quality production of chardonnay, point noir and sparkling wine, and with over 70 wineries, there are plenty of corks to pop. A few big names call the valley home including household names like Domaine Chandon and Rochford, as well as premier boutique vineyards like Mount Mary and Yeringberg. The culinary prowess of names like Oakridge and TarraWarra are also drawcards to the area. New and renovated cellar doors are continuously calling back repeat visitors and the bustling hub of Healesville is a replete with wine rooms, breweries, cafes and cellar doors.
Situated amongst bushland and surrounded by beautiful coastline and beaches, the Mornington Peninsula wine region is a very picturesque destination, especially with a glass of wine in hand. Visit one of the dozens of smaller-scale wineries, and mix up your day with activities ranging from soaking in natural hot springs, golf, boating, coastal hiking or even horseback riding.
The Bellarine Peninsula is located across Port Phillip Bay, directly opposite the Mornington Peninsula. With magnificent views and a smaller number of wineries, this region is often much quieter with a relaxed seaside buzz. Located about an hour and a half from Melbourne it is easily done as a day trip.
Further afield lies the King Valley. What was once farmland used to grow tobacco by Italian, Yugoslav and Spanish migrants until it was outlawed, is the prized locale of many wineries – and what stunning vineyards they are. Prosecco, montepulciano and sangiovese are well-known in this area, keeping alive the region’s Italian heritage. About a 3-hour drive from Melbourne, the King Valley is a great spot to overnight and explore over two- or three-day journeys.
You may have a list of places you have always wanted to visit, or you prefer us to show off our favourites. Perhaps you would like to treat yourself to a relaxed style degustation lunch with the vineyard’s top tier wines, or maybe you would prefer to stop for a light casual meal before continuing around the wine region. Special occasion? Let’s do something extravagant!
However you’d like to enjoy your day we can work with you and help make it happen.
Here are a couple of quick steps to help plan your perfect day out.
• Agree on which region you would love to visit, or let us make a recommendation based on your preferences
• Opt to be flexible and pay as you go throughout the day, or have the day arranged as an all-inclusive adventure
• Advise us of your budget
• Decide how many stops you would like to make – we can keep you updated on travel times and the amount of time you’ll be spending in the vehicle
• Determine if your day is all about wine or if you would like to visit a distillery, brewery, dairy or produce store as well
• Choose if you’d like to include being pampered somewhere such as the Peninsula Hot Springs, or be a little more active with a walk or hike
• Select what sort of dining you’d like – a simple café style lunch, or something more celebratory at a fine dining vineyard restaurant
• Let us know where you are. We’ll pick you up from your home or accommodation
• Tell us when to go!
You will enjoy a luxurious private vehicle all to yourselves, a local expert guide who loves wine just as much as you do (but will also be your designated driver) and knows the region inside-out.
Gather your family and friends as well as your appetite as you prepare to indulge in a day of wine and fresh produce set amongst the most beautiful setting.