The Yarra Valley is an hour from Melbourne and produces some of the best cool-climate wine in Australia — chardonnay and pinot noir in particular, along with a sparkling tradition going back to the 1980s. It is also, inconveniently, a region where the good cellar doors are spread across a wide valley with no useful public transport.
That is precisely the problem a chauffeur solves. Nobody draws the short straw, nobody counts their tastings, and the day can run as long as it needs to.
How the Day Works
We build the route around what you drink. Tell us whether you want established estates, small family producers, sparkling, or a mix, and we will suggest a shortlist and book the tastings.
Cellar doors
Three to four is the comfortable number for a day. More than that and the tastings blur together; fewer and you are back in Melbourne by mid-afternoon. The valley ranges from large estates with restaurants and sweeping views to small sheds where the winemaker pours.
Lunch
Several wineries run genuinely good restaurants, and booking ahead is essential on weekends. Alternatively we can stop somewhere simpler and keep the day flexible.
Produce, cheese and chocolate
The valley is not only wine. There are dairies, a well-known chocolaterie, berry farms in season and a cider producer or two — useful stops for anyone in the group who is not drinking.
Healesville and the ranges
Healesville Sanctuary, devoted to Australian native wildlife, sits at the eastern end of the valley and combines well with a shorter wine itinerary if you have children along.
Private Tours
Plan Your Yarra Valley Day
Tell us what you like to drink and how many are coming. We will build the route and book the tastings.
Request a Quote →When to Visit
- Autumn (Mar–May) — vintage season and the vines turn gold and red. The most photogenic time of year.
- Spring (Sep–Nov) — green, mild and quieter, with budburst through the vineyards.
- Summer (Dec–Feb) — warm and busy, with long evenings and outdoor dining. Book restaurants well ahead.
- Winter (Jun–Aug) — open fires, big reds and almost no crowds. An underrated season.
Practical Details
- Tasting fees — most cellar doors charge a fee, often waived on purchase. Paid directly on the day.
- Bookings — tastings and lunch should be reserved in advance, particularly at weekends. We can arrange this for you.
- Purchases — anything you buy travels in the vehicle, so you are not carrying bottles between stops.
- Non-drinkers and children — welcome; we build in produce, chocolate and wildlife stops so nobody is left waiting.
Pricing
Pricing for this tour is quoted individually, because the length of the day, the vehicle and the stops you choose all affect it. Send us your dates and party size and we will come back with a fixed, all-inclusive price.
- Included — the vehicle, your chauffeur, fuel and tolls for the full day.
- Not included — attraction admissions and meals, which you pay directly on the day.
- Larger vehicles — the V-Class and Sprinter carry a higher rate; we quote per vehicle, not per person.
- GST — all prices include GST. There are no booking fees and no surge pricing.
Your Vehicle and Chauffeur
Every Prima tour is fully private. There is no shared coach, no other passengers and no fixed departure time — the vehicle and the chauffeur are yours for the day.
Luxury Sedan or SUV — up to 3 passengers
Quiet, comfortable and climate controlled, with leather seating and room for cameras, coats and day bags. Ideal for couples, solo travellers and small families.
Mercedes V-Class or similar — up to 6 passengers
A spacious luxury people mover with individual seats, generous legroom and space for everyone’s belongings. The most popular choice for families and small groups.
Mercedes Sprinter or similar — up to 11 passengers
Premium large-group transport for extended families, corporate groups and multi-generational travel, with ample luggage space for a long day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wineries can we visit in a day?
Three to four works best. It leaves time for a proper lunch and keeps the tastings distinct rather than running together.
Are tasting fees included?
No. Cellar door tasting fees are paid directly on the day and are frequently waived if you buy a bottle or two.
Can you book the wineries and lunch for us?
Yes, and we recommend it. Weekend tastings and winery restaurants book out well in advance.
Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?
Every Prima tour is completely private. You travel only with your own party, in your own vehicle, with a dedicated chauffeur. There are no other passengers and no fixed schedule.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. The stops listed are our recommended route, but the day is yours. Tell your chauffeur what you would like to see more of, what to skip, or where you would like to stop for a meal, and the itinerary is adjusted on the spot.
Where does the tour start and finish?
We collect you from your hotel, private address, or any location in Melbourne that suits you, and return you to the same place or anywhere else you prefer at the end of the day.
How much does the Yarra Valley Wine tour cost?
This tour is quoted on request. The price depends on the vehicle, the length of the day and the stops you choose. Send us your dates and party size and we will return a fixed, all-inclusive quote.