How to Plan a Tour to the Wineries in Melbourne - Tips on Organizing a Winery Tour during a Trip to Melbourne

 While most visitors head to Melbourne to enjoy a vacation of wining and dining and enjoying the many cultural highlights in the city, few are aware of its proximity to Yarra Valley. As one of Australia's leading wine-producing regions, Yarra Valley is just an hour away from the bustling capital of Victoria and is the perfect day trip option for Melbourne tourists. Here are some guidelines on how to plan a tour of the wineries making waves in Yarra Valley during your next visit to Melbourne.

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1. Timing is Everything

Although it is technically possible to enjoy a winery tour in Melbourne any time of year, those who wish to see the vineyards at their best should time their visit to coincide with the summer months. The period from December to February is the best time of year to go on a tour of Yarra Valley's vineyards and wineries as they will be dressed in their summer best. This is also when large crowds descend on the valley so those who are planning a tour may want to avoid weekends and other public holidays and plan their visit on a weekday.

2. Stay in a Strategic Rest 

A conveniently located rest in Melbourne will also offer day-trippers easy access to the wine country. Whether you select the Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel or any other hotels near restaurants in CBD Melbourne, it is crucial to gauge the distance from your resort base to Yarra Valley. Most wine tours begin around 8.30 - 8.50 am so being able to reach the valley without hassle is of great importance.

 3. Be Realistic about How Much You Can Cover

While it is natural to feel enthusiastic about the number of wineries one can cover in a single day, the sheer number of wineries in vineyards occupying Yarra Valley should give one pause. The area is home to well over one hundred and fifty wineries and it is quite impossible to explore each and everyone on a day trip. This is why it is important to do your homework and select wineries that spark your interest so your tour encompasses the highlights rather than the A to Z of Yarra Valley's wineries. Tourists should know that it is possible to tour wineries without joining a group tour but the downside is that wineries will charge per tasting and driving after several tasting sessions can also be illegal if one's blood alcohol level is beyond 0.05.

 4. Organized Tour Benefits

The advantage of booking a wine tasting tour in Yarra Valley is that local tour operators will take care of the smaller details of the trip on your behalf. Due to their rapport with local wineries, tourists also pay less for the tour of several wineries than if they were to visit each one individually. Wine tasting tours also offer travellers valuable insights into the cultivating and brewing of vintages while also including meals and snacks as a package deal. The most popular winery tours are booked up fast, especially during the summer season so tourists should get a head start when it comes to booking their seats.

 5. Tips for the Day of the Tour

It is crucial for winery tour participants to have breakfast before the tour begins as drinking wine on an empty stomach can prove disastrous for those with a low tolerance level for alcohol. Don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the tour and also use the bathroom at every pit stop so you don't feel too comfortable when driving around the wine country with a full bladder. Avoid white attire when attending winery tours as any wine stains will easily show.