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No Bookings, No Stress: Walk-In Friendly Tastings on the Yarra Valley Red Route

Here’s our go-to list of Yarra Valley Red Route venues where tastings don’t require bookings (with a few honest heads-ups for busy weekends 👀).


two people sitting at a table and grabbing a glass of sparkling wine

🍷 Coombe Estate

Elegant gardens, historic buildings, and a tasting room that feels a little bit fancy (without being stuffy). Coombe Estate is very walk-in friendly for tastings, making it a brilliant first stop or a relaxed mid-day visit when you want to soak up the scenery without watching the clock.


🇫🇷 Dominique Portet

A long-time Red Route favourite. Dominique Portet offers walk-in tastings and a laid-back, welcoming vibe that suits both wine newbies and seasoned sippers.


🍷 Soumah

Soumah does offer walk-in tastings, but a little heads-up: weekends can get busy. If there’s space, you’re in. If not, there may be a short wait.


🍸 Four Pillars Distillery

Not just wine on the Red Route! Four Pillars Gin welcomes walk-ins for tastings & in the bar and is a must for gin lovers (or anyone who’s had enough Chardonnay for one day).


🍺 Watts River Brewery

Craft beer, casual vibes, and zero booking stress. Watts River is ideal if your group wants to mix things up with a beer paddle and a pizza.


🍇 Jayden Ong

Boutique, intimate, and all about the wine. Jayden Ong welcomes walk-ins for tastings and is perfect if you’re chasing something a little more different.


🎉 Payten & Jones

Fun, relaxed, and very on-brand for a Hop It day. Tastings are available without bookings, but weekends can be busy, so expect a wait during peak times.


🍷 St Huberts

St Huberts is wonderfully welcoming to Hop It guests. Walk-ins are always accepted for tastings, though you may need to wait if you arrive without a booking during busy periods.


So… Do You Ever Need Bookings?

Short answer: you can wing it but bookings are always the best option.


While the Yarra Valley Red Route has plenty of walk-in friendly venues, securing tastings in advance means venues can be properly prepared for your arrival, give you their full attention, and deliver the experience they’re best known for.


Most tastings run to a one-hour window, and having a booking ensures you don’t waste a single minute waiting for a spot to free up or wondering if there’s space. You arrive, sit down, taste, enjoy - no clock-watching, no stress, no missed pours.


So yes, flexibility is great… but a little planning goes a long way in turning a good day into a bloody excellent one 🍷


3 women sitting at a table with food and cheering with a glass of wine

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