Team Building Yarra Valley

A team day in the Yarra Valley works because it gets people properly away from the office. The usual pattern is a coach out from Melbourne, a morning session or shared activity at an estate, and a long lunch that does as much for the team as any workshop.

Only a few venues here are set up for team-building bookings so far, and the list is venues only. Rather than bringing in an outside activity provider, ask each estate what it can run on its own grounds.

What to check and budget:

• The few venues that list a price sit around $100 to $105 a head, with one closer to $300 – that higher figure is likely a fuller package, so compare what's included
• Ask whether the estate offers a guided tasting, a vineyard walk, a cooking or blending session, or a private space you can use for your own activity
• Make sure there's a non-alcoholic option for every part of the day, not just the lunch
• Check that walks or outdoor sessions suit the whole group's fitness and mobility
• Confirm the wet-weather backup and any bushfire-season restrictions for outdoor sessions

Keep the program realistic. With an hour each way on the road, a half-day of activity plus lunch is often more than enough.

Contact two or three estates with your group size and what you want the day to achieve. Their quotes arrive straight from them, free of any commission or booking charge.