Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Explore the Wonders of Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel Experiences

Nestled merely an hour from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to crafting some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially celebrated for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, top-tier Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the genuine essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass unveils a captivating narrative waiting to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a seamless journey into the heart of this magnificent wine-producing region. Relish meticulously arranged visits to exclusive wineries, participate in tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain insights into the unique characteristics that make Yarra Valley wines truly exceptional. By entrusting the driving to us, you can leave behind the worries of finding a designated driver or navigating overcrowded bus tours. Embrace a day filled with outstanding wine, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Should You Expect During Your Memorable Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it offers a deep exploration into the art of winemaking. Here’s an overview of what a typical day on the tour entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At each cellar door, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their passion and expertise about wine. They offer valuable insights into the various varietals, vintage specifics, and distinctive characteristics of each wine. Feel encouraged to engage and ask questions; they are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.

Savour Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties Throughout your exciting journey, you will explore 4-5 wineries, allowing you to sample a stunning array of styles—from refreshing whites and fragrant rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Generally, each cellar door showcases 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a comprehensive and satisfying experience for every palate.

Explore the World of Wine at Your Own Pace Regardless of your level of experience, our tours are designed to cater to all wine lovers. Anticipate a welcoming atmosphere where the emphasis is on enjoying exceptional wine and delightful company, free from snobbery or pretentiousness.

Relish Lunch Surrounded by Scenic Beauty Most tours include a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, where you can pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you opt for a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you discover a wine that particularly enchanted you? Most cellar doors offer bottles for sale, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We ensure chilled coolers on board to keep your selections secure and fresh throughout the day.

Explore Our Tailored Wine Tasting Tour Options

Join Our Daily Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour for Just $109

This is our most popular choice, perfectly suited for solo explorers, couples, and intimate groups seeking a curated experience in the Yarra Valley.

What’s Included in Your Tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning around 5pm
• Tastings at five prestigious cellar doors, including Soumah, Hubert Estate, and Balgownie Estate
• A delightful chocolate tasting experience at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• A lunch stop (pay as you go) featuring breathtaking views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried experience
• Chilled coolers on board for secure storage of your wine purchases

All of this is available for only $109 per person, inclusive of all tastings.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed Just for You

Are you thrilled at the prospect of choosing your favourite wineries? Whether you are planning a birthday celebration, a hens day, or any special event, our private tours offer the flexibility to create your perfect experience.

Here’s what you can personalise:

• Select the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Choose your preferred pickup location (we come to you)
• Determine your start time and pace
• Curate the playlist to match your mood

What We Provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your unique needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger groups
• Expert local knowledge and bespoke recommendations

Popular ideas for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vines.
• Hens day tours offering cheese boards, picturesque photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Team building events with engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Savour the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which rival the best in the world. Here’s a preview of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety represents the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is revered for its elegance, earthy undertones, and balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries highlight single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase the region's exceptional terroir.
• Sparkling Wine As the home of Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that compete with the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for significant milestones or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet exhibits dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a popular choice among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured on Our Tours

Our daily tour includes a carefully curated selection of the valley’s top cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery celebrated for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and unique wines that you won’t find elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our concluding destination, renowned for its expansive vistas, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to finish your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s leading sparkling wine producer, included as a lunch stop on our daily tour or featured in private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie While not a winery, it remains a favourite among guests. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats to buy and take home.

For private tours, we can also visit additional wineries of your choice, including Oakridge, Yering Station, Rochford, Levantine Hill, De Bortoli, Zonzo Estate, and many more.

Who Can Enjoy Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are independently exploring Melbourne, our daily tour provides the perfect chance to connect with fellow wine lovers, enjoy communal meals, and have a delightful day without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the assurance that you won’t have to argue about who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always an excellent choice. Our private tours cater to groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end parties, we accommodate numerous corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day and wish to venture beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is celebrated as a culinary destination in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are renowned for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, complemented by gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with delectable treats. This experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese & Artisan Produce The region boasts artisan cheesemakers, vibrant farmers' markets, and local farm gates. Private tours may include visits to producers like Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Gin & Spirits If you prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can be easily included in private tours.

Vital Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours commence? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (located outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can pick you up from your chosen location.
• What is the duration of the tour? The daily tour returns to Melbourne around 5pm. Private tours offer flexible timing—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your requirements.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Just bring your curiosity and a desire to learn.
• What should I wear? Smart casual attire is recommended. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be exploring various cellar doors and vineyards.
• Can I take wine home with me? Absolutely! We have chilled coolers on board to keep your purchases safe and fresh for the journey home.
• Is lunch included in the tour package? Lunch is a pay-as-you-go option at the venue. Feel free to bring your own snacks if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Wine Tasting Tours

What’s included in the $109 daily tour? Your ticket includes return transport from Federation Square, tastings at five venues (including wineries and chocolatier), and chilled coolers on board. Lunch is pay-as-you-go.

How many wines will I have the opportunity to taste? You’ll enjoy tasting over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential since tours often fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book online to secure your spot.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? Certainly! Many stops offer non-alcoholic options, and the scenery, food, and chocolate alone make the trip worthwhile.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Tastings occur indoors at the cellar doors, so rain generally does not impede your experience.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please reach out to us in advance, and we’ll ensure that the itinerary accommodates your requirements.

What differentiates daily tours from private tours? The daily tour follows a set itinerary with a fixed price, making it ideal for solo travellers and small groups. Private tours are fully customisable—you choose the wineries, pickup location, and the pace of your adventure.

Can I book a private tour for just the two of us? Yes! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 people.