Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Discover the Wonders of Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel

Situated merely an hour from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to creating some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is particularly famous for its exquisite Pinot Noir, high-quality Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass of wine narrates a captivating story eagerly awaiting your appreciation.

Red Carpet Wine Tours facilitates a seamless journey to the heart of this magnificent wine region. Enjoy carefully curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings straight from the cellar door, and learn about what makes Yarra Valley wines truly remarkable. With us managing the driving, you can set aside the anxiety of arranging a designated driver or navigating overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with exceptional wine, stunning scenery, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect from Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it is a profound journey that reveals the art of winemaking. Here’s a detailed insight into what a typical day on the tour entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At each cellar door, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their enthusiasm and expertise about wine. They provide invaluable insights into diverse varietals, specific vintages, and the distinctive characteristics of each wine. Feel free to ask questions; they are more than happy to share their extensive knowledge and passion for the craft with you.

Indulge in Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties Throughout your adventure, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can taste an impressive selection of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling experience for all participants.

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

Savour Lunch in Picturesque Settings Most tours include a lovely lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair regional wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you opt for a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining surrounded by vineyards will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you find a wine that truly delighted your palate? Most cellar doors offer bottles for purchase, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Unique Wine Tasting Tour Packages

Participate in Our Daily Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour for Just $109

This is our most popular choice, perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking a curated experience in the Yarra Valley.

What’s Included in Your Experience:

• 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 break (pay as you go) featuring breathtaking views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and leisurely experience
• Chilled coolers on board for safe storage of your wine purchases

All of this is available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included in the price.

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours Customised to Your Desires

Are you eager to select your favourite wineries? Whether you're arranging a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special occasion, our private tours offer the flexibility to design your ideal experience.

Here’s what you can personalise:

• Choose the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Select your preferred pickup location (we come to you)
• Decide on your starting time and pace
• Curate the playlist to match your desired atmosphere

What We Provide:

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

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

Savour the Distinctive Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which stand proudly alongside the finest offerings globally. Here’s an insight into what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is revered for its elegance, earthy undertones, and well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Numerous wineries present single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's outstanding terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are ideal for celebrations, whether for significant milestones or casual evenings.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet features dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Tours

Our daily tour showcases 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 anywhere else.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch experience.
• Balgownie Estate Our final destination, renowned for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s leading sparkling wine producer, featured as a lunch stop on our daily tour or included in private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie While not a winery, it remains a beloved stop. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats to purchase and take home.

For private tours, we can also visit additional wineries of your choosing, 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 exploring Melbourne alone, our daily tour offers the perfect chance to meet fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and experience a delightful day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour makes for an unforgettable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the peace of mind that you won’t argue over who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual reunion or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic idea. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end parties, we cater to numerous corporate groups, providing a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a free day and wish to step beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Experience 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 superb dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate 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 area offer tastings—these can easily be integrated into private tours.

Key Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours depart from? Our daily tour leaves from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can pick you up from your chosen location.
• What is the tour duration? 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 needs.
• 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. Be sure to 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 covers 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 chance to taste? You’ll enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential since tours frequently 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 typically does not impede your experience.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please contact 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.