Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Embark on a Memorable Journey through Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel Arrangements

Situated just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce some of Australia's most exquisite cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially famed for its refined Pinot Noir, top-quality Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the genuine essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass reveals a captivating tale yearning to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a flawless experience as you journey to the heart of this stunning wine region. Delight in carefully curated visits to exclusive wineries, partake in tastings straight from the cellar door, and learn about the unique attributes that render Yarra Valley wines truly exceptional. With us managing the driving, you can set aside the anxiety of arranging a designated driver or contending with overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable wines, stunning landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere.

What to Expect During Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it represents a profound exploration that reveals the artistry of winemaking. Here’s a breakdown 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 enthusiasm and expertise about wine. They offer valuable insights into various varietals, vintage specifics, and the distinctive traits of each wine. Feel empowered to ask questions; they are eager to impart their wisdom and fervour with you.

Savour Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can taste an impressive selection of styles—ranging from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Generally, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling experience for everyone.

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

Relish Lunch in Picturesque Surroundings Most tours include a delightful lunch break at a winery restaurant, allowing you to 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 uncover a wine that you absolutely adored? Most cellar doors provide bottles for purchase, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We offer chilled coolers on board to ensure that your selections remain secure and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most popular choice, perfect for solo travellers, couples, and small 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 esteemed 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 stunning 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 just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours to Suit Your Preferences

Are you eager to choose your favourite wineries? Whether you're organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special gathering, our private tours offer the flexibility to design your ultimate experience.

Here’s what you can customise:

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

What We Provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your specific needs
• 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 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 the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which compete with the finest globally. Here’s a preview of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is acclaimed for its elegance, earthy notes, and 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 highlight single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase the region's exceptional terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a significant milestone or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet offers dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a popular choice among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals In addition, you will encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Tours

Our daily tour includes a carefully selected array of the valley’s premier cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery celebrated for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive 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 final destination, renowned for its expansive vistas, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude 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 visitors. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats available for purchase to 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 Take Advantage of Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne solo, our daily tour offers the perfect opportunity to meet fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have a delightful day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, stunning views, and the peace of mind that comes from not needing to argue over 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 accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end parties, we cater to 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 provide more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is recognised 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 celebrated for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Delight in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, enhanced 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 lean towards gin rather than wine, several distilleries in the area offer tastings—these can be seamlessly integrated into private tours.

Key Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours start? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can collect you from your desired location.
• What is the duration of the tour? The daily tour returns to Melbourne around 5pm. Private tours offer flexible timings—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adapt according to your requirements.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Simply 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 bring 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 cost? 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 chance to taste? You’ll enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors throughout the day.

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

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

What if it rains on the tour day? 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 get in touch with us beforehand, and we’ll ensure that the itinerary accommodates your needs.

What distinguishes 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 entirely customisable—you choose the wineries, pickup location, and the pace of your adventure.

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