Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey Through Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel Arrangements

Situated merely an hour from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors where you can savour some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially celebrated for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Dive into the authentic essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each sip narrates a captivating story just waiting for you to enjoy.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a smooth and enjoyable experience as you travel to the heart of this stunning wine region. Relish in carefully scheduled visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings right from the cellar door, and uncover what makes Yarra Valley wines so extraordinary. By allowing us to manage the driving, you can forget about the hassle of finding a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable wines, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect from Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends merely sampling splendid wines; it’s an enriching journey that reveals the artistry of winemaking. Here’s a detailed look at what a typical day on the tour entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At every cellar door, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their enthusiasm and insights about wine. They offer invaluable information regarding the various varietals, specific vintages, and the distinctive characteristics of each wine. Feel free to ask questions; they are keen to share their expertise and passion with you.

Sample Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties As you journey through the Yarra Valley, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can taste a remarkable selection of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to full-bodied reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 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 environment where the emphasis is on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from any elitism or pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch Surrounded by Scenic Beauty Most tours include a delightful lunch stop 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 stumble upon a wine that particularly enchanted you? Most cellar doors offer bottles for sale, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure that your selections remain secure and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Premium Wine Tasting Tour Offerings

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

This is our most popular option, perfect for solo travellers, couples, and small groups seeking a refined 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) with stunning vineyard views
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried experience
• Chilled coolers on board for secure storage of your wine purchases

All 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 ready to choose your favourite wineries? Whether you are celebrating a birthday, organising a hens day, or planning a special event, our private tours offer the flexibility to create your perfect experience.

Here’s what you can tailor:

• Select the wineries you would like 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 fit 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 insights and personalised recommendations

Popular ideas for customised private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch amidst 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 outstanding cool-climate wines, which compete with some of the finest on a global scale. Here’s a snapshot of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is praised for its sophistication, earthy undertones, and harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a diverse selection of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries offer single-vineyard and reserve choices that accentuate the region's extraordinary terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival top Champagne. These effervescent treasures are perfect for commemorating special occasions, whether for a significant event or a relaxed evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and remarkable ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will 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 selected collection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery famed for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that are unavailable 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 stop, renowned for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a laid-back 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 crowd favourite. 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 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 exploring Melbourne on your own, our daily tour presents the perfect opportunity to meet fellow wine lovers, share meals, and enjoy a delightful day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour offers a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the peace of mind that you won’t have to argue over who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it's a casual get-together or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic choice. Our private tours cater to groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups We serve numerous corporate groups for team-building, client entertainment, or year-end parties, creating a professional yet relaxed environment 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 constantly recommend.

Beyond Wine: Delight in Culinary Experiences, Chocolate & More

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

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors offer 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, whilst Chandon adds a touch of French flair.
• 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, lively 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 included in private tours.

Key Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours begin? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. For private tours, we 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 timings—typically running from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your preferences.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Absolutely not. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Just bring your curiosity and a desire to learn more.
• What should I wear? Smart casual attire is advisable. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be exploring various cellar doors and vineyards.
• Can I take wine home with me? Certainly! We have chilled coolers on board to keep your purchases safe and fresh for your 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 a pay-as-you-go option.

How many wines will I get to taste? You will have the chance to sample over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

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

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

What happens 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 impact 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 needs.

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

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