Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

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

Just an hour away from Melbourne lies the breathtaking Yarra Valley, a remarkable region boasting over 80 cellar doors dedicated to producing some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This captivating area is especially celebrated for its refined Pinot Noir, high-quality Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the true essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass unfolds a delightful narrative waiting to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a seamless and enjoyable experience at the heart of this magnificent wine region. Take pleasure in expertly curated visits to exclusive wineries, savour tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain valuable insights into what distinguishes Yarra Valley wines as truly remarkable. With our team managing the driving, you can relax without the stress of arranging a designated driver or contending with overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with extraordinary wines, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect During Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it is a profound exploration that reveals the artistry of winemaking. Here’s a look at 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 the various varietals, vintage details, and the distinctive characteristics of each wine. Feel free to ask questions; they welcome your curiosity and are eager to share their knowledge and passion with you.

Indulge in a Selection of Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, allowing you to sample an impressive range of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door showcases 4-6 wines during tastings, ensuring a broad and satisfying experience for everyone.

Explore the World of Wine at Your Own Pace No matter your experience level, our tours are designed to cater to all wine lovers. Anticipate a welcoming atmosphere where the emphasis is on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness or snobbery.

Savour Lunch Surrounded by Stunning Scenery Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, offering you the chance 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 discover a wine that truly captivated your senses? Most cellar doors provide bottles for purchase, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We supply chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections stay 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 option, perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and intimate groups seeking a curated experience in the Yarra Valley.

What Awaits You on Your Tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, with a return 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) with breathtaking views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere
• 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 Designed Just for You

Are you eager to select 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 how you can customise your tour:

• Choose the wineries you want to visit (up to five stops)
• Select your preferred pickup location (we come to you)
• Decide on your desired start time and pace
• Curate a playlist to match your desired 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 Ideas for Private Tours Include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vineyards.
• Hens day tours offering cheese platters, picturesque photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Team building events with engaging wine-related activities and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Savour the Extraordinary Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is famous for its exceptional cool-climate wines, which stand alongside the best in the world. Here’s an overview of what you can anticipate at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety embodies the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is renowned for its elegance, earthy notes, and balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse selection of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase the region's outstanding terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the best Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for significant milestones or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet highlights dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers exploring Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Tours

Our daily tour showcases a carefully curated selection of the valley’s leading 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 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, known for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed environment 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 popular choice. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and an array of treats available for purchase.

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 on your own, our daily tour provides the ideal chance to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, share meals, and enjoy an exciting day without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the assurance that you won’t argue over who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual gathering or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic choice. Our private tours accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to various corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed environment that is always well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day and wish to venture outside the city, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Delight in Culinary Treats, Chocolate & More

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

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

Essential Details for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours commence? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can collect you from your chosen 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 modify according to your preferences.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness 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 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 can I expect to taste? You’ll have the opportunity 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 frequently fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Book online to secure your place.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? Certainly! Many stops offer non-alcoholic options, and the scenery, food, and chocolates 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 usually does not hinder 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 fixed itinerary with a standard price, making it ideal for solo travellers and small groups. Private tours are fully customisable—you select the wineries, pickup location, and the pace of your experience.

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 individuals.