Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne: Unforgettable Adventures Await

Experience the Finest of Victoria's Wine Region Without the Stress of Driving

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley is home to more than 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to producing some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines. This extraordinary region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the authentic wine country atmosphere of the Yarra Valley, where every sip tells a compelling story of craftsmanship and passion.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless adventure into the heart of wine country. Delight in thoughtfully curated visits to exclusive wineries, enjoy tastings right from the cellar door, and discover what sets Yarra Valley wines apart. Forget about driving—allow us to handle all transport, meaning no need for a designated driver or crowded bus rides. Embrace a day filled with exceptional wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil ambience.

What Can You Anticipate During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends the mere enjoyment of sampling exquisite wines; it is a rich experience that unveils the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s what you can expect during a typical day:

Engage with Enthusiastic Winemakers At many cellar doors, experienced staff lead you through tastings, sharing their deep passion for wine. They provide insights into diverse varietals, details about the vintage, and the unique characteristics that define each wine. Don’t hesitate to engage and pose questions; they are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

Discover an Impressive Range of Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will have the opportunity to visit 4-5 wineries, tasting a remarkable array of styles—from refreshing whites and fragrant rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and enriching experience.

Explore Wine Knowledge at Your Own Rhythm Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine connoisseur, our tours are crafted to accommodate all levels of wine aficionados. Expect a friendly atmosphere where the emphasis is on relishing outstanding wine and enjoying great company, free from any pretentiousness.

Relish a Lunch Surrounded by Breathtaking Views Most tours incorporate a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a more casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the picturesque vineyards enhances your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a wine that captivated you? 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 excursion.

Explore Our Diverse Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most sought-after option, ideal for solo adventurers, 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 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 breathtaking vineyard views
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried experience
• Chilled coolers on board for safe storage of your wine purchases

All these benefits are available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored for You

Are you excited to select your preferred wineries? Planning a birthday, hen party, or another special event? Our private tours enable you to fully personalise your experience.

Here’s what you can customise:

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

What we offer:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your desires
• 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 themes for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch amid the vines.
• Hen party tours showcasing cheese boards, picturesque photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Corporate team-building events with engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways including private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Delight in the Distinctive Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its exceptional cool-climate wines, renowned worldwide for their quality. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety is the signature red wine of the Yarra Valley. It is acclaimed for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley presents a varied 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 distinctive 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 special occasion or just a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet offers dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a highly sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Exclusive Tours

Our daily tour features a thoughtfully curated selection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley is a boutique winery renowned for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a laid-back trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that you won't find elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) is a historic site featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the outstanding Quarters Restaurant, which is perfect for a sumptuous lunch experience.
• Balgownie Estate is our concluding stop, celebrated for its expansive views, exceptional wines, and a relaxed ambiance to wrap up your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon is Australia's premier sparkling wine producer, featured as a lunch stop on our daily tour or as part of private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Although not a winery, it remains a beloved stop. Delight in guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a range 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 Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne solo, our daily tour offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared dining experiences, and have a delightful day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates an unforgettable date experience. Relish exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the peace of mind that comes with not having to argue about 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 idea. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to a variety of corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always appreciated.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a free day and wish to explore beyond the city's boundaries, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Unearth Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

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

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature remarkable on-site dining experiences. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are renowned for their fine dining offerings. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication to its menu.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, alongside gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with delectable treats. This delightful 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 gin is more to your liking than wine, several local distilleries offer tastings—these can be seamlessly incorporated into private tours.

Essential Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours start? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (near the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can pick you up from your preferred 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 the schedule to suit 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 advisable. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking around 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 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 a pay-as-you-go option.

How many wines can I expect to taste during the tour? You’ll have the opportunity to sample over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors throughout the day.

Should I make a reservation in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential as tours often sell out quickly, particularly on weekends. Book online to secure your spot.

Can I join the tour if I don’t consume alcohol? Absolutely! Many stops feature 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 the weather. Tastings take place 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 contact us ahead of time, and we’ll ensure that the itinerary accommodates your requirements.

What distinguishes daily tours from private tours? The daily tour follows a fixed itinerary at a set 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? Certainly! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 people.