Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne: Memorable Experiences Await

Experience the Best of Victoria's Wine Region Without the Hassle of Driving

Just a short hour's drive from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors dedicated to crafting some of Australia's most exceptional cool-climate wines. This remarkable area is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, outstanding Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the true spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass tells a fascinating story waiting to be discovered.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the heart of this beautiful wine region. Enjoy meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings straight from the cellar door, and gain insight into what makes Yarra Valley wines stand out. Leave the driving to us, eliminating the stress of finding a designated driver or dealing with crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Can You Anticipate During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour is more than merely sampling exquisite wines; it is a rich experience that unveils the artistry behind winemaking. Here’s what a typical day encompasses:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their deep-rooted passion for wine. They provide valuable insights into the diverse varietals, details about the vintage, and what distinguishes each wine. Feel free to engage and ask questions; they are always eager to share their expertise and enthusiasm.

Discover Over 20 Varieties of Wine Throughout your journey, you will visit 4 to 5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Each cellar door typically offers 4 to 6 wines per tasting, ensuring a comprehensive and extensive experience.

Learn About Wine at Your Own Leisure Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, our tours are tailored to cater to all levels of wine lovers. Expect a welcoming environment focused on enjoying exceptional wine and great company, free from any pretentiousness.

Delight in Lunch Surrounded by Stunning Views Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you enjoy a leisurely meal at Domaine Chandon or a casual lunch at Hubert Estate, dining amid the picturesque vineyards enhances your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a particular wine that you absolutely adored? 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 Exclusive Wine Tasting Tours

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 meticulously curated adventure 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) featuring breathtaking 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 this is available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed Just for You

Are you excited to choose your favourite wineries? Are you planning a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special event? Our private tours empower you to fully customise your experience.

Here’s what you can decide:

• Choose the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Select your pickup location (we come to you)
• Determine your start time and pace for the day
• Curate the soundtrack to match your mood and preferences

What we provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your needs and desires
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger groups looking for a comfortable ride
• Expert local knowledge and personalised recommendations to enhance your experience

Popular ideas for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vineyards.
• Hens day tours offering delicious cheese boards, picturesque photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Team building events with engaging wine games and exclusive access to exceptional venues.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Indulge in the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which are comparable to the finest in the world. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is known for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a diverse selection of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries offer single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's unique 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 a casual Tuesday night.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet displays dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and exceptional ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Showcased in Our Tours

Our daily tour features a thoughtfully selected lineup of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery that specializes in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a relaxed trattoria vibe, and exclusive wines that are unique to this location.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic property featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, renowned for its sweeping views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia's premier 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 available for 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 Participate in Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and experience a fun day without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour provides a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the comfort of knowing there will be no disagreements about 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 a fantastic choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to numerous corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is consistently well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a day to spare and wish to explore beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals highly recommend.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer much more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is a celebrated culinary hub 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 exquisite dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon brings a touch of French elegance to the table.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a store filled with delectable 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 you prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can be seamlessly added to private tours.

Essential Information 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 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 according to your needs.
• Do I need to have prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Just bring your curiosity and a passion for learning.
• What should I wear? Smart casual attire is recommended. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking around 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 during 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 pay-as-you-go.

How many wines will I have the opportunity to taste? You’ll enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4 to 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? Definitely! Many stops offer non-alcoholic options, and the scenery, food, and chocolate alone are well worth the trip.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Tastings typically take place indoors at the cellar doors, so rain usually does not affect 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 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 select 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.