Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey through Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel Solutions

Situated merely an hour away from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors dedicated to crafting some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially famous for its refined Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and outstanding traditional method sparkling wines. Experience the genuine essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass reveals a captivating tale that beckons to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a flawless journey into the heart of this magnificent wine region. Relish meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings straight from the cellar door, and uncover the secrets that make Yarra Valley wines truly remarkable. With us managing the driving, you can set aside the worries of finding a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with exquisite wine, stunning views, and a serene atmosphere.

What to Expect During Your Memorable Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of superb wines; it embodies a profound exploration that reveals the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s 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 insights about wine. They offer invaluable information regarding the various varietals, vintage specifics, and the distinctive characteristics of each wine. Feel free to interact and pose questions; they are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and passion with you.

Sample Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, enabling you to taste an impressive selection of styles—from invigorating whites and aromatic rosés to full-bodied reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, guaranteeing a broad and gratifying experience for every participant.

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

Savour Lunch in Picturesque Surroundings Most tours include a lovely 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 discover a wine that truly enchanted you? Most cellar doors provide bottles for sale, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We offer chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain secure and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Premium Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most popular choice, perfect 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) offering 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 of this is available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed to Meet Your Desires

Are you looking forward to handpicking your favourite wineries? Whether you're organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special occasion, our private tours offer the flexibility to create your perfect 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 unique preferences
• 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 encompass:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delicious 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.

Delight in the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which compete with 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 lauded for its elegance, earthy notes, and harmonious 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 exceptional terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagne. These sparkling delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a milestone event or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a popular choice among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals You’ll also encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Highlighted in Our Curated Tours

Our daily tour features a carefully selected array of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery famous 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 showcasing a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, acclaimed for its sweeping 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 popular highlight. 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 provides the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, 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 fine wines, stunning vistas, and the peace of mind knowing you won’t bicker 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 an excellent choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or end-of-year parties, we cater to numerous corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed environment that is always 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 consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer so much more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is celebrated 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 renowned for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, complemented by gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with delightful 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 prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the area offer tastings—these can easily be included in private tours.

Crucial 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 chosen 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 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 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 includes return transport from Federation Square, tastings at five venues (including wineries and chocolatiers), 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 4-5 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? Certainly! Many stops offer non-alcoholic options, and the scenery, food, and chocolate 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 typically 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 set itinerary with a fixed 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? Yes! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 people.