Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Experience the Best of Victoria's Wine Country with Hassle-Free Travel

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley is home to over 80 cellar doors producing some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. This extraordinary region is particularly renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and superb traditional method sparkling wines. Discover the authentic spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass tells an enchanting story waiting to be savoured.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey to the heart of this magnificent wine region. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines so exceptional. With us handling the driving, you can leave behind the stress of finding a designated driver or dealing with overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable wine, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil ambiance.

What to Anticipate on Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Engaging in a wine tasting tour is far more than just sampling exquisite wines; it is a profound journey that uncovers the art of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day on the tour encompasses:

Connect with Enthusiastic Winemakers At each cellar door, expert staff guide you through tastings, sharing their passion and knowledge of wine. They provide valuable insights into the diverse varietals, vintage specifics, and the unique qualities of each wine. Feel free to engage and ask questions; they are eager to share their expertise and enthusiasm with you.

Enjoy Over 20 Distinct Wine Varieties Throughout your adventure, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive array of styles—from refreshing whites and fragrant rosés to robust reds and elegant sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a broad and fulfilling experience for all.

Discover the World of Wine at Your Own Leisure Regardless of your experience level, our tours are crafted to accommodate all wine enthusiasts. Expect a friendly atmosphere where the focus is on relishing outstanding wine and delightful company, devoid of any snobbery or pretentiousness.

Enjoy Lunch Amidst Scenic Surroundings Most tours feature a lovely lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards will undoubtedly elevate your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you discover a wine that particularly captured your heart? Most cellar doors offer bottles for sale, frequently at exclusive cellar door prices. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain secure and fresh throughout your journey.

Discover Our Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most sought-after option, ideal for solo adventurers, couples, and intimate groups looking for 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 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) featuring stunning 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.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Are you excited to select your favourite wineries? Whether you're planning a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special event, our private tours provide the flexibility to craft your ideal experience.

Here’s what you can customise:

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

What We Offer:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your individual needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for larger groups
• Expert local knowledge and bespoke recommendations

Popular ideas for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful 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.

Savour the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which stand shoulder to shoulder with the best globally. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s hallmark red wine. It is celebrated for its elegance, earthy notes, and harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley presents a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries showcase single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's exceptional terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley creates traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a milestone event or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned 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 Additionally, you’ll encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Highlighted in Our Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery renowned for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking 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 contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final destination, celebrated for its expansive vistas, outstanding wines, and a relaxed ambiance to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s preeminent 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 buy 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 Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the assurance that you won’t argue over 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 an excellent choice. Our private tours accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end parties, we cater to numerous corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed atmosphere 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 consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is renowned 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 celebrated for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage 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, 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 easily included in 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 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.

Common Inquiries Regarding 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 4-5 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 take place 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.