Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne: Unforgettable Experiences Await

Uncover the Hidden Gems of Victoria’s Wine Region Without the Stress of Driving

Situated just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to producing some of Australia’s most exceptional cool-climate wines. This extraordinary region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Discover the authentic spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each sip tells a compelling story.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the core of wine country. Delight in meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, savour tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines truly distinctive. Leave the driving to us, removing the need for a designated driver or overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable wine, breathtaking landscapes, and a peaceful ambiance.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere wine sampling; it is a profound experience that unveils the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day encompasses:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At the majority of cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their fervour for wine. They provide insights into the various varietals, intricate details about the vintage, and the unique characteristics that distinguish each wine. Feel free to interact and pose questions; they are eager to share their expertise and enthusiasm.

Sample an Impressive Selection of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can experience a remarkable array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and refined sparkling wines. Generally, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, guaranteeing a broad and comprehensive experience.

Expand Your Wine Knowledge at Your Own Pace Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned wine enthusiast, our tours are tailored to accommodate all levels of wine lovers. Expect a welcoming atmosphere where the emphasis is on relishing exceptional wine and enjoyable company, devoid of any pretentiousness.

Enjoy Lunch Amidst Picturesque Views Most tours feature a delightful lunch break at a winery restaurant, offering you the chance to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining surrounded by vineyards elevates your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a specific 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 stay safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Experience Our Unique Wine Tasting Tours

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

This is our most sought-after option, ideal for solo travellers, couples, and small groups desiring a 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 acclaimed 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 providing 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 for You

Are you keen on selecting your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hen’s day, or a special occasion? Our private tours enable you to fully customise your experience.

Here’s what you can choose:

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

What we provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience designed around your needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles that accommodate groups of up to 14 individuals
• Access to larger buses and coaches for larger gatherings
• Expert local knowledge and tailored recommendations

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

Delight in the Exceptional Wines of the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its exquisite cool-climate wines, which rival the best in the world. Here’s a taste of what you can expect at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is celebrated for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley boasts various styles of Chardonnay, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries showcase single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region’s distinct terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that can compete with the finest Champagne. These bubbly delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Recognised for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet features dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly 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 finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery that specializes in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning vistas, a relaxed trattoria ambiance, and exclusive wines unavailable elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic establishment featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, famed for its expansive 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 beloved destination. Delight in guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats available for purchase and enjoyment at home.

For private tours, we can also visit additional wineries of your preference, including Oakridge, Yering Station, Rochford, Levantine Hill, De Bortoli, Zonzo Estate, and many more.

Who Will Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, savour shared meals, and enjoy a delightful day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour provides a memorable date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, breathtaking views, and the peace of mind knowing there will be no disagreements about who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a relaxed catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic choice. Our private tours can accommodate parties 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 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: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours encompass far more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is distinguished as a culinary haven in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Numerous 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 introduces a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, alongside gelato, hot chocolate, and a store brimming 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 gin is your preference, several distilleries in the region provide tastings—these can be seamlessly integrated into private tours.

Essential Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours commence? Our daily tour begins at Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can collect you 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 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 desire to learn.
• 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 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 will I have the chance to sample? You will have the opportunity to taste over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors throughout the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance reservations are essential as tours often fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Book online to secure your place.

Can I join if I don’t consume alcohol? Certainly! Many stops offer 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 continue regardless of weather conditions. Tastings are conducted 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 in advance, and we will ensure that the itinerary accommodates your requirements.

What distinguishes 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 customizable—you select the wineries, pickup location, and the pace of your adventure.

Can I book a private tour for just the two of us? Absolutely! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 individuals.