Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Moments

Experience the Yarra Valley’s Wine Wonderland Without Driving Hassles

Located a mere hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors producing some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. This exceptional region is particularly renowned for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the true essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass uncovers a captivating story waiting to be discovered.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the heart of wine country. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar doors, and gain insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines truly unique. Leave the driving to us, eliminating any worries about needing a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Embrace a day filled with extraordinary wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites relaxation and enjoyment.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it serves as an educational experience that unveils the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day holds:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff members guide you through tastings, sharing their fervour for wine. They provide insights into various varietals, details about the vintage, and elements that contribute to the uniqueness of each wine. Feel free to engage and ask questions; they relish imparting their expertise and enthusiasm.

Delve into an Array of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit between 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive range of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a broad and enriching experience.

Discover the World of Wine at Your Own Pace Regardless of whether you’re a novice or an experienced wine aficionado, our tours are designed to cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere where the emphasis is on enjoying remarkable wines and delightful company, all without any sense of pretentiousness.

Relish a Lunch Amidst Scenic Vistas Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery’s restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you select a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or opt for a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining in the picturesque vineyards enhances your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a particular wine that captured your heart? Most cellar doors offer bottles for purchase, often at exclusive cellar door rates. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Discover 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 adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking a curated experience in the Yarra Valley.

Your tour includes:

• 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) with breathtaking views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and leisurely experience
• Chilled coolers on board for secure storage of your wine purchases

All this is available for only $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Bespoke Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Are you excited to select your favourite wineries? Whether you are planning a birthday, a hens party, or another special celebration, our private tours allow 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
• Curate the playlist to match your mood

What we provide:

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

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, ranking among 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 recognised for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers an impressive array of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature 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 Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine connoisseurs.
• 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 Featured in Our Exceptional Tours

Our daily tour includes a meticulously curated selection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery renowned for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a relaxed trattoria ambiance, and exclusive wines unavailable elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic property featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, celebrated for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s premier sparkling wine producer, featured as a lunch stop on our daily tour or available for private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Although not a winery, it remains a crowd favourite. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats to purchase and bring 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 presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and partake in a delightful day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour makes for a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the peace of mind that comes from not having to argue about who will drive back.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic option. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building exercises, client entertainment, or end-of-year celebrations, we cater to various corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is consistently well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day and wish to explore beyond the city limits, this is the day trip locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours encompass more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is also recognised as a culinary hotspot in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are acclaimed for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon brings a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Experience a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with delectable treats. This delightful experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese & Artisan Produce The region hosts 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 your style, several distilleries in the area offer tastings—these can be easily integrated into 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 requirements.
• 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 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 opportunity to taste? You’ll enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, it is crucial to book in advance as tours often fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book online to secure your spot.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? Absolutely! 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 proceed regardless of weather conditions. Tastings occur indoors at the cellar doors, so rain typically does not affect your experience.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us beforehand, 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.