Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Experience the Best of Victoria's Wine Region with Hassle-Free Transportation

Only an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts more than 80 cellar doors that produce some of Australia's finest cool-climate wines. This extraordinary area is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and delightful traditional method sparkling wines. Discover the authentic spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each sip tells a fascinating story.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the heart of wine country. Relish meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings straight from the cellar door, and gain insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines so distinctive. Allow us to handle the driving, removing the worry of needing a designated driver or dealing with overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with exceptional wine, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Can You Anticipate During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour is not merely about sampling exquisite wines; it is an enriching experience that unveils the craft of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day entails:

Engage with Enthusiastic Winemakers Most cellar doors are staffed by knowledgeable individuals who guide you through tastings, sharing their fervour for wine. They provide insights into various varietals, the details of each vintage, and what makes each wine distinct. Feel free to engage and pose questions; they are eager to share their expertise and passion.

Discover an Impressive Selection of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample a remarkable range of styles—from crisp whites and fragrant rosés to rich reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive experience.

Enjoy Learning About Wine at Your Own Leisure Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine aficionado, our tours are tailored to accommodate all levels of wine enthusiasts. Expect a welcoming environment where the focus is on enjoying superb wine and pleasant company, free from any pretentiousness.

Relish a Lunch Surrounded by Scenic Views Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair locally produced wines with seasonal cuisine. Whether you prefer a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a relaxed meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards enhances your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you discover a 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 Tailored for You

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

This is our most sought-after package, ideal for solo explorers, couples, and small groups looking for a curated adventure in the Yarra Valley.

What’s included in your tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, with a return 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 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 only $109 per person, inclusive of all tastings.

Personalised Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed for You

Are you excited to select your preferred wineries? Planning a birthday celebration, hens day, or another special occasion? Our private tours allow you to fully customise your experience.

Here’s what you can tailor:

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

What we offer:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your needs
• Luxurious Mercedes vehicles that accommodate groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger groups
• Expert local knowledge and personalised recommendations

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

Savour the Extraordinary Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its remarkable 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 signature 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, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase 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 special occasions or a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit notes, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals Furthermore, you will encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and beyond—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Exclusive Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery renowned for its focus on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that are 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, exceptional wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s leading producer of sparkling wine, included as a lunch stop on our daily tour or featured in private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Although not a winery, it remains a crowd favourite. Participate in 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 Delight in Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an entertaining day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing there will be no disputes 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 various corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always appreciated.
• 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 offer more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is distinguished as a culinary hub in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are well-known for their superb dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Join a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a store filled with scrumptious treats. This experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese & Artisan Produce The region boasts artisan cheese makers, vibrant farmers' markets, and local farm gates. Private tours may include visits to producers such as Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Gin & Spirits If you prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the area offer tastings—these can be effortlessly integrated into private tours.

Essential Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours begin? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can collect you from your chosen location.
• What is the length 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 knowledge of wine? 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 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 can I taste during the tour? You will have the opportunity to sample over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors throughout the day.

Should I make a reservation in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential as tours often fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Reserve online to secure your spot.

Can I participate 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 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.