Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne: Unforgettable Experiences

Embark on a Memorable Journey Through Victoria’s Stunning Wine Country

Just an hour away from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce some of Australia’s most exceptional cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is particularly celebrated for its exquisite Pinot Noir, outstanding Chardonnay, and magnificent traditional method sparkling wines. Experience the genuine essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each sip unveils a captivating tale that is simply waiting to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a seamless and enjoyable journey to the heart of this magnificent wine region. Relish in carefully curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar door, and uncover the secrets that make Yarra Valley wines so remarkable. With our team managing the driving, you can relax without the worry of finding a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with exceptional wine, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect from Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour is much more than merely sampling delightful wines; it is a profound expedition that reveals the artistry behind winemaking. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day on the tour entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At each cellar door, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their passion and expertise about wine. They offer invaluable insights into the various varietals, details about the vintages, and the distinctive qualities of each wine. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; they are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and passion with you.

Sample Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties During your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can enjoy a remarkable selection of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Generally, each cellar door features 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for everyone.

Explore the World of Wine at Your Own Pace No matter your level of experience, our tours are designed to welcome all wine aficionados. Anticipate a warm environment where the emphasis lies on enjoying excellent wine and delightful company, free from any elitism or pretentiousness.

Relish Lunch Amidst Picturesque Surroundings Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you opt for a leisurely meal at Domaine Chandon or a casual dining experience at Hubert Estate, enjoying your meal amidst the vineyards will surely enhance your overall enjoyment.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you come across a wine that particularly 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 Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour Packages

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

This highly sought-after option is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking a tailored 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, including all tastings.

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours to Suit Your Desires

Are you thrilled at the prospect of selecting your favourite wineries? Whether you’re organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or another special occasion, our private tours provide the flexibility to design your perfect experience.

What Can You Personalise?

• 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 suit your mood

What We Provide:

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

Popular Ideas for Private Tours Include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vineyards.
• 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 Extraordinary Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its exceptional cool-climate wines, which stand alongside the best 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 renowned for its elegance, earthy undertones, and balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries highlight single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase the region’s remarkable 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 marking a milestone or enjoying a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet boasts dark fruit flavours, refined tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and others—especially from boutique producers who are experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Tours

Our daily tour includes a carefully curated selection of the valley’s top cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery celebrated for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, renowned for its expansive vistas, remarkable 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 Although not a winery, it remains a crowd favourite. 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 meet fellow wine lovers, share meals, and enjoy a fun day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour makes for a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, take in stunning scenery, and rest assured that you won’t have to argue over who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual reunion or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic choice. Our private tours cater to groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or end-of-year parties, we accommodate various 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 venture beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Delight in Culinary Treats, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer much more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is recognised as a culinary destination in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature exceptional dining options on-site. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are celebrated for their fine dining. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, complemented by gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with irresistible treats. This experience is part of 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 more your style, several distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can easily be included in private tours.

Key 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 to accommodate your needs.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine lovers. 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 trip 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 will I have the chance to taste? You’ll have the opportunity to sample over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors throughout the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential as tours often 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, ensuring that rain typically does not affect 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 needs.

What differentiates daily tours from private tours? The daily tour follows a set itinerary with a fixed price, making it perfect 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.