Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Discover the Ultimate Wine Experience in Victoria's Breathtaking Yarra Valley

Situated just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the picturesque Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially famous for its refined Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass reveals a captivating tale waiting to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a hassle-free journey into the heart of this stunning wine region. Delight in carefully curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar door, and learn what makes Yarra Valley wines truly exceptional. With us taking care of the driving, you can relax and leave behind the stress of designating a driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Embrace a day filled with exceptional wine, breathtaking landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect to Experience During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour offers more than just sipping exquisite wines; it is an enlightening journey that reveals the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s a detailed overview of what a typical day on the tour includes:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At each cellar door, knowledgeable staff will guide you through tastings, sharing their enthusiasm and expertise about wine. They provide invaluable insights into various varietals, vintage details, and the unique characteristics of each wine. Feel free to ask questions; they are eager to share their knowledge and passion with you.

Sample Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, offering an impressive selection of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to rich reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a diverse and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Explore the Wine World at Your Own Pace Regardless of your wine knowledge, our tours are designed to cater to all wine lovers. Anticipate a welcoming atmosphere where the emphasis is on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from any elitism or pretentiousness.

Savour a Delectable Lunch Surrounded by Scenic Views 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 lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you find a wine that truly enchanted you? Most cellar doors offer bottles for sale, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections stay secure and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Premier Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most popular option, perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking 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 prestigious 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 to provide a relaxed and unhurried experience
• Chilled coolers on board for the secure storage of your wine purchases

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

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed Just for You

Are you eager to select your favourite wineries? Whether you are organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or another special occasion, our private tours provide the flexibility to create your perfect 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 preferences
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 individuals
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger 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 including engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways incorporating private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Savour the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which compete with the best on a global scale. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety represents the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is lauded for its elegance, earthy undertones, and harmonious 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. Numerous wineries feature 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 creations are perfect for celebrations, whether for a significant occasion or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet displays dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Curated Tours

Our daily tour showcases a carefully selected variety of the valley’s top cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery renowned for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria setting, and exclusive wines that are hard to find elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the remarkable Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a lovely lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final destination, celebrated for its sweeping views, outstanding wines, and a laid-back atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s leading 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 an array 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 Are the Ideal Participants for Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne on your own, our daily tour presents the ideal opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, share meals, and enjoy a memorable day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a unique date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about driving home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual gathering 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 year-end parties, we serve numerous corporate groups, ensuring 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: Delight in Culinary Treasures, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours encompass much more than simply sampling wine. The Yarra Valley is acclaimed as a culinary destination in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature outstanding on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are celebrated for their superb dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French flair.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in guided tastings of over 10 chocolates, paired with gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with delectable treats. This experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese & Artisan Produce The region is home to 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 to wine, several local distilleries offer tastings—these can easily be incorporated into 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 preferred location.
• What is the duration of the tour? The daily tour returns to Melbourne around 5pm. Private tours provide flexible timing—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your needs.
• Do I need previous 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.

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, 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.