Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Explore Victoria's Wine Wonderland with Hassle-Free Transport

Just a short drive of about an hour from Melbourne lies the stunning Yarra Valley, a prestigious wine region boasting over 80 cellar doors dedicated to producing some of Australia's most exquisite cool-climate wines. This enchanting area is renowned for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and delightful traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the heart of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass reveals a unique and captivating story of its origin.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers an effortless and luxurious journey into the vibrant world of wine. Experience meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, enjoy tastings right from the cellar door, and gain insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines truly exceptional. Allow us to take care of the driving, liberating you from the responsibilities of a designated driver or the inconvenience of crowded bus tours. Indulge in a day filled with remarkable wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of fine wines; it is a rich and immersive experience that unveils the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s an overview of what you can anticipate during a typical day:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At each cellar door, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff guide you through the tastings, sharing their deep passion for wine. They provide valuable insights into various varietals, discuss the intricacies of the vintage, and highlight what makes each wine unique. Feel free to ask questions; they are eager to share their expertise and excitement about the wines.

Discover an Impressive Range of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit between 4-5 wineries, where you can taste a remarkable array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and elegant sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, guaranteeing an extensive 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 warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages the enjoyment of exceptional wine and delightful company, all without any sense of pretentiousness.

Delight in a Scenic Lunch Experience Most tours feature a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the picturesque vineyards enriches your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a particular 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 that your selections remain safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Experience Our Curated 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 looking for a curated adventure through the Yarra Valley's wine landscape.

What Can You Look Forward to on 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 lunchtime 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 of this is available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Do you wish to select your preferred wineries? Are you planning a special occasion such as a birthday, a hens party, or another celebration? Our private tours enable you to completely tailor 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 music playlist to match your mood

What We Provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience customised to your needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• 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 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, which rival the finest in the world. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. Renowned for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a beautifully balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley features a diverse selection of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries showcase single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's distinctive terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that compete with the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or simply to enhance a casual Tuesday evening.
• 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 You will also encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Showcased During 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 specialises in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, 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, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, known for its expansive vistas, outstanding 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 While not a winery, it remains a favourite among visitors. Indulge in guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a selection of treats to purchase and take home.

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

Who Can Make the Most of 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 have an enjoyable day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour offers a memorable date experience. Savour exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the comfort of knowing there will be no arguments about the driving home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends always proves to be 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 numerous corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is consistently 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 continuously recommend.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer more than just the pleasure of wine sampling. The Yarra Valley stands out as a culinary hotspot in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors offer exceptional on-site dining experiences. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are celebrated for their fine dining options. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon brings a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 varieties of chocolate, along 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 over wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings that can seamlessly be added to 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 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 according to your requirements.
• 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 provide chilled coolers on board to keep your purchases safe and fresh for the journey back.
• 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 encompasses return transport from Federation Square, tastings at five venues (including wineries and chocolatier), and chilled coolers on board. Lunch is a pay-as-you-go option.

How many wines will I have the opportunity to taste? You will enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors throughout the day.

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

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? Certainly! Many stops provide non-alcoholic options, and the scenery, food, and chocolate alone are well worth the visit.

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 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’ll 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 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.