Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Experience Victoria's Premier Wine Tours Without the Stress of Driving

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to producing some of Australia's most exquisite cool-climate wines. This enchanting region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and beautifully crafted traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every sip tells a fascinating tale.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless adventure into the heart of wine country. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings right from the cellar door, and discover what makes Yarra Valley wines so unique. Let us handle the driving, freeing you from the hassle of finding a designated driver or dealing with crowded bus tours. Delight in a day filled with remarkable wines, breathtaking views, and a peaceful ambiance.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour is not merely about sampling exquisite wines; it offers a rich experience that unveils the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse into what your day may encompass:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At many cellar doors, friendly staff guide you through tastings, sharing their enthusiasm for wine. They provide insights into various varietals, details about the vintage, and what sets each wine apart. Feel free to interact and pose questions; they are eager to share their expertise and passion.

Explore an Impressive Selection of Wine Varieties During your adventure, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and enriching experience.

Absorb Wine Knowledge at Your Own Pace Whether you are a novice or an experienced wine enthusiast, our tours cater to all levels of wine lovers. Expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where the emphasis is on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch Amidst Stunning Views Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, where you can pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose a leisurely meal at Domaine Chandon or a relaxed dining experience at Hubert Estate, eating among the vineyards enriches your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a wine that you absolutely adored? Most cellar doors allow you to purchase bottles, often at exclusive cellar door prices. 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 favoured option, ideal for solo explorers, couples, and small groups seeking a well-curated adventure in the Yarra Valley.

What’s included in your tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning around 5pm
• Tastings at five renowned 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 vineyard views
• 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 just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Are you keen to select your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or a special celebration? Our private tours allow you to entirely personalise your experience.

Here’s what you can choose:

• 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 soundtrack to match your mood

What we offer:

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

Popular ideas for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vineyards.
• Hens day tours offering cheese platters, picturesque photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Corporate team building events with engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic retreats that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Taste the Extraordinary Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is acclaimed for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest in the world. Here’s what you can look forward to at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s hallmark red wine. It is lauded for its elegance, earthy nuances, and a harmonious flavour profile—a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley boasts a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries present 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 compete with the best Champagne. These bubbly delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or just a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet reveals dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Highlighted in Our Tours

Our daily tour features a thoughtfully curated selection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery focused on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning vistas, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines not available elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic site featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the outstanding Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final destination, renowned for its sweeping views, exceptional wines, and a relaxed setting to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia's premier sparkling wine producer, featured as a lunch stop on our daily tour or included in private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Although 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 Can Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are visiting Melbourne alone, our daily tour presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy communal meals, and have a wonderful day without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour offers a memorable date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, stunning landscapes, and the peace of mind knowing there will be no disagreements about who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a relaxed reunion 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 events, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to numerous corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always appreciated.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day and wish to explore beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Treasures, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours provide more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is a culinary gem in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature fantastic on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are renowned for their exceptional dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a store brimming with delectable treats. This delightful 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—these can be effortlessly 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 collect you 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 tailor the schedule to meet your needs.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Simply bring your curiosity and a desire to learn.
• What should I wear? Smart casual attire is advisable. 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 includes return transport from Federation Square, tastings at five venues (including wineries and chocolatiers), and chilled coolers on board. Lunch is pay-as-you-go.

How many wines will I have the opportunity to taste? You’ll experience sampling 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. Reserve online to secure your spot.

Can I join if I don’t consume alcohol? Certainly! Many locations offer non-alcoholic alternatives, and the stunning scenery, food, and chocolate alone make the trip worthwhile.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours proceed 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’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? Absolutely! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 people.