Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Explore Victoria's Wine Country with Stress-Free Travel Experiences

Situated merely an hour from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce some of Australia’s most esteemed cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially famous for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the genuine essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass reveals an intriguing story awaiting discovery and enjoyment.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a seamless and enjoyable journey to the heart of this magnificent wine region. Relish carefully curated visits to exclusive wineries, partake in tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain insight into the factors that render Yarra Valley wines so extraordinary. With our experienced team managing the driving, you can forget about the stress of securing a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable wines, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect During Your Wine Tasting Tour Adventure?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends merely sampling exquisite wines; it represents a profound journey that reveals the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day on our tour includes:

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

Sample Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties During your adventure, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive selection of styles—from crisp whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door showcases 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling experience for all participants.

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

Savour Lunch in 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 lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amid the vineyards will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you find a wine that truly captivated your heart? 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 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 acclaimed 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) with stunning vineyard views
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried experience
• Chilled coolers on board for safe 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 for Your Preferences

Are you eager to select your favourite wineries? Whether you're organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special event, our private tours offer the flexibility to create your ideal 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 suit 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 groups
• Expert local knowledge and bespoke 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 Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which are on par with the finest 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 revered for its elegance, earthy undertones, and harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries offer single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight 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 for significant milestones or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Tours

Our daily tour showcases a thoughtfully selected collection of the valley’s premier 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 elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate with a contemporary 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, outstanding wines, and a relaxed 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 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 Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine lovers, enjoy shared meals, and experience a delightful day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates an unforgettable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the reassurance that you won’t have to argue over 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 parties, we cater to a variety of corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is consistently well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a free day and wish to venture beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals always recommend.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

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

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are celebrated for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in a guided tasting 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 boasts 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 easily incorporated into 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 preferences.
• Do I need to have 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 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 as tours often fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Book 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 make the trip worthwhile.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours 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 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.