Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Discover the Best of Victoria's Wine Scene Without the Hassle of Driving

Just an hour away from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley features over 80 cellar doors crafting some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is famous for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, top-tier Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Experience the true essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass unveils a captivating story.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides an effortless journey into the heart of wine country. Enjoy carefully curated visits to exclusive wineries, savor tastings right from the cellar door, and learn about what distinguishes Yarra Valley wines. Leave the driving to us, eliminating the need for a designated driver or crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with outstanding wine, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Joining a wine tasting tour is more than just sampling fine wines; it is an enriching experience that reveals the art of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day involves:

Connect with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their passion for wine. They offer insights into the various varietals, details about the vintage, and what makes each wine unique. Feel free to engage and ask questions; they love to impart their knowledge and enthusiasm.

Explore Over 20 Varieties of Wine During your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can taste an impressive range of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring an extensive and comprehensive experience.

Learn About Wine at Your Own Pace Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine lover, our tours are designed to cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Expect a welcoming atmosphere where the focus is on enjoying exceptional wine and great company, without any pretentiousness.

Indulge in Lunch Surrounded by Scenic Views Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you opt for a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards enhances your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favorite Wines Did you discover a particular wine that you absolutely loved? 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 Specialized Wine Tasting Tours

Participate in Our Daily Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour for Only $109

This is our most popular option, perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking a 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 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 this is available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours Just for You

Are you eager to choose your favorite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or a special celebration? Our private tours allow you to completely customize your experience.

Here’s what you can decide:

• Choose the wineries you want to visit (up to five stops)
• Select your pickup location (we come to you)
• Determine your start time and pace
• Curate the playlist to match your mood

What we provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored 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 personalized 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.

Savor the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which are on par with the best in the world. Here’s a preview of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety represents the Yarra Valley’s hallmark red wine. It is recognized for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a harmonious flavor profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse selection of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's unique 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 a special occasion or a casual Tuesday night.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavors, fine tannins, and excellent aging potential, making it a favored choice among wine connoisseurs.
• 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 includes a carefully selected lineup of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria ambiance, 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 perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, known for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to cap off 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 Although not a winery, it remains a crowd favorite. 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 Enjoy Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne on your own, our daily tour is the perfect chance to connect with fellow wine lovers, enjoy shared meals, and have a fun day out without worrying about planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Relish exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the comfort of knowing there will be no arguments about who drives back.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a laid-back catch-up or a birthday bash, 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 celebrations, we cater to numerous corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always 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 consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Explore Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

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

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors boast exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are renowned for their fine dining experiences. 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, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a store 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—these can be seamlessly added to 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 offer flexible timing—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your needs.
• 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 passion for learning.
• What should I wear? Smart casual attire is recommended. Make sure to 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.

Common 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 crucial since tours frequently fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot.

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

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 affect your experience.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us ahead of time, 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 travelers and small groups. Private tours are fully customizable—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.