Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne: Unforgettable Experiences Await

Experience the Richness of Victoria's Wine Region Without Driving

Situated just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce some of the finest cool-climate wines in Australia. This exceptional region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and superb traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the true spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass reveals a fascinating narrative.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless adventure into the heart of wine country. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain insights into what sets Yarra Valley wines apart. With us handling the driving, there’s no need for a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Revel in a day filled with remarkable wine, picturesque landscapes, and a tranquil ambiance.

What Can You Anticipate on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere wine sampling; it presents an enriching journey that unveils the art of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day entails:

Engage with Enthusiastic Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings while sharing their fervour for wine. They provide insights into various varietals, details about the vintage, and what makes each wine distinct. Feel free to ask questions, as they love sharing their expertise and enthusiasm for wine.

Sample an Impressive Selection of Over 20 Varieties of Wine Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, allowing you to taste a remarkable assortment of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and fulfilling experience.

Enjoy Learning About Wine at Your Own Pace Regardless of whether you are a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, our tours are tailored to accommodate all levels of wine aficionados. Expect a friendly atmosphere where the emphasis is on enjoying exquisite wine and wonderful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Delight in Lunch Surrounded by Breathtaking Views Most tours feature a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amid the vineyards elevates your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you find a particular wine that you absolutely adored? Most cellar doors offer bottles for sale, 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 sought-after option, ideal for solo explorers, couples, and small groups seeking a curated journey through the Yarra Valley.

What is included in your tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning around 5pm
• Tastings at five distinguished cellar doors, including Soumah, Hubert Estate, and Balgownie Estate
• An enjoyable 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 only $109 per person, encompassing all tastings.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Are you eager to select your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or another special event? Our private tours give you the freedom to fully customise 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 preferred start time and pace
• Curate the playlist to suit your mood

What we offer:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience designed to meet your needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger gatherings
• Expert local knowledge 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 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.

Relish the Exceptional Wines of the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, comparable to the finest wines 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 known for its elegance, earthy undertones, and harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley presents a diverse selection of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature single-vineyard and reserve selections that accentuate the region's unique 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 special occasions or a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and exceptional ageing potential, making it a popular choice among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll find Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Showcased in Our Tours

Our daily tour features a carefully selected array of the valley’s premier cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery specialising in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning panoramas, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that cannot be found elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, renowned for its expansive views, exceptional 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 Although not a winery, it remains a popular choice. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats to buy 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 Participate in 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 creates an unforgettable date experience. Savor exquisite wines, breathtaking landscapes, and the reassurance that there will be no debates about who drives back.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting excursion with friends is always an excellent choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end festivities, we cater to a variety of corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed environment 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: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours encompass more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is distinguished 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 fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian fare, while Chandon introduces a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, alongside 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 such as Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Gin & Spirits If you prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can be effortlessly 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 selected 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 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 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’ll enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during your 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? Absolutely! Many stops provide non-alcoholic options, and the scenic views, food, and chocolate alone make the trip worthwhile.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours will proceed irrespective of weather conditions. Tastings occur 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 caters to 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 select the wineries, pickup location, and the pace of your adventure.

Can I book a private tour for just two people? Yes! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 individuals.