Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Experience Victoria's Premier Wine Region 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 finest cool-climate wines. Renowned for its exquisite Pinot Noir and exceptional Chardonnay, this remarkable area also excels in traditional method sparkling wines. Discover the authentic essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every sip tells a fascinating story that invites you to indulge.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless adventure into the heart of this winemaking paradise. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings straight from the cellar door, and learn what sets Yarra Valley wines apart. Leave the driving to us, so you can forget about designating a driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with fantastic wine, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil atmosphere that rejuvenates the spirit.

What Can You Anticipate During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Embarking on a wine tasting tour offers more than just the chance to sample fine wines; it provides a rich and immersive experience that unveils the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff members guide you through tastings, sharing their deep passion for wine. They provide insights into the diverse varietals, discuss details about the vintage, and highlight what makes each wine unique. Feel free to ask questions and engage; they relish the opportunity to share their expertise and enthusiasm.

Discover Over 20 Varieties of Wine Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can taste an impressive assortment of styles—ranging from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a broad and comprehensive experience that tantalises your palate.

Absorb Knowledge About Wine at Your Leisure Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine aficionado, our tours are thoughtfully designed to cater to enthusiasts of all levels. Expect a welcoming environment that emphasises enjoyment, exceptional wine, and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Delight in Lunch Amidst Scenic Surroundings Most tours include a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to match local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose a leisurely meal at Domaine Chandon or a casual dining experience at Hubert Estate, enjoying your meal surrounded by picturesque vineyards enhances your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you unearth a particular wine that captured 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.

Discover Our Exclusive Wine Tasting Tours

Join Our Daily Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour for Just $109

This is our most popular offering, ideal for solo explorers, 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 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) featuring stunning views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and leisurely 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.

Custom Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored for You

Are you keen to select your preferred wineries? Planning a birthday celebration, hens day, or any special occasion? Our private tours enable you to fully customise your experience to suit your preferences.

Here’s what you can choose:

• Select the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Choose your pickup location (we come to you)
• Determine your preferred start time and pace
• Curate the soundtrack to match your vibe

What we provide:

• A seamless, fully hosted experience tailored to your requirements
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 individuals
• Access to larger buses and coaches for more substantial groups
• Expert local knowledge and personalised recommendations

Popular concepts for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vines.
• Hens day tours offering cheese boards, scenic photo opportunities, and bubbly beverages.
• Corporate team-building events with engaging wine activities and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and picturesque drives through the vineyards.

Savour the Exceptional Wines of the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest globally. Here’s a preview of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is celebrated for its elegance, earthy nuances, and a well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley boasts a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy textures. Many wineries offer single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase the region's unique terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Hosting Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley crafts traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagnes. These vibrant delights are perfect for celebrations, be it a special event or simply a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet displays dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and remarkable ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly from boutique producers exploring Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Highlighted in Our Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery focusing on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines not available elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic venue featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, known for its sweeping views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed setting 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. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a plethora of treats available for purchase to take home.

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

Who Can Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are in Melbourne exploring solo, our daily tour is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow wine lovers, enjoy communal meals, and have a delightful day without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates an unforgettable date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the peace of mind knowing there will be no discussions about who drives back.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always an excellent choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building exercises, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to various 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 venture beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently endorse.

Beyond Wine: Explore Culinary Delights, Chocolate, and More

Wine tasting tours offer much more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is 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 renowned for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian fare, 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 filled with delectable treats. This experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese and Artisan Produce The region is home to artisan cheesemakers, vibrant farmers' markets, and local farm gates. Private tours may include stops at producers like Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Gin and Spirits If gin is more your style than wine, several distilleries in the area offer tastings—these can easily be incorporated into private tours.

Essential Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do tours begin? 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 timing flexibility—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your needs.
• Do I need any 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 home.
• Is lunch part of 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 chocolatier), and chilled coolers on board. Lunch is pay-as-you-go.

How many wines can I expect to taste? You will have the opportunity to sample over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

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

Can I join if I do not drink alcohol? Certainly! Many stops offer non-alcoholic options, and the beautiful scenery, food, and chocolate alone are well worth the journey.

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 doesn't affect your experience.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance, and we will 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.