Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Experience the Finest of Victoria's Wine Region Without the Stress of Driving

Located a mere hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley is home to over 80 cellar doors producing some of Australia's premier cool-climate wines. This extraordinary region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional-method sparkling wines. Discover the true spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass tells a fascinating tale.

Red Carpet Wine Tours ensures a seamless adventure deep into the realm of wine. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, relish tastings directly from the cellar door, and gain insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines truly exceptional. Let us handle the driving, so you can avoid the hassle of a designated driver or overcrowded bus tours. Indulge in a day filled with fantastic wine, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Awaits You During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Embarking on a wine tasting tour transcends mere wine sampling; it is a rich experience that unveils the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s what a typical day entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable 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 ask questions; they are eager to share their expertise and passion.

Discover Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, 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. Generally, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and immersive experience.

Absorb Wine Knowledge at Your Own Pace Catering to both novices and seasoned wine aficionados, our tours are crafted to suit all levels of wine enthusiasts. Expect a welcoming environment where the emphasis is placed on enjoying remarkable wine and delightful company, devoid of any pretentiousness.

Dine Surrounded by Scenic Vistas Most tours feature a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards elevates your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you discover a particular wine that captured your heart? 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.

Explore Our Unique Wine Tasting Tours

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

This is our most sought-after option, ideal for solo explorers, couples, and small groups looking for a carefully curated adventure in the Yarra Valley.

Here’s what your tour includes:

• 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 stunning 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 of 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? Organising a birthday, hens day, or a special celebration? Our private tours enable you to completely personalise your experience.

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)
• Decide your start time and pace
• Curate the playlist to suit your mood

What we offer:

• A hassle-free, fully hosted experience designed around 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 personalised recommendations

Popular themes 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.
• Corporate team-building events with engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that incorporate private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Sample the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its superior cool-climate wines, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety embodies the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine, celebrated for its elegance, earthy nuances, and a balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Numerous wineries showcase 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 compete with the best Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a significant occasion or a casual Tuesday night.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet exhibits dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals You will also encounter 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 curated selection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery that focuses on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in beautiful views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines unavailable elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic venue boasting a modern 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 views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed ambiance to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia's premier 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 beloved destination. 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 Is Best Suited for Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with other wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day out without the worry of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Savor exquisite wines, stunning landscapes, and the peace of mind knowing there will be no disputes about who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a relaxed catch-up or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic option. Our private tours can cater to groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we accommodate numerous corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed environment that is always appreciated.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a free day and wish to venture beyond the city, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Uncover Culinary Treasures, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer far more than simply sampling wine. The Yarra Valley is also recognised 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 renowned for their exquisite dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon brings a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Join a guided tasting of over 10 varieties of chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop brimming with tempting 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 begin? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can pick you up from any location you prefer.
• What is the duration of the tour? The daily tour returns to Melbourne around 5pm. Private tours offer flexible timings—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your needs.
• Do I need 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 pay-as-you-go.

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

Should I book ahead of time? Yes, advance bookings are essential as tours tend to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Book online to secure your spot.

Can I join if I don’t consume 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 will proceed regardless of the weather conditions. Tastings are conducted 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 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 select 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.