Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne: Unforgettable Experiences Await

Explore Victoria's Wine Landscape with Ease and Enjoy the Journey

Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to crafting some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. Renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and refined traditional method sparkling wines, this remarkable region invites you to delve into a world where each glass of wine tells a unique story. Embrace the essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where breathtaking landscapes meet outstanding viticulture.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless experience into the heart of this enchanting wine region. Enjoy expertly curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar door, and discover the unique characteristics that set Yarra Valley wines apart. With us, you can leave the driving to our professional team, eliminating concerns about designated drivers or overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day rich with remarkable wines, stunning views, and an atmosphere of tranquility.

What Experiences Await You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it is a transformative experience that unveils the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day filled with delightful discoveries:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers Most cellar doors welcome you with knowledgeable staff eager to guide you through tastings, sharing their deep passion for wine. You will gain insights into the various grape varietals, specifics about the vintage, and what makes each wine exceptional. Don’t hesitate to interact and ask questions; the staff are delighted to share their wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for their craft.

Dive into a Selection of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your excursion, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive assortment of styles—ranging from refreshing whites and fragrant rosés to robust reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a broad and comprehensive experience for your palate.

Discover Wine Knowledge at Your Own Leisure Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned connoisseurs. Expect a warm and inviting atmosphere focused on enjoying remarkable wines and excellent company, free from any air of pretentiousness.

Delight in Lunch with Scenic Vineyard Views Most tours feature a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, where you can pair local wines with seasonal culinary creations. Whether you choose to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the picturesque vineyards elevates your overall experience.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you find a particular wine that captivated your taste buds? Most cellar doors allow you to purchase bottles, often at exclusive cellar door prices. To ensure your selections remain safe and fresh during your journey, we provide chilled coolers on board.

Discover Our Curated Wine Tasting Tour Experiences

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 tailored adventure in the Yarra Valley.

What’s included in your unforgettable tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning around 5pm
• Wine tastings at five prestigious 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 breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere
• Chilled coolers on board for secure storage of your wine purchases

All this is available for only $109 per person, with all tastings included for your enjoyment.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed Just for You

Are you excited to handpick your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or another special celebration? Our private tours offer you the opportunity to fully tailor your experience to your desires.

Here’s how you can customise your tour:

• Select the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Choose your preferred pickup location (we come to you)
• Determine your ideal start time and pace
• Curate a playlist that resonates with your mood

What we provide for your enjoyment:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your individual needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles that can accommodate groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger gatherings
• Expert local knowledge and personalised recommendations to enhance your journey

Popular ideas for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wines and a delightful lunch amidst the vines.
• 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 include intimate tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Experience the Exceptional Wines of the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which are celebrated both nationally and internationally. Here’s a preview of the delightful selections awaiting you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety is the hallmark of Yarra Valley's red wine offerings. It is celebrated for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's distinctive terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the best Champagne. These effervescent creations are perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a special event or an ordinary Tuesday.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet delivers dark fruit flavours, refined tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will find Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly from boutique producers exploring Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Exclusive Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery that specializes in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines not found elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, which is perfect for a delightful lunch experience.
• Balgownie Estate Our last stop, renowned for its expansive views, exceptional wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s leading sparkling wine creator, featured as a lunch stop on our daily tour or included in private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie While not a winery, this destination is a crowd favourite. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats available for purchase to take home.

For private tours, we can also accommodate visits to 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 and Experiences?

• Solo Travellers If you are discovering Melbourne on your own, our daily tour presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have a memorable day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour provides an unforgettable date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the comfort of knowing there will be no disagreements about driving 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 cater to groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building activities, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we accommodate a variety of corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed environment that is always appreciated.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a day to spare and wish to venture beyond the city, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Treasures, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer much more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is known 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 cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French refinement.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Join 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 like Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Gin & Spirits If you favour gin over wine, numerous distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can be easily incorporated into private tours.

Essential Information for Your Tour Experience

• Where do the tours start? Our daily tour departs from Federation Square (outside the Ian Potter Centre) at 9am sharp. Private tours can collect you 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 preferences.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours are designed to accommodate 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 throughout your journey.
• 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 Regarding 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 be able to taste? You will have the opportunity to sample over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential as tours tend to fill up quickly, especially 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 will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Tastings take place indoors at the cellar doors, ensuring that rain does not affect your enjoyment.

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 needs.

What differentiates 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 determine 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.