Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Unforgettable Experiences

Discover the Ultimate Experience in Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel Arrangements

Situated merely an hour from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors dedicated to crafting some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is widely celebrated for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, outstanding Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the genuine spirit of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every sip unveils a captivating story waiting to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours presents an effortlessly enjoyable journey to the very heart of this stunning wine region. Relish meticulously arranged visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings right from the cellar door, and acquire valuable insights into the unique characteristics that make Yarra Valley wines truly remarkable. With our team managing the transportation, you can set aside the worries of finding a designated driver or navigating overcrowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with extraordinary wine, stunning landscapes, and a serene atmosphere.

What Can You Expect from Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of exquisite wines; it represents a deep dive into the enchanting art of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day on the tour involves:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At every cellar door, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their enthusiasm and expertise in wine. They provide crucial insights into the various varietals, specific vintage details, and the distinctive qualities of each wine. Do not hesitate to engage and pose questions; they are keen to share their knowledge and passion with you.

Sample Over 20 Unique Wine Varieties During your adventure, you will explore 4-5 wineries, where you can taste an impressive array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a broad and enriching experience for every visitor.

Explore the Wine World at Your Own Pace Regardless of your level of expertise, our tours are designed to cater to all wine lovers. Expect a welcoming atmosphere where the focus rests on appreciating outstanding wine and delightful companionship, free from any snobbery or pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch in Picturesque Surroundings Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, permitting you to pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you opt for a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a wine that particularly enchanted you? Most cellar doors provide bottles for sale, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We equip you with chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most popular option, perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking a tailored experience in the Yarra Valley.

What’s Included in Your Tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning approximately at 5pm
• Tastings at five esteemed 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 for 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, and all tastings are included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Are you looking forward to choosing your favourite wineries? Whether you are organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a unique event, our private tours offer the flexibility to create your perfect experience.

Here’s what you can customise:

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

What We Offer:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your individual preferences
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 individuals
• Access to larger buses and coaches for larger parties
• Expert local knowledge and tailored 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 sparkling drinks.
• Team building events with engaging wine activities and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Savour the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which rank among the finest in the world. Here’s a glimpse of what you can anticipate at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety embodies the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is praised for its elegance, earthy undertones, and well-rounded flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a wide variety of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Numerous wineries offer single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's extraordinary terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that compete with the finest Champagne. These effervescent treasures are ideal for celebrations, whether for significant milestones or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet features dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and remarkable ageing potential, making it a favoured choice among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will 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 showcases a carefully curated selection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery celebrated for its Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that you won’t find anywhere else.
• 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 memorable lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final destination, renowned for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a laid-back atmosphere to conclude 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 While not a winery, it remains a crowd favourite. 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 Enjoy Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour provides the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine aficionados, enjoy shared meals, and experience an enjoyable day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the assurance that you won’t argue over who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual gathering or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always an excellent choice. Our private tours accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end parties, we cater to various corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day and wish to venture beyond the city, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Delight in Culinary Experiences, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer much more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is acclaimed 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 exquisite dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, complemented by gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with tempting treats. This experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese & Artisan Produce The region boasts 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 easily be included in 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 desired location.
• What is the duration of the tour? The daily tour returns to Melbourne around 5pm. Private tours provide 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 exploring 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 your 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 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 will enjoy sampling over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential since tours often fill up quickly, particularly 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, 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 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 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.