Wine Tasting Tours for Unforgettable Experiences Near Melbourne

Experience the Finest of Victoria's Wine Country Stress-Free—No Driving Required

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each dedicated to producing some of Australia’s most exceptional cool-climate wines. This extraordinary region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of wine in the Yarra Valley, where each sip tells a fascinating story of craftsmanship and terroir.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey through the heart of wine country. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings right at the cellar door, and discover what sets Yarra Valley wines apart. With us handling the driving, you can leave behind the worries of designating a driver or joining crowded bus tours. Delight in a day filled with remarkable wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil ambiance.

What Can You Anticipate from Your Wine Tasting Tour Experience?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere wine sampling; it is an enriching journey into the artistry of winemaking. Here’s what you can expect during a typical day:

Engage with Enthusiastic Winemakers At the majority of cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through the tasting process, sharing their passion and insights into the world of wine. They provide details about different varietals, the specifics of each vintage, and what makes every wine unique. Feel free to ask questions; they are eager to share their enthusiasm and expertise.

Discover an Array of Over 20 Different Wines Throughout your adventure, you will visit 4-5 wineries, each offering a remarkable variety of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines for tasting, ensuring a thorough and diverse experience.

Absorb Wine Knowledge at Your Own Speed Regardless of whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine aficionado, our tours are tailored to cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. You can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere focused on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch with Scenic Backdrops Most tours include a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you choose a leisurely meal at Domaine Chandon or a relaxed dining experience at Hubert Estate, enjoying your meal amidst the vineyards significantly enhances your overall visit.

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 during your journey.

Discover Our Unique 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 curated adventure through the Yarra Valley.

What’s included in your tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning around 5pm
• 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) 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 these incredible experiences are available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored for You

Are you excited about selecting your favourite wineries? Whether you are planning a birthday, hens party, or a special celebration, our private tours allow you to fully customise your experience to suit your preferences.

Here’s what you can decide:

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

What we provide:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your personal 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 amidst the vines.
• 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 feature private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Savour the Remarkable Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its remarkable cool-climate wines, which rival the finest in the world. 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 nuances, and a balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley presents a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries offer single-vineyard and reserve selections that showcase 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 sparkling treasures are ideal for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet displays dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent aging potential, making it a beloved choice among wine enthusiasts.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you will encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Included in Our Exclusive Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery renowned for its 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 modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, celebrated for its expansive views, exceptional wines, and a relaxed atmosphere 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 stop. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and an array of delectable treats available for purchase to 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 others.

Who Can Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are discovering Melbourne independently, our daily tour is the ideal opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day out without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour provides a unique date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, stunning vistas, and the comfort of knowing that transport is taken care of—no arguments about who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it is a casual get-together or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a superb choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building exercises, client entertainment, or end-of-year celebrations, we cater to various corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed environment that is always well-received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day 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 offer far more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is also recognised as a culinary epicentre 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 brings a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Join a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a store filled with delicious 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 prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can be seamlessly integrated 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 flexible timing—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. Make sure to 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 covers return transport from Federation Square, tastings at five venues (including wineries and chocolatiers), and chilled coolers on board. Lunch is pay-as-you-go.

How many wines will I have the opportunity to taste? You will sample 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? Absolutely! Many stops offer non-alcoholic options, and the scenery, food, and chocolate alone are well worth the trip.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours will proceed regardless of the weather. Tastings take place indoors at the cellar doors, so rain typically does not affect your experience.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please reach out to us ahead of time, and we’ll 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 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 individuals.