Wine Tasting Tours: Unforgettable Adventures Near Melbourne

Explore the Wonders of Victoria's Wine Country with Effortless Travel Arrangements

Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the breathtaking Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each producing some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This remarkable region is especially famous for its refined Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and outstanding traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the genuine essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every glass reveals a captivating story just waiting to be enjoyed.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a seamless experience to the heart of this stunning wine region. Relish meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings straight from the cellar door, and gain in-depth insights into what makes Yarra Valley wines so extraordinary. With us taking care of transport, you can forget the worries of finding a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Engage in a day filled with exceptional wine, breathtaking vistas, and a serene atmosphere.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour Adventure?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of fine wines; it represents a profound journey that unveils the artistry of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day on the tour entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At each cellar door, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their enthusiasm and expertise about wine. They offer valuable insights into the various varietals, specific vintages, and the distinctive characteristics of each wine. Feel free to ask questions and engage; they are eager to impart their knowledge and passion with you.

Delight in Over 20 Varieties of Wine During your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can taste an impressive selection of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and graceful sparkling wines. Generally, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a wide-ranging and satisfying experience for all.

Discover the World of Wine at Your Own Pace Regardless of your level of experience, our tours are designed to suit all wine lovers. Expect a welcoming environment where the emphasis is on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from snobbery or pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch Surrounded by Scenic Beauty Most tours include a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair local wines with seasonal culinary delights. Whether you opt for a leisurely meal at Domaine Chandon or a relaxed dining experience at Hubert Estate, enjoying your meal amidst the vineyards will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you discover a wine that particularly captivated you? Most cellar doors offer bottles for purchase, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections stay secure and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Unique Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most popular choice, perfect for solo explorers, couples, and small groups seeking a carefully curated experience in the Yarra Valley.

What’s Included in Your Tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, with a return 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 vineyard views
• 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.

Tailored Private Wine Tasting Tours Designed for Your Preferences

Are you excited about choosing your preferred wineries? Whether you're organising a birthday celebration, a hens day, or a special occasion, our private tours offer the flexibility to customise your ideal experience.

Here’s what you can personalise:

• 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 pace
• Curate a playlist to match your mood

What We Provide:

• A stress-free, fully-hosted experience tailored to your specific needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger buses and coaches for bigger groups
• Expert local knowledge and bespoke recommendations

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

Savour the Exceptional Wines of the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which stand proudly among the finest in the world. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to find at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the hallmark red wine of the Yarra Valley. It is revered for its elegance, earthy undertones, and harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries showcase single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's exceptional terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent treasures are perfect for celebrations, whether for a significant event or a casual evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Esteemed for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet displays dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and remarkable ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll 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 thoughtfully curated selection of the valley’s premier 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 that you won’t find elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic estate featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final destination, celebrated for its expansive vistas, outstanding wines, and a relaxed ambiance to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s preeminent 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 presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine lovers, enjoy shared meals, and have a pleasant day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Indulge in exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the reassurance that you won’t have to argue about who drives home.
• Groups of Friends Whether it’s a casual get-together or a birthday celebration, a wine tasting adventure with friends is always a fantastic choice. Our private tours accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end gatherings, we cater to numerous corporate groups, creating a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a free day and wish to explore beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Relish Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is also distinguished 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 fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, complemented by gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop filled with delectable treats. This delightful 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 area offer tastings—these can easily be incorporated into private tours.

Important 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 offer flexible timing—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your requirements.
• 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 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.

Frequent 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’ll 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 frequently fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Book online to secure your spot.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? Certainly! Many stops offer 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’ll 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 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.