Wine Tasting Tours Near Melbourne for Memorable Adventures

Experience the Unmatched Yarra Valley Wine Scene with Hassle-Free Transportation

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce 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 heart of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass tells a unique and captivating story.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the essence of wine country. Delight in meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, savour tastings directly from the cellar door, and discover what sets Yarra Valley wines apart. Leave the driving to us, removing the stress of needing a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Enjoy a day filled with remarkable wine, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil ambiance.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends simple wine sampling; it is an enriching journey that unveils the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through the tasting experience, sharing their genuine passion for wine. They provide insights into various varietals, the intricacies of the vintage, and what distinguishes each wine’s character. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; they are eager to share their expertise and enthusiasm.

Discover an Array of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your adventure, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive selection of styles—from crisp whites and fragrant rosés to bold reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring an extensive and thorough experience.

Enjoy a Relaxed Learning Experience About Wine Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, our tours are designed to accommodate all levels of wine lovers. Anticipate a friendly atmosphere where the emphasis is on relishing exceptional wine and good company, devoid of any pretentiousness.

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

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you uncover a particular wine that you absolutely adored? Most cellar doors provide bottles for purchase, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We supply chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Explore Our Curated Wine Tasting Tours

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

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

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 breathtaking vineyard views
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and leisurely experience
• Chilled coolers on board for the secure storage of your wine purchases

All this is available for just $109 per person, with all tastings included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored to Your Preferences

Are you excited to select your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or a special event? Our private tours empower you to fully customise your experience.

Here’s what you can choose:

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

What We Provide:

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

Popular Ideas for Private Tours Include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch in the vines.
• Hens day tours offering gourmet cheese boards, picturesque photo opportunities, and refreshing bubbly drinks.
• Team-building events with fun wine-related games and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Delight in the Extraordinary Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its exceptional cool-climate wines, competing with the finest in the world. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety represents the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is distinguished by its elegance, earthy undertones, and a harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley presents a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, ranging 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 rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or a casual Tuesday night.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet exhibits dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent aging potential, making it a preferred choice among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals In addition, you’ll discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Featured in Our Thoughtfully Curated Tours

Our daily tour includes a thoughtfully selected lineup of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria ambiance, and exclusive wines unavailable elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic property featuring a contemporary cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant perfect for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, known for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to cap off 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 Although not a winery, it remains a crowd favourite. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and an array 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 Can Join Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day without the need for extensive planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour provides an unforgettable date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and the comfort of knowing there will be no disagreements about who drives back.
• 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 can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to various corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is always well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a day to spare and wish to explore beyond the city limits, this is the day trip consistently recommended by locals.

Beyond Wine: Indulge in Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours encompass more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley shines as a culinary epicentre 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 Take part in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a store 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 prefer gin over wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings—these can be seamlessly added to 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 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 needs.
• 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 passion for learning.
• 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 does the $109 daily tour include? 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 as tours frequently fill up quickly, especially 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 affect your experience.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please contact 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 customizable—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.