Wine Tasting Tours: Unforgettable Experiences Near Melbourne

Experience the Charm of Victoria's Wine Region Without the Driving Stress

Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors producing some of Australia’s most exquisite cool-climate wines. This enchanting region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and remarkable traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the heart of wine country within the Yarra Valley, where each sip tells a unique and captivating story.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey through the essence of wine country. Relish in meticulously curated visits to exclusive wineries, enjoy tastings straight from the cellar door, and gain insights into what sets Yarra Valley wines apart. Forget about the hassle of driving, as we take care of that for you, eliminating the need for a designated driver or crowded public transport. Dive into a day filled with exceptional wine, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil ambiance.

What Can You Anticipate During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Embarking on a wine tasting tour extends beyond merely sampling exquisite wines; it offers an enriching experience that unveils the artistry behind winemaking. Here is an insight into what a typical day entails:

Engage with Enthusiastic Winemakers Most cellar doors welcome you with knowledgeable staff who will guide you through tastings, sharing their deep-seated passion for wine. They provide valuable insights into various varietals, the specific characteristics of each vintage, and what makes every wine special. Feel free to engage them with questions; their eagerness to share their expertise and enthusiasm is palpable.

Discover Over 20 Varietals of Wine Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive assortment of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to full-bodied reds and refined sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door showcases 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive experience that caters to all palates.

Absorb Knowledge About Wine at Your Leisure Regardless of whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine aficionado, our tours are tailored to accommodate all levels of wine lovers. Look forward to a warm and inclusive atmosphere where the focus is on appreciating remarkable wine and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Enjoy a Lunch Amidst Scenic Views Most tours provide a lovely lunch stop at a winery restaurant, offering you the chance to pair local wines with seasonal delicacies. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the vineyards elevates your overall experience to new heights.

Bring Home Your Favourite Wines Did you stumble upon a particular wine that stole your heart? Most cellar doors allow you to purchase bottles, frequently at exclusive cellar door pricing. We equip you with chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain safe and fresh during your journey.

Explore Our Exceptional Wine Tasting Tour Options

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

This is our most popular offering, ideal for solo travellers, couples, and small groups seeking a curated adventure in the Yarra Valley.

What’s included in your tour:

• Convenient pickup from Federation Square at 9am, returning around 5pm
• Tastings at five acclaimed 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 unhurried experience
• Chilled coolers available for secure storage of your wine purchases

All of 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 celebration, hens day, or a significant occasion? Our private tours enable you to fully tailor your experience according to your desires.

Here’s what you can choose:

• Decide on the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Select your pickup location (we come to you)
• Determine the start time and pace of your tour
• Curate a playlist that suits your mood

What we offer:

• A hassle-free, fully hosted experience designed around your needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 individuals
• Access to larger buses and coaches for larger gatherings
• Expert local knowledge and personalised recommendations to enhance your visit

Popular private tour ideas include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch among the vines.
• Hens day tours offering gourmet cheese platters, picturesque photo opportunities, and refreshing bubbly drinks.
• Team building events filled with engaging wine games and exclusive access to certain venues.
• Romantic getaways that include private tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Delight in the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is acclaimed for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which stand proudly among the finest in the world. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety embodies the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is celebrated for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a well-balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot that captures the essence of the region.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley provides a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Numerous wineries showcase single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region’s distinct terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that rival the finest Champagnes. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a significant occasion or simply to brighten a Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and impressive ageing potential, making it a sought-after 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 Highlighted in Our 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 focus on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines you won’t find elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historic property featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, perfect for a delightful lunch experience.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, known for its sweeping views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s premier producer of sparkling wine, 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 a variety 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 Enjoy Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine lovers, enjoy shared meals, and experience a delightful day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour provides a memorable date experience. Delight in exquisite wines, stunning landscapes, and the reassurance that there will be no disputes about who drives 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 can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or end-of-year celebrations, we cater to many corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is consistently well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a spare day and wish to venture beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals frequently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate, and More

Wine tasting tours present far more than merely sampling wines. The Yarra Valley is distinguished as a culinary hotspot in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors offer outstanding on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are renowned for their exemplary dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian fare, while Chandon adds a touch of French sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate 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, lively 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 start? 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 timings—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adjust according to your needs.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Absolutely not. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Just bring your curiosity and a passion for discovery.
• What should I wear? Smart casual attire is advisable. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking around various cellar doors and vineyards.
• Can I take wine home with me? Certainly! We provide 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 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 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 make the trip worthwhile.

What if it rains on the day of the tour? Our tours will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Tastings occur indoors at the cellar doors, so rain typically does not impact 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 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.