Wine Tasting Tours: Unforgettable Experiences Near Melbourne

Experience Victoria's Wine Scene Effortlessly with Expert Guided Tours

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors that produce some of Australia's finest cool-climate wines. This exceptional region is renowned for its sophisticated Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exquisite traditional method sparkling wines. Discover the true essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where every sip tells a captivating story that enhances your understanding of viticulture.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the heart of wine country, allowing you to enjoy expertly curated visits to exclusive wineries. Relish tastings directly from the cellar door while learning about the unique characteristics that set Yarra Valley wines apart. With our service, you can relax and enjoy the experience without the worry of driving or navigating crowded bus tours. Immerse yourself in a day filled with exceptional wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends simply sampling exquisite wines; it is an enriching experience that unveils the intricacies of winemaking. Here’s a detailed overview of what a typical day entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings, sharing their passion and expertise about the wines. They provide insights into the different varietals, details about the vintage, and the unique aspects that make each wine special. Don’t hesitate to engage in conversation and ask questions; they genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for wine.

Sample Over 20 Varieties of Wine Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, each offering an impressive range of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to bold reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring you have an extensive and comprehensive tasting experience.

Learn About Wine at Your Own Leisure Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, our tours are tailored to accommodate all levels of wine lovers. Expect a friendly atmosphere where the focus is on relishing exceptional wine and enjoying great company, free from any pretentiousness.

Enjoy Lunch Amidst Scenic Vistas Most tours include a delightful lunch stop at a winery restaurant, where you can pair local wines with seasonal dishes. Whether you choose to indulge in a leisurely lunch at Domaine Chandon or enjoy a casual meal at Hubert Estate, dining amidst the picturesque vineyards significantly enhances your overall experience.

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

Explore Our Exclusive Wine Tasting Tours

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

This is our most sought-after option, ideal for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups looking for a thoughtfully 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 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 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

This fantastic experience is available for just $109 per person, and all tastings are included.

Customised Private Wine Tasting Tours Tailored for You

Are you keen to hand-pick your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or another special celebration? Our private tours empower you to fully customise your experience to suit your desires.

Here’s what you can personalise:

• Select the wineries you want to visit (up to five stops)
• Choose your pickup location (we come to you)
• Decide your start time and pace
• Create a playlist that matches your mood

What we offer:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your individual 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 ideas for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and delightful lunches in the vines.
• Hens day tours with cheese boards, picturesque photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Team building events with engaging wine games 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 acclaimed for its outstanding cool-climate wines, which are comparable to the finest in the world. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at the cellar doors:

• Pinot Noir This grape variety epitomises the Yarra Valley’s signature red wine. It is celebrated for its elegance, earthy undertones, and a harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley features a diverse array of Chardonnay styles, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries present 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 delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or an enjoyable Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a preferred choice among wine aficionados.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll discover Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—particularly from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Showcased on Our Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery that focuses on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that are not available elsewhere.
• Hubert Estate (St Huberts Cellar Door) A historical property featuring a modern cellar door, an indigenous art gallery, and the exceptional Quarters Restaurant, ideal for a delightful lunch.
• Balgownie Estate Our concluding stop, renowned for its expansive views, outstanding wines, and a relaxed setting to finish your afternoon on a high note.
• Domaine Chandon Australia's leading 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 crowd favourite. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and a variety of treats available for purchase and enjoyment at 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 Benefit from Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour offers the perfect opportunity to meet fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates an unforgettable date experience. Savour exquisite wines, appreciate breathtaking scenery, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing there will be no disputes over 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 an excellent choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size, ensuring a fun and memorable experience.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or year-end celebrations, we cater to a variety of 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 that locals consistently recommend for a taste of the region.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer much more than wine sampling. The Yarra Valley is recognised as a culinary hub in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors host exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are renowned for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels at delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon brings a touch of French elegance to the table.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, alongside gelato, hot chocolate, and a store filled with delectable treats. This delightful 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 for a taste of their exceptional offerings.
• Gin & Spirits If gin is more to your taste than wine, several distilleries in the region offer tastings that can be seamlessly integrated into 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 collect you 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 preferences.
• Do I need to have prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Simply 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.

Common Inquiries Regarding 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 throughout the day.

Should I book in advance? Yes, advance bookings are essential as tours frequently fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Booking online ensures your spot is secured.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? Definitely! 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 weather conditions. Tastings take place 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 in advance, and we’ll ensure that the itinerary accommodates your requirements.

What distinguishes 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.