Wine Tasting Tours: Unforgettable Experiences Near Melbourne

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

Situated just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley is home to more than 80 cellar doors, each crafting some of Australia's most exquisite cool-climate wines. Renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir, outstanding Chardonnay, and remarkable traditional method sparkling wines, this extraordinary region invites you to immerse yourself in the true spirit of wine country, where every sip tells a compelling story.

With Red Carpet Wine Tours, you can effortlessly delve into the heart of this enchanting wine region. Enjoy meticulously planned visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings right from the cellar door, and gain insights into what sets Yarra Valley wines apart from the rest. Leave the driving to our experienced team, allowing you to relax without the concern of designating a driver or dealing with crowded bus tours. Engage in a day filled with superb wines, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Awaits You During Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Participating in a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of fine wines; it offers a rich experience that unveils the intricate art of winemaking. Here’s what you can typically expect on a delightful day:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At many cellar doors, knowledgeable staff members guide you through tastings, sharing their fervour for wine. They provide valuable insights into various varietals, details about the vintage, and what makes each wine distinct. Feel free to interact and pose questions; they relish the opportunity to share their expertise and enthusiasm.

Discover Over 20 Different Wine Varieties On your journey, you will explore 4-5 wineries, where you can sample an impressive array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door offers 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a thorough and enjoyable experience.

Learn About Wine at Your Own Leisure Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned wine aficionado, our tours are tailored to cater to wine lovers of all levels. Anticipate a welcoming environment where the emphasis is on enjoying outstanding wine and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch with Breathtaking Views Most tours incorporate a charming lunch stop at a winery restaurant, allowing you to pair exquisite 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 enriches your overall experience.

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you uncover a wine you absolutely adore? Most cellar doors provide bottles for purchase, frequently at exclusive cellar door prices. We supply chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections stay safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Delve into Our Unique Wine Tasting Tours

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

This option stands out as our most popular choice, ideal for solo travellers, couples, and small groups looking for a curated experience in the Yarra Valley.

Here’s what your tour includes:

• 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) with spectacular views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience
• Chilled coolers on board for 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 keen to select your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hen do, or a special celebration? Our private tours give you the freedom to completely personalise your experience.

Here’s what you can tailor:

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

What we offer:

• A seamless, fully hosted experience tailored to your unique needs
• Luxury Mercedes vehicles accommodating groups of up to 14 people
• Access to larger coaches for bigger gatherings
• Expert local insights and personalised recommendations

Popular themes for private tours include:
• Birthday celebrations featuring sparkling wine and a delightful lunch set in the vineyards.
• Hen do tours that offer cheese boards, stunning photo opportunities, and bubbly drinks.
• Corporate events with engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic escapes that include private tastings and scenic drives through picturesque vineyards.

Relish the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its exceptional cool-climate wines, known to rival the best globally. 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 undertones, and a balanced 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. Numerous wineries showcase single-vineyard and reserve selections that highlight the region's unique terroir.
• Sparkling Wine Home to Domaine Chandon, the Yarra Valley produces traditional method sparkling wines that can compete with the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or a casual 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 connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Moreover, you’ll encounter Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and more—especially from boutique producers experimenting with Italian and French varietals.

Wineries Included in Our Tours

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

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery focusing on Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views, a laid-back 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 destination, renowned for its expansive vistas, exceptional wines, and a relaxed ambience to conclude your afternoon.
• 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 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 more.

Who Can Take Part in Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour makes for a memorable date experience. Relish exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and the peace of mind knowing there will be no disagreements 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 a fantastic choice. Our private tours can accommodate groups of any size.
• Corporate Groups For team-building, client entertainment, or end-of-year festivities, 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 venture beyond the city limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours provide more than just wine sampling; the Yarra Valley is recognised as a culinary hotspot in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors boast outstanding 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 sophistication.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Engage in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop 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 included in 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 requirements.
• Do I need 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. Be 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 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 different 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 are well worth the trip.

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 beforehand, 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 determine 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.