Wine Tasting Tours: Unforgettable Experiences Near Melbourne

Experience the Charm of Victoria's Wine Country Without the Hassle of Driving

Located only an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts more than 80 cellar doors dedicated to crafting some of Australia's finest cool-climate wines. This extraordinary region is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, premium Chardonnay, and exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Immerse yourself in the true essence of wine country in the Yarra Valley, where each glass reveals a captivating narrative.

Red Carpet Wine Tours offers a seamless journey into the heart of this vibrant wine region. Enjoy thoughtfully curated visits to exclusive wineries, indulge in tastings directly from the cellar door, and discover the unique characteristics that set Yarra Valley wines apart. Trust us with the driving, so you can relax and avoid the hassle of needing a designated driver or navigating crowded bus tours. Enjoy a day filled with exquisite wine, breathtaking landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Embarking on a wine tasting tour transcends mere sampling of fine wines; it offers an immersive experience that unveils the artistry of winemaking. Here's a glimpse into what a typical day entails:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At many cellar doors, enthusiastic staff guide you through tastings, sharing their deep-seated passion for wine. They provide insights into various varietals, details about the vintage, and highlight what makes each wine distinct. Feel free to ask questions; they relish sharing their knowledge and passion.

Sample Over 20 Varieties of Wine Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries where you can taste an impressive array of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Typically, each cellar door presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a rich and expansive experience.

Discover Wine at Your Own Leisure Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, our tours cater to all levels of wine lovers. Experience a welcoming atmosphere dedicated to enjoying exceptional wine and delightful company, free from any pretentiousness.

Savour Lunch Amidst Scenic Vistas Most tours feature a lovely 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 surrounded by vineyards enhances your overall experience.

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

Explore Our Unique Wine Tasting Tours Tailored for You

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.

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) offering stunning views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensuring a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere
• 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 Designed for You

Are you excited to select your favourite wineries? Planning a birthday, hens day, or a special celebration? Our private tours enable you to completely tailor your experience.

Here’s what you can customise:

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

What we provide:

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

Taste the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is acclaimed for its exceptional cool-climate wines, which stand shoulder to shoulder with 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 celebrated for its elegance, earthy nuances, and a harmonious flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley showcases a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many wineries feature 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 rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for a special occasion or a casual Tuesday evening.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Renowned for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet offers dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and excellent ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine connoisseurs.
• Other Varietals Additionally, you’ll 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 meticulously curated selection of the valley’s finest cellar doors:

• Soumah of Yarra Valley A boutique winery specialising in Italian varietals. Immerse yourself in stunning views, a relaxed trattoria atmosphere, and exclusive wines that you won’t find 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 conclude your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s premier 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 selection 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 Participate in Our Wine Tasting Tours?

• Solo Travellers If you are exploring Melbourne independently, our daily tour presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, share meals, and enjoy a fun day out without the stress of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour creates a memorable date experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, breathtaking vistas, and the reassurance of not having to argue 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 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 urban limits, this is the day trip that locals consistently recommend.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolates & More

Wine tasting tours provide more than just wine sampling. The Yarra Valley stands out as a culinary hub in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature exceptional on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are celebrated for their fine dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon offers a touch of French elegance.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Participate in a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, along with gelato, hot chocolate, and a shop 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 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 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 preferences.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Just bring your curiosity and a love 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 Regarding Our Wine Tasting Tours

What’s included in the $109 daily tour? Your ticket includes 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 be able to sample? You’ll have the opportunity to taste over 20 wines across 4-5 cellar doors during the day.

Should I make a reservation 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 consume alcohol? Definitely! Many stops provide 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 suitable for wheelchair users? Most wineries we visit are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance, and we’ll ensure the itinerary accommodates your requirements.

What distinguishes daily tours from private tours? The daily tour follows a fixed itinerary with a set price, making it ideal for solo travellers and small groups. Private tours are fully customisable—you select the wineries, pickup location, and the pace of your adventure.

Can I book a private tour just for the two of us? Yes! We offer private tours for couples as well as larger groups of up to 57 people.