Wine Tasting Tours: Unforgettable Experiences Near Melbourne

Experience the Finest of Victoria's Wine Country Without the Driving Stress

Located just an hour from Melbourne, the stunning Yarra Valley boasts over 80 cellar doors, each producing some of the country's most exquisite cool-climate wines. Renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir, exceptional Chardonnay, and delightful traditional method sparkling wines, this enchanting region offers a true taste of wine country where each sip reveals a fascinating narrative.

Red Carpet Wine Tours provides a seamless experience that immerses you in the heart of wine country. Relish thoughtfully planned visits to exclusive wineries, enjoy tastings straight from the cellar door, and discover what makes Yarra Valley wines truly special. Forget about the hassle of driving; with us, there's no need to worry about a designated driver or overcrowded bus tours. Embrace a day filled with remarkable wines, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil environment.

What Awaits You on Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Embarking on a wine tasting tour transcends mere wine sampling; it is a captivating journey that unveils the intricate craft of winemaking. Here’s what you can typically expect during your day:

Engage with Passionate Winemakers At most cellar doors, knowledgeable staff passionately guide you through tastings, sharing their insights and enthusiasm for wine. They provide valuable information about different varietals, the significance of each vintage, and what sets each wine apart. Feel free to engage and ask questions; winemakers and staff love sharing their expertise and passion.

Explore an Impressive Selection of Over 20 Wine Varieties Throughout your journey, you will visit 4-5 wineries, each offering an impressive range of styles—from refreshing whites and aromatic rosés to robust reds and sophisticated sparkling wines. Each cellar door typically presents 4-6 wines per tasting, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

Learn About Wine at Your Own Pace Whether you are a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, our tours cater to all levels of wine enthusiasts. Expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where the focus is on enjoying exceptional wine and great company, devoid of pretentiousness.

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

Take Home Your Favourite Wines Did you find a wine that captured your heart? Most cellar doors allow for bottle purchases, often at exclusive cellar door prices. We provide chilled coolers on board to ensure your selections remain safe and fresh throughout your journey.

Discover Our Tailored Wine Tasting Tours

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 an expertly 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) with stunning views of the vineyards
• A small group format ensures a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere
• Chilled coolers on board 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 visit your favourite wineries? Organising a birthday, hens party, or a special event? Our private tours allow you to fully personalise your experience.

Here’s what you can customise:

• Select the wineries you wish to visit (up to five stops)
• Choose your pickup location (we'll come to you)
• Decide your start time and pace of the tour
• Curate the playlist to match your vibe

What we provide for your private tour:

• A stress-free, fully hosted experience tailored to your desires
• 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 for an unforgettable outing

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.
• Corporate team building events with engaging wine games and exclusive access.
• Romantic getaways that include intimate tastings and scenic drives through the vineyards.

Indulge in the Exceptional Wines of Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is renowned for its superb cool-climate wines, regarded among the finest 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 undertones, and a beautifully balanced flavour profile—truly a quintessential Australian Pinot.
• Chardonnay The Yarra Valley offers a diverse range of Chardonnay styles, from crisp and mineral to rich and creamy. Many 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 rival the finest Champagne. These effervescent delights are perfect for celebrations, whether for special occasions or casual Monday evenings.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Known for its robust structure, Yarra Valley Cabernet showcases dark fruit flavours, fine tannins, and superb ageing potential, making it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts.
• 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 Highlighted in 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 ambiance, 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 experience.
• Balgownie Estate Our final stop, known for its expansive views and outstanding wines, providing a relaxed atmosphere to cap off your afternoon.
• Domaine Chandon Australia’s premier sparkling wine producer, featured as a lunch stop on our daily tour or highlighted in private tours.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Although not a winery, it remains a popular stop. Enjoy guided chocolate tastings, gelato, and an array of delightful treats to purchase and enjoy at home.

For private tours, we can also include visits to additional wineries of your choice, such as 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 alone, our daily tour presents the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enjoy shared meals, and have an enjoyable day without the hassle of planning.
• Couples A wine tasting tour is an ideal date experience. Savor exquisite wines, take in breathtaking views, and relax knowing there will be no disputes over 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 numerous corporate groups, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that is consistently well received.
• Visitors to Melbourne If you have a day to spare and wish to venture beyond the city, this is the recommended day trip that locals swear by.

Beyond Wine: Discover Culinary Delights, Chocolate & More

Wine tasting tours offer an experience that goes beyond wine sampling. The Yarra Valley shines as a culinary hotspot in its own right.

• Winery Restaurants Many cellar doors feature outstanding on-site dining options. Oakridge, Yering Station, and Levantine Hill are celebrated for their exceptional dining experiences. Zonzo Estate excels in delightful Italian cuisine, while Chandon adds a sprinkle of French elegance to its offerings.
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Join a guided tasting of over 10 chocolates, alongside gelato, hot chocolate, and a store filled with irresistible treats. This experience is included in our daily tour.
• Cheese & Artisan Produce The region hosts artisan cheesemakers, vibrant farmers' markets, and local farm gates. Private tours may include visits to producers like Yarra Valley Dairy.
• Gin & Spirits If gin is more to your liking than wine, several distilleries in the area offer tastings—these can be seamlessly incorporated 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 timing—most typically run from 9am to 5pm, but we can adapt according to your needs.
• Do I need prior wine knowledge? Not at all. Our tours cater to all levels of wine lovers. Just bring your curiosity and a desire to learn.
• 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? Certainly! 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 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 a pay-as-you-go option.

How many wines can I expect 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 since tours tend to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Book online to ensure 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 happens 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 accessible to wheelchair users. Please contact us ahead of time, 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 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.