Best Wine Tours From Melbourne

	Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch	Yarra Valley: Full-Day Gourmet Tour with Lunch	RED ROUTE Yarra Valley Wine Region Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Departure:	400 Flinders St, Melbourne	6 pickup locations available	121-131 Collins St, Melbourne
Start:	9:15 AM	8:00 AM	10:10 AM
Duration:	8 hours	8 hours	7 hours
Includes:	Round-trip transportation from Melbourne, wine tastings, 1-course lunch at a winery restaurant, glass of wine, wine guide	Professional guide, all tastings (Wine, gin, cheese, chocolates, pizza), lunch at restaurant, on-board Wi-Fi service	Commentary, transportation, water on the bus
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 4 Best Wine Tours in Australia from Melbourne

1. Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch
2. Yarra Valley: Full-Day Gourmet Tour with Lunch
3. RED ROUTE Yarra Valley Wine Region Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
4. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Gin, Wine, Beer, Cider Tasting Tour

Melbourne Wine Tour Reviews

1. Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch

First off, we bring you the Melbourne: Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch. This 8-hour excursion is a perfect way to spend the day learning about and tasting some of the most premium wines the region has to offer. Not only that, but if you’re looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this beautiful outing.

Start off with a pickup at your Melbourne accommodations, and travel for around an hour with your group to the Yarra Valley. Throughout the drive, your knowledgeable guide will offer some interesting insight into the area and its history in wine. Your first stop of the day will be at Greenstone.

Located right at the bottom of Christmas Hills, this winery is located in the middle of a vast section of natural beauty. Learn all about how to properly taste wines, while enjoying the fresh air and picturesque landscapes. After, you’ll be able to try a variety of cellar door tastings.

Next up is Balgownie Estate, which is equally as easy on the eyes, although a bit more swanky. Enjoy a delicious lunch and glass of their wine, while overlooking the green hills. After refueling, it’s time to check out a more “boutique” winery: Yering Farm.

More of a rustic location, you’ll see how they make wines in a traditional way with antique copper wine-making equipment! Learn about how the pioneers of winemakers used this same gear, offering a taste and body unique to this region.

After, check out Soumah of Yarra Valley, which produces fantastic chardonnays and pinot noir. Theirs are similar to those found in Italy in France, thanks to the notably cooler climate experienced here.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Yarra Valley: Full-Day Gourmet Tour with Lunch

This tour is yet another 8-hour adventure into the Yarra Valley to try some of the best wines in the country. The Yarra Valley: Full-Day Gourmet Tour with Lunch is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful valley and get out of the city for a day. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or an absolute newbie, you’re sure to learn some new things!

Start off by being picked up at your hotel in the morning, and head off to the Yarra Valley! The route there is very charming, with all kinds of flora and fauna along the way. First, stop at Yarra Farm Fresh: a cool little place serving up seasonal produce and local gourmet foods. Everyone will partake in a delicious fruit tasting and sample freshly-pressed juices to really cleanse the palate!

Now, head to the Balgownie Estate, which is an upscale and well-reputed winery. Learn about how to correctly taste wines with an array of their distinguished wines made in this perfectly cool climate.

The Yarra Valley Dairy is next! Sample their incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses that pair perfectly with a fine wine selection. You’ll then go to Rochford Wines, where you’ll enjoy a 4-course meal complete with their wine, tea, and/or coffee. Climb up their spiral staircase to take in expansive views from their lookout tower!

Next, you’ll see Yering Station, recognized in the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame! This estate is one of the oldest in the country, and follow it up with the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. These delicious, handcrafted chocolates are made by French and Belgian chocolatiers, and is quite possibly the best way to follow up a day of exploring!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. RED ROUTE Yarra Valley Wine Region Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

Are you interested in exploring wineries, but would like to choose your own schedule? If so, we have the perfect tour for you! The Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine Region Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus – Red tour lets you completely customize the winery stops you want to take, and skip the ones you could do without.

Start off by being picked up in central Melbourne, where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the view without worrying about transportation throughout the day. The bus heads to the Yarra Valley, which is renowned for its supreme wine, gin, beer, and local produce – particularly cheeses and chocolates.

Some of the wineries listed have other specialties as well, such as the Napoleone Cider Bar & Punt Road Wines. This family-owned business has been making their own cider from their own orchards’ apples.

Innocent Bystander is not only a reputable brewery, but also holds one of the best national bakeries inside. Meletos is a delicious restaurant and serves up some of the best regional coffee out there.

It’s a great idea to reach out with any questions you may have about the locations, but the staff is usually great about providing ample information beforehand. You will have to make your reservations/choices before the day of the tour, so your bus will be ready to pick you up and take you to your next location.

This configuration is a fantastic way of learning all about different types of wines in the regions, and the various practices they instill in order to make theirs stand out.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Melbourne: Yarra Valley Gin, Wine, Beer, Cider Tasting Tour

Perhaps you’re interested in trying not just local wines, but beers, ciders, and gins as well. If so, we can’t recommend the Melbourne: Yarra Valley Gin, Wine, Beer, Cider Tasting Tour enough. This comprehensive tour really provides valuable insight into local culture and the best drinks the country has to offer.

Start off by being picked up by your guide and set off to the Yarra Valley in the morning. Transportation is always comfortable and air-conditioned, which is important especially in the summertime! You’ll arrive to the first winery for an hour-long guided wine tasting and tour. After walking around the beautiful premises, share a grazing board before heading off to the second winery.

Coldstream Brewery is next up, and is known for their craft brews: ciders and beer. With a brewpub-type vibe, you can expect a laidback, welcoming atmosphere. The best way to get a feel for their offerings, is to try their flights of beers and ciders. After that, enjoy a shared lunch feast of gourmet pizza and fries!

After recharging your battery, head to the renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. Steeped in Shiraz grapes, their gin is incredibly unique and unlike anything you’ve ever tried before! Their modern tasting room is gorgeous, and perfect for sitting down and trying a flight of their top 4 gins.

Overall, this one consists of a nice, varied selection of locations that are very reputable and really do produce top-notch products. The way they combine lunches and snacks is also crucial to making sure you keep your energy up and feel great the whole time.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

FAQs About Melbourne Wine Tours

Which wine regions can I visit on a day tour from Melbourne?

The most popular wine regions accessible on day trips from Melbourne are the Yarra Valley (1 hour drive), Mornington Peninsula (1.5 hours), Macedon Ranges (1 hour), and the Bellarine Peninsula (1.5 hours). The Heathcote and Bendigo regions are also possible but require a longer journey.

How long do Melbourne wine tours typically last?

Most wine tours run as full-day experiences, typically lasting 7-9 hours including travel time. Half-day tours are also available but usually visit fewer wineries.

How many wineries will I visit on a typical tour?

Most day tours include visits to 4-5 wineries. Premium tours might visit fewer wineries but offer more in-depth experiences at each location.

What’s included in a standard wine tour?

Typically included: transportation from Melbourne, winery tasting fees, a guide, and often lunch. Some tours also include tours of the wine making areas and possibly a wine making class. Wine purchases are almost always additional.

How much do wine tours from Melbourne cost?

Prices generally range from $150-250 AUD per person for standard group tours. Private and luxury tours can cost $300-500+ AUD per person. Factors affecting price include tour size, included meals, and exclusivity of wineries visited.

Do I need to be a wine expert to enjoy these tours?

Not at all! Wine tours cater to everyone even if you don’t know anything about wine. Just bring your desire to learn! Tour guides winery staff are used to explaining wine basics and answering questions.

Is lunch included in most wine tours?

Many tours include lunch at a winery restaurant or local eatery, but not all do. Check tour details carefully to confirm what meals are included.

What if I don’t drink wine?

Many wineries offer non-alcoholic options like juice, and the scenery, food, and cultural aspects can still make tours enjoyable for non-drinkers. Some tours also visit other local producers like chocolate makers, cheese producers, or olive groves.

Should I book wine tours in advance?

Yes, especially during peak season (October-April) and weekends. Popular tours often sell out days or weeks ahead.

What should I wear on a wine tour?

Smart casual attire is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you may walk through vineyards or stand during tastings. Consider layers as cellar areas can be cool even on warm days.

Can I buy wine during the tour?

Yes, all wineries offer their products for purchase. Most tour operators allow reasonable purchases to be stored on the tour vehicle, though space may be limited for large orders.

Are Melbourne wine tours suitable for children?

Most standard wine tours are designed for adults. Some private tours can accommodate families, but check with the operator first. Many wineries have policies restricting children in tasting areas.

Do wine tours operate year-round?

Yes, tours run throughout the year. Each season offers different experiences: spring has vibrant vineyards, summer offers lush landscapes, autumn brings harvest activities, and winter features cozy cellar door experiences.