Best Wine Tours Near Melbourne: Yarra Valley vs Mornington Peninsula Day Trips 2025

Looking for the perfect wine tours Melbourne experience? Discover why the Yarra Valley wine tours and Mornington Peninsula wine tasting are considered Australia’s premier day trip destinations, just one hour from Melbourne’s CBD.

Why Choose a Wine Tour from Melbourne?

Melbourne wine enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with two world-class wine regions on their doorstep. Whether you’re seeking cool-climate wines, boutique cellar doors, or scenic vineyard landscapes, these regions offer unforgettable day trips from Melbourne for wine lovers of all levels.

Yarra Valley Wine Tours: Melbourne’s Premier Wine Region

 

What Makes Yarra Valley Special?

The Yarra Valley, Victoria’s most celebrated wine region, sits just 60 minutes east of Melbourne. Famous for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, this cool-climate region has earned international recognition for its premium vintages.

Top Yarra Valley Wineries to Visit

Iconic Large Wineries:

• Domaine Chandon – Renowned for premium sparkling wines and guided tastings
• De Bortoli Yarra Valley – Award-winning cool-climate wines with restaurant dining
• Yering Station – Historic winery offering exceptional food and wine pairings

Boutique Vineyard Experiences:

• Intimate tastings at family-owned vineyards
• Personalized wine education sessions
• Behind-the-scenes winery tours

Beyond Wine: Complete Yarra Valley Experience

Food and Beverage Attractions:

• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – Perfect for sweet treats
• Four Pillars Gin Distillery – Craft gin tastings and tours
• Artisan cheese producers and local farm gates

Wildlife and Nature:

• Healesville Sanctuary – Native Australian wildlife encounters
• Scenic vineyard walks and photography opportunities
• Hot air balloon rides over the valley

Best Yarra Valley Wine Tour Operators

Recommended Tour Companies:

• Wildlife Tours Australia – Combines wine tasting with kangaroo spotting
• Dancing Kangaroo Tours – Specialist Yarra Valley experiences
• Vinetrekker – Premium curated wine and food tours
• Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tours – Full and half-day options
• Chillout Travel Wine Tours – Small group and Fully Customizable Private tours
• Rick’s Wine Tours – Customizable private and group experiences

Typical Tour Inclusions:

• Return transport from Melbourne CBD
• 3-4 winery visits with guided tastings
• Restaurant lunch with wine pairing
• Additional stops at local attractions
• Small group sizes for personalized service

Mornington Peninsula Wine Tours: Coastal Wine Paradise

Mornington Peninsula Wine Region Highlights

Located one hour south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula combines stunning coastal scenery with exceptional cool-climate wines. This region specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, offering a more intimate, boutique winery experience.

Why Choose Mornington Peninsula Wine Tours?

Unique Selling Points:

• Coastal vineyard views overlooking Port Phillip Bay
• Family-owned boutique wineries with personal service
• Farm-to-table dining featuring local Peninsula produce
• Relaxed atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways
• Hot springs and spa experiences at Peninsula Hot Springs

Mornington Peninsula Attractions Beyond Wine

Additional Experiences:

• Peninsula Hot Springs – Natural thermal pools and spa treatments
• Coastal walks along pristine beaches
• Artisan food producers and farmers markets
• Golf courses with ocean views
• Sculpture parks and art galleries

 

 

Top Mornington Peninsula Wine Tour Companies

Premier Tour Operators:

• Rick’s Wine Tours – Customizable Peninsula experiences
• Elevate Wine Tours – Luxury small group tours supporting koala conservation
• Mornington Peninsula Wine Tours (Plunge) – Local expertise and hidden gems
• Vinetrekker – Premium Peninsula wine experiences
• Chillout Travel Wine Tours – Full-day Peninsula adventures, Small group and Fully Customizable Private tours

Yarra Valley vs Mornington Peninsula: Which Wine Region to Choose?

Choose Yarra Valley Wine Tours If You Want:

• Established wine reputation with iconic cellar doors
• Diverse winery experiences from boutique to commercial
• Additional attractions like chocolate factories and wildlife parks
• Sparkling wine focus with premium Champagne-style wines
• Convenient access with more tour operator options

Choose Mornington Peninsula Wine Tours If You Want:

• Coastal scenery and relaxed beach atmosphere
• Boutique winery intimacy with personal winemaker interactions
• Local produce focus and farm-to-table dining
• Hot springs combination for ultimate relaxation
• Quiet, romantic setting away from crowds

Planning Your Melbourne Wine Tour Experience

Best Time to Visit Melbourne Wine Regions

Optimal Seasons:

• Autumn (March-May) – Harvest season with perfect weather
• Spring (September-November) – Mild temperatures and blooming vineyards
• Summer (December-February) – Warm weather, ideal for coastal Peninsula visits
• Winter (June-August) – Cozy cellar door experiences and hot springs

Booking Your Wine Tour

Essential Tips:

• Book in advance, especially for weekend tours
• Compare tour operators for group size and inclusions
• Consider private tours for customized experiences
• Check weather conditions and dress appropriately
• Designate a driver or choose guided transportation

Wine Tour Pricing and Value

Typical Costs:

• Group tours: $130-190 per person
• Private tours: $300-500 per person
• Includes: Transport, tastings, lunch, and guide
• Additional costs: Wine purchases and optional activities

Conclusion: Melbourne’s Best Wine Tours Await

Both Yarra Valley wine tours and Mornington Peninsula wine tasting experiences offer world-class Melbourne day trips for wine enthusiasts. Whether you choose the established elegance of the Yarra Valley or the coastal charm of the Mornington Peninsula, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable Australian wine adventure.

Ready to explore Melbourne’s premier wine regions? Book your wine tours Melbourne experience today and discover why these destinations are considered among Australia’s finest cool-climate wine regions.

Plan your perfect Melbourne wine tour with expert local operators offering small group experiences, luxury transportation, and insider access to the best wineries in Victoria’s premier wine regions. For more details on Chillout Travel Wine tour Click Here