4 Private Winery Tours from Melbourne You Need to Do At Least Once

It’s no secret that Australia’s known for its wine. And did you know that 17% of it is made specifically in the state of Victoria? With this in mind, you might be considering a winery tour from Melbourne to see what this beautiful state has to offer. And Private Winery Tours are the best way to sample the finest wines from each of the regions on offer.

Melbourne is lucky enough to be surrounded by many winery regions close by with breathtaking landscapes and unique vineyards, which make for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, people from all walks of life are sure to enjoy themselves.

But which region is right for you? In this article, we’ll explore four of our favourite areas for a private winery tour in Melbourne to help you pick, or maybe you’ll choose to visit all four!

The Yarra Valley

If you’re looking for convenience, Yarra Valley wine tours are a great option. This area is the most well-known wine region in the state and is just one hour’s drive away north east from the city centre, which means it’s perfect for a day trip with plenty of opportunities for wine tastings.

The Yarra Valley is our country’s most renowned cool-climate wine region and very popular with interstate visitors. And maybe not so coincidentally, this is one of the oldest winemaking regions around. All you have to do is take a look around at the stunning scenery of rolling hills and mountainous terrain, and you’ll see precisely why winemakers decided to set up their vineyards here in the 1850’s.

For those of you who love Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling, you’ll be pleased to learn that Yarra Valley wineries specialise in these. Thanks to its climate and topography, which results in wines that rival the Burgundy wine region of France.

When you go on one of our private Yarra Valley wine tours, you’ll get to experience the full and complex tastes of these wines fully. And if you’re after an extra bit of luxury, we can also pair your wines with a fine dining lunch, so your tastebuds will get exceptional treatment.

The Mornington Peninsula

Nestled in between Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait and only one hour drive south from Melbourne is the magnificent Mornington Peninsula wine region.

While today, it’s one of the most important winemaking and wine-growing regions of Australia, you’d be surprised to learn that it’s relatively new to the scene.

The Mornington Peninsula only started commercial viticulture in the 1970s. But one taste of the wines from this region, and you wouldn’t even begin to guess at its newness.

As a result of the yearlong moderate temperatures in the peninsula thanks to the ocean breezes and water, the terroir is incredible. Grapes here can grow for much longer than they do further inland. Not only that, but the grapes retain their acidity much better.

The constant sunshine means you get well-developed tannins that make the peninsula’s wines burst with flavour. Combine all the above with magnificent bayside views and rolling hillside and you’ll understand why Mornington is one of the most popular regions with the locals.

On our private winery tours of the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll get to taste wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Viognier, and Pinot Gris, as these grapes all grow wonderfully here.

The Bellarine Peninsula

Next on our list of wine regions to explore from Melbourne is the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Located just over an hour’s drive southwest of Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula has gorgeous views of ‘The Heads’, the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, and award-winning wineries and restaurants.

If you’re a red lover, this is the tour for you as many vineyards favour red wines in the region. With that said, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris can be found and are absolutely delicious, so make sure you give those a taste on your tour.

You’ll be delighted with the region’s Pinot Noir and Syrah style reds. Like with the Mornington Peninsula, the combination of the maritime climate and strong sunshine makes for incredibly distinctive grapes. For instance, the Shiraz grapes here have a unique floral aroma that you won’t find anywhere else.

On your private winery tour of the Bellarine Peninsula, you’ll travel in sophisticated luxury as you get to taste the best of the region’s wines and dine in luxury at an award-winning winery.

Another thing that makes the Bellarine Peninsula unique is that while there are over 20 wineries here, they’re all family-owned and operated. Making your experience at each one all the closer to your heart.

Daylesford & Macedon Ranges

Our final recommendation for a winery tour from Melbourne is the delightful Daylesford & Macedon Ranges region, which is just also an hour’s drive north from the CBD.

If you’re a fan of delicate sparkling wines, refined chardonnays and award-winning pinot noirs, then Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges has to be on your itinerary.

Over 40 wineries in the region sit 300 to 800 metres above sea level, which means that there are cooler evenings, even on warmer days. Macedon is regarded as the coldest wine region on mainland Australia and as a result, you’ll get grapes with higher levels of acidity for a lively dance on your tastebuds.

These refreshing grapes go well in sparkling wines and other varieties, like Pinot Noir, Syrah  and Chardonnay. With many boutique and family-owned wineries to pick from, Daylesford and Macedon Ranges provide a diverse range of high-quality wines with a rustic and casual charm that can be found only by visiting the cellar doors throughout the area.

Ready for a Luxury Private Winery Tour in Melbourne?

From the Yarra Valley to the Bellarine Peninsula, there are plenty of amazing places to explore that are so close to Melbourne to enjoy a glass or two of high-quality wine. And now that you know the different regions to explore, it’s time to pick one! What better way to enjoy any of these unique wine regions than on a private winery tour?

If this sounds right up your alley, then Great Private Tours is here to help take you in style and luxury. We’ve put together various tours consisting of carefully selected vineyards for your pleasure. You’ll get to experience some real hidden gems alongside well-known wineries and first class restaurants.

Have any questions about our private winery tours in Melbourne? Then contact us today. We’ll be more than happy to create a bespoke tour to suit your needs!