How Much Does a Wine Tour in Melbourne Cost? (Pricing Guide + Tips)

Melbourne is the ideal starting point for exploring Victoria’s top wine regions – Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Macedon Ranges. Whether you’re after a relaxed group outing or a luxurious private tour, prices vary widely.

In this guide, you’ll discover how much wine tours in and around Melbourne typically cost, what’s included, and how to find the best-value experiences based on your budget and preferences.

Typical Price Ranges by Tour Type and Duration

Wine tours from Melbourne offer a wide spectrum of experiences – from casual half-day outings to luxurious, private full-day adventures. Most travellers can expect to spend anywhere between $54 and $260+ AUD per person, depending on the type, length, and inclusions of the tour (Source).

What Influences the Cost of Wine Tours?

Wine tour prices in Melbourne vary for good reason – every experience is shaped by a blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and curation.

Tour Type

A full-day tour naturally costs more than a half-day, as it includes more cellar door visits, leisurely meals, and time to soak in the landscape. Private tours, while higher in price, offer a more intimate and personalised journey tailored to your pace and interests.

• Group vs. Private: Group tours are generally more affordable. Private tours cost more but offer personalized experiences.
• Self-Guided vs. Guided: Guided tours with expert hosts or sommeliers are more expensive than self-guided options.
• Theme or specialty tours: Tours focused on rare vintages, food pairings, or winemaking processes can increase costs.

Duration

• Half-day vs Full-day vs Multi-day: In Victoria, half-day tours are common due to proximity to Melbourne. However, full-day or overnight experiences in Macedon or Mornington often offer more experiential layering – spa visits, vineyard picnics, or cooking classes – that elevate the value (and cost).
• Importantly, the duration often correlates with how deep the experience goes – vertical tastings, blending workshops, or guided food pairing lunches.

Key insight: More time isn’t always more expensive – it’s the richness of what’s done within that time that justifies price.

Group Size

Travelling in a group (8–20 people) is typically more budget-friendly. Smaller groups or private bookings come with a premium, but they offer a deeper connection to place, wines, and the guide’s local stories.

Inclusions

Tours that feature a sit-down lunch, curated tastings, or extras like cheese pairings, chocolate stops, or even a gin distillery visit, will be priced higher than simpler outings, but often deliver greater value and satisfaction.

Winery Selection

Visits to boutique or iconic wineries, especially those with award-winning Pinot Noir or a rich family history may carry higher tasting fees, reflected in the overall cost. These places often offer memorable insights and a sense of place beyond the glass.

Level of Luxury

• Transport: Touring companies offering Mercedes vans, private drivers, or helicopters (yes, that’s a thing in Mornington) price based on the comfort, aesthetics, and image being projected – often more about the client than the wine.
• Accommodations: For multi-day tours, luxury stays like Jackalope or Lake House Daylesford raise the price dramatically – not due to proximity, but due to their design-driven identity and limited availability.

Key insight: Luxury here isn’t just “nice things” – it’s a way of designing a sensory and emotional atmosphere, from the leather seats to the lavender field.

Tour Operator

Not all wine tour operators offer the same level of quality, and choosing the right one can make a real difference to your experience. It’s not just about price – it’s about value, local knowledge, and thoughtful curation. When evaluating operators, consider the following:

• Are they locally owned and operated? Locals often have stronger relationships with winemakers and deeper insight into the region’s wine scene.
• How long have they been running tours? Experience often translates to smoother logistics, better planning, and more refined customer service.
• What do their reviews and reputation say? Consistent positive feedback, especially from other wine enthusiasts, signals a quality experience.
• Do they demonstrate an understanding of guests’ preferences? Look for operators who adjust tastings or itineraries based on your wine interests, whether that’s boutique producers, biodynamic practices, or a love for Pinot Noir.
• Do they know the region inside and out? The best guides don’t just drive – they share local stories, avoid crowds, and take you to hidden gems.

A reputable operator will go beyond the basics: they’ll help you discover wines you love, navigate the region with ease, and create a memorable day tailored to your tastes.

Group vs Private Tours: Which Is Right for You? 

When comparing wine tour prices, one of the biggest variables is the format – shared group or private.

Here is a comparison of group and private wine tours to help you choose the best option based on your budget, travel style, and level of personalisation.

For a more exclusive experience, Vinetrekker’s private group tours offer tailored itineraries and premium access to boutique cellar doors, perfect for special occasions.

When to Book: Weekdays, Weekends & Seasonal Timing

For extra value, consider touring in the off-peak season, winter and shoulder months often come with special deals and a more relaxed cellar door experience. You can read more about the best time for wine tasting to plan your visit.

How Region Impacts Wine Tour Cost and Style

Where you choose to go also plays a significant role in pricing and experience. Each of Melbourne’s nearby wine regions offers something unique, both in the glass and beyond.

The Yarra Valley tour is the most accessible and diverse option. With prices ranging from $290 AUD, it caters to all types of travellers. From laid-back group tours with casual tastings to premium private experiences with gourmet meals and chocolate pairings, there’s something for every budget.

Mornington Peninsula tours are typically full-day affairs, priced between $156 and $242 AUD. These experiences combine boutique wineries with sweeping coastal views and exceptional food. Many tours here include four cellar doors and run for 7 to 10 hours.

The Macedon Ranges tour, though less trafficked, offers a refined and peaceful wine escape. Tours generally start at $290+ AUD and are usually private, focusing on cool-climate varieties like sparkling wines. With fewer crowds and a strong culinary presence, it’s ideal for connoisseurs or those seeking tranquillity.

If you’re unsure where to start, the Yarra Valley, known for Australia’s wine paradise, is a safe choice with the widest range of pricing and styles.

Planning a honeymoon or romantic escape? This guide will help you create a romantic getaway in the Yarra Valley.

Besides, Mornington Peninsula suits those craving a coastal wine and food pairing, while Macedon Ranges delivers boutique elegance off the beaten path.

How to Choose the Right Wine Tour Based on Your Needs

Here’s a quick guide to help you match your travel style with the best wine tour and get the most value from your experience.

Discover Winery Tour Melbourne with Vinetrekker

Whether you’re after a laid-back day among the vines or something a little more indulgent, Vinetrekker offers carefully crafted wine experiences through some of Melbourne’s most iconic regions.

Sip your way through the Yarra on one of the best Yarra Valley wine tours, complete with premium tastings and a long lunch surrounded by vineyard views. You can even add a visit with native wildlife or take it up a notch and arrive by helicopter for tastings and a gourmet lunch with a view.

Heading to the coast? A Mornington Peninsula wine tour offers cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sweeping ocean backdrops. Prefer something off the beaten track? A Macedon Ranges wine tour delivers peaceful landscapes, intimate cellar doors, and beautifully refined wines.

If you love a good pairing, our food and wine tours Melbourne bring together local flavours and top drops for a day that’s as delicious as it is memorable.

Let us show you the wines, the people, and the places that make Victoria so special – one glass at a time.