If you love a scenic drive and a good vino, then the beautiful Yarra Valley wine region is for you. Located a short, 1 hour drive east of Melbourne, the region is best known for producing some of Australia’s best Pinot noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.
We suggest you designate a driver, or book a tour bus, because the Yarra Valley wineries are best spent indulging in the cellar doors and array of dining experiences, where you can try some of our countries best wine and local produce.
The Best Wineries in the Yarra Valley
This cellar door and restaurant in Healesville is one of my favourite places in the Yarra Valley to have dinner. It’s airy and industrial-chic decor makes for a chic setting to treat yourself to the best cheese platter you’ll find in greater-Melbourne, or enjoy their freshly shucked oysters and wood-fired pizza.
Innocent Bystander is fully stocked with the best take home goodies including bread, coffee, local produce and wine (pick yourself up a bottle of their Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir to enjoy at your next party with the girls). It’s the perfect venue to enjoy a celebration or birthday, however be sure to make a booking because they are always super busy on the weekends.
336 Maroondah Hwy,
Healesville VIC 3777
Oakridge has been making wine in the Yarra Valley since 1978 producing wines of exemplary quality, supported by a welcoming cellar door and restaurant.
Located in Coldstream, the winery is well-known for it’s Melbourne Cup Day luncheon, and is home to a welcoming cellar door and restaurant. Be sure to check out their great value, mid-week lunch specials.
864 Maroondah Highway,
Coldstream, Victoria 3770
Chandon is Australia’s only wine estate with a French heritage, with traditions hailing from the grand Champagne house Moët & Chandon.
Specialising in sparkling wine, do yourself a favour and try the wines in the cellar door, or be surprised by their amazing food pairings in the restaurant. I also highly recommend beginning your visit with a winery tour, where you learn from the masters about what makes méthode traditionelle so special, and gain insights into the history and cool-climate locale.
727 Maroondah Highway,
Coldstream, VIC 3770
Home to one of my favourite events on the social calendar ‘A Day on the Green‘, Rockford Wines boasts a Cellar Door, Barrel Room, Observation Tower and Art Gallery and a huge outdoor amphitheatre.
Their tasting experience is wonderful and I would describe Rockford Wines as the total Yarra Valley food, wine, arts and entertainment package.
878-880 Maroondah Hwy,
Coldstream VIC 3770
A very popular Yarra Valley wedding venue, Zonzo is a beautiful and award winning winery, serving up yummy Italian cuisine and offering one of the most picturesque vineyard views in the region.
I love the communal table setting and the gorgeous fireplace. A perfect setting for a weekend lunch with friends (but as always, be sure to book ahead, otherwise you’ll be greeted by the ‘fully booked’ corflute sign).
957 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd,
Yarra Glen VIC 3775
Yering Station is the oldest winery in Victoria. It’s home to a cellar door and art gallery space, as well as a gourmet restaurant.
I’m a sucker for a great market and the Yarra Valley Farmer’s Market is one of the best I’ve experienced to date. Held on the third Sunday of each month, the markets are held in the stunning Yering Station barn and serve up a delicious selection of local produce from around the region.
38 Melba Hwy,
Yarra Glen VIC 3775
What else to do in the Yarra Valley?
What better way to wrap up your Yarra Valley adventure than by flying over the top of the region you’ve just explored by road, in a hot air balloon. An unforgettable morning with Global Ballooning, enjoying a gorgeous Yarra Valley sunrise from up high with a total view of the wineries and countryside, is the ultimate Yarra Valley experience.
Flights depart half an hour before sunrise from various locations in the Yarra Valley pending the day. Check with their website here for more information.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
Yes, that’s right all of you with a sweet tooth, I said ice cream and chocolate! In one beautiful location. This is the place to indulge your love of quality treats, with a range of free tastings to enjoy and the option to watch their team of talented European Chocolatiers in action.
Serving up local produce from their kitchen garden and nearby farms, enjoy a breakfast or light lunch, or do as we did and skip straight to dessert! Indulge yourself in one of the vast sweet options including fondue, pastries, ice creams and hot chocolates, whilst soaking up the views of the Chocolatier’s emerging orchard, sweeping lawns and wetlands conservation area.
Want more?
Be sure to check out 8 things to do and see on a Yarra Valley Road Trip
Simone
This list is the perfect guide for my upcoming visit to Yarra Valley. Thanks for the tips!