With rolling hills, scenic vistas and more than 80 wineries, the Yarra Valley is a world-renowned wine destination. Thanks to its cool climate and unique terroir, a range of grape varietals grow there, producing high-quality wines with distinct flavour profiles. It also happens to be a stone’s throw away from Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, so it’s not a convenient spot for tourists but locals looking for a weekend escape to the countryside.
Many of the wineries in the Yarra Valley also offer stunning vineyard views, gourmet dining options and immersive wine-tasting experiences, making it a destination that offers more than just great wine. Here are five you should visit on your next jaunt to the country.
TarraWarra Estate
Tarrawarra Estate is a standout winery in the valley, with the first vines planted in 1983. At the winery, visitors can enjoy a range of wine-tasting experiences, from a casual tasting at the cellar door to a guided tour of the vineyards and winery, including the underground barrel hall. The on-site restaurant, The Terrace, offers a seasonal menu of locally sourced produce perfectly paired with TarraWarra’s award-winning wines. In addition to its exceptional wine and food offering, the estate is also a cultural destination, with an impressive art museum. Be sure to check it out.
Yering Station
Yering Station is the oldest vineyard in Victoria and one of the oldest in Australia, having planted its first vines in 1838. Stroll through elm trees that have been growing since the 1800s, a pretty pond, and contemporary sculptures before sitting down in the restaurant for a European-leaning set menu. Wine tastings occur in the heritage-listed Cellar Door, which also functions as an art gallery with commissions donated to charity.
Oakridge Wines
Spend an afternoon at Oakridge Wines overlooking endless rows of vines from an outdoor deck. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in the cellar door, which also doubles as an art gallery, before heading to the restaurant, where a menu of seasonal, locally-sourced dishes, including smoked trout with local caviar and a caraway croissant, await. The Chardonnay is particularly noteworthy, as it has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2012 for its 2010 864 Chardonnay. The vineyard’s focus on sustainable practices and close relationships with local farmers and growers also ensures that the grapes are of the highest quality, resulting in exceptional wines.
Zonzo Estate
The Yarra Valley is no stranger to a photogenic cellar door, but there’s a reason Zonzo Estate is one of the state’s top sought-after wine destinations. The striking irregular-shaped old milking shed turned restaurant and winery is hard to pass up. Owned by Rod Micallef, who, at 19, leased a kitchen to start his career as a chef. After working in several restaurants in Melbourne, he decided to open his own Zonzo Estate. Here, expect an Italian menu of family-style sharing dishes and a collection of quality classic wines. The standout is Moscato.
Levantine Hill Estate
Think of Levantine Hill as a destination for the finer things in life. The helipad says it all, as does the high-design building from the same architect who constructed Hobart’s famous MONA. Inside the restaurant, take in the surroundings through ceiling-high windows, or get cosy in the cylinder barrel-like booths and explore a Meditteranean-inspired menu. The cellar door shares a similar design ethos, where patrons can sample Levantine Hill’s award-winning wines with house-made snacks on the side.
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