The Yarra Valley is for wine lovers. We get visitors from all over the world to taste our amazing wines, food and scenery. One of Australia’s top wine regions, we offer wine tastings from sparklings to premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Whether you’re a wine buff or a foodie looking to indulge in some gourmet dining, the Yarra Valley will leave you with memories. Only an hour from Melbourne and near the Dandenong Ranges, it’s the perfect spot for a Melbourne day trip or a longer getaway.
Visit the Best Wineries
For any wine lover, the heart of the Yarra Valley experience is visiting the boutique wineries and larger wineries through Yarra Valley wine tours. These tours give you a full experience, you’ll get to taste a wide range of wines, learn about winemaking and enjoy the scenery of rolling hills and vineyards.
- Domaine Chandon: One of the most popular, Domaine Chandon is famous for its sparkling wines. Established by Moët & Chandon, this iconic winery offers a great wine tasting experience, where you can enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the valley. The views of the greenery and hills are the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon.
- Oakridge Wines: Another award-winning winery, Oakridge Wines, is a must-visit for its wines and gourmet dining at their winery restaurant. Known for its premium wines, particularly its Chardonnay, Oakridge combines innovation with traditional winemaking to have a memorable experience from start to finish.
- TarraWarra Estate: More than just wine, TarraWarra Estate combines fine wine and art. You can taste wine and visit the Hubert Gallery of Art, which features works by Australian and international artists. The estate is famous for its range of wines, including Shiraz and Merlot, and the winery is a top pick for a private experience or a day of wine exploration.
- Yering Station: As the region’s oldest winery, Yering Station has a special place in Yarra Valley’s history. The winery offers a tasting experience like no other, with a focus on sophisticated wines from their large vineyards. Pair these wines with the views of the hills and it’s an awesome experience for anyone.
- Dominique Portet: A family-run winery with French winemaking roots, Dominique Portet offers food and wine pairings with a European charm in the heart of Yarra Valley. Famous for its sparkling wines and Rosé, it’s a great stop on any Yarra Valley wine tour.
Gourmet Dining Experiences
The Yarra Valley is a foodie’s paradise with its gourmet food offerings showcasing the best of Australian produce. Wineries often have gourmet dining that focuses on fresh, local ingredients and is the perfect match for the region’s best wines.
- Levantine Hill: This iconic winery offers gourmet dining and great wine. Whether it’s a shared platter of local cheeses or a full multi-course meal with their top vintages, Levantine Hill has it all for those who want to indulge in fine dining.
- Yarra Valley Dairy: If you love cheese, Yarra Valley Dairy is a must visit. This dairy makes artisanal cheeses that pair perfectly with Yarra Valley wines. The cheese experience here with local flavours and textures is a foodie’s highlight. Don’t miss their cheese platters perfect for a vineyard picnic.
Craft Breweries, Distilleries and Cider Tasting
While the Yarra Valley is wine country, it’s also home to a bunch of craft breweries and distilleries for gin lovers, cider enthusiasts and beer aficionados.
- Coldstream Brewery: Located in the heart of Yarra Valley, Coldstream Brewery is a great spot to visit if you want to experience the local craft brewery scene. With a range of craft beers, Coldstream is a refreshing break from wine with tastings of their best brews.
- Four Pillars Gin: If you’re looking for a more spirited experience, Four Pillars Gin in Healesville is an award-winning distillery that has won the hearts of gin lovers. Their tasting room is an immersive experience into the art of gin-making, from the unique botanicals used to the distillation process.
- Pietro Gallus Estate: This beautiful estate offers wine and liqueurs and spirits. Pair a day of wine with a Cider Tasting or explore the estate’s wines with some of their handcrafted spirits.
Hot Air Ballooning and Outdoor Activities
Yarra Valley has so much more to offer than just vineyards, with plenty of outdoor activities to take in the views. Start your day with a hot air ballooning trip over the valley and take in the views of the rolling hills, gardens and scenery below.
- Hot Air Ballooning: The early morning light and still air make for a magical balloon ride, with stunning views that make for a perfect day starter. For romance or adventure, this is one of the valley’s most popular activities.
- Healesville Sanctuary: Visit the Healesville Sanctuary and get up close to Australia’s wildlife, where you can see kangaroos, koalas, and emus. Add a wine tour and you have a fun day out of nature and wine.
Planning Your Visit: Top Tips
To make the most of your Yarra Valley visit, book in advance so you don’t miss out on the best wineries, activities and gourmet experiences.
- Public Transport: While you can get to Yarra Valley by car, there is limited public transport. Book a private winery tour with Chillout Winery Tours or Australian Wine Tour Co. and visit multiple wineries without the hassle of driving.
- Special Occasions: If you’re visiting for a special occasion, book a Private Experience at one of the valley’s top wineries, like Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar or Hubert Estate.
- Wine Tasting Tours: Many of the Yarra Valley’s wineries offer guided wine-tasting tours, where you can learn about the history, production and unique flavours of the wines. Wineries like Mandala Winery, Paz Estate and Rochford Wines offer tours for both beginners and seasoned wine lovers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a wine buff or foodie, Yarra Valley is the ultimate escape with food, food and some of Australia’s best wines. From Domaine Chandon’s sparkling wines to Levantine Hill’s gourmet offerings, every visit to Yarra Valley is a must-have.
FAQ
What’s so good about Yarra Valley for food and wine?
Yarra Valley is a wine region, with great wine and food. Scenic, gourmet and cellar doors, a must visit for any wine lover.
Which wineries to visit in Yarra Valley?
Domaine Chandon, TarraWarra Estate, Oakridge Wines, Yering Station. Wine tastings and gourmet dining.
Can I get to Yarra Valley without a car?
Yes, while public transport is limited, you can book a private winery tour or a wine-tasting tour with Chillout Winery Tours.
What’s non-wine to do in Yarra Valley?
Besides wine, visitors can have hot air balloons, visit Healesville Sanctuary, and taste craft breweries such as Coldstream Brewery and distilleries such as Four Pillars Gin.
When should I visit Yarra Valley?
Yarra Valley is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is autumn (March-May), when the vineyards are at their best and many wineries have harvest events.