The Yarra Valley has long been established as a premium wine producing region for Australia, bringing its amazing cool climate expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to the rest of the world. The most unique and perhaps special part of having these producers here in our backyard though is the opportunity to indulge in a cellar door experience like no other. From the casual and relaxed, to the premium and refined, the Yarra Valley certainly delivers when it comes to hospitality, warmth and diversity of offering.
So, let’s explore a few of the many hidden gems this region has to offer, with a closer look at Yarra Valley cellar doors with a difference…
A slice of France in the heart of the Yarra Ranges. Dominique Portet, a ninth-generation winemaker from Bordeaux, together with his son Ben, are bringing the heart and soul of French winemaking techniques to a uniquely Australian landscape. With a cellar door that is very much European in style, you’re welcome to a tour of the barrel room and winery after your wine tasting. That’s if you’re not too busy taking in the views from a deck chair on the lawn or challenging an opponent to a casual game of petanque. This is the perfect setting to relax and unwind with a delicious bottle of sparkling rosé, over a light lunch.
As you arrive down the sloping vineyards of Kellybrook Winery & Distillery, you’ll wonder how you never knew about this amazing wine paradise. Nestled on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley in Wonga Park, the cellar door here offers more than wine tasting.
Their range of small-batch wines really must be tasted and if you're a fan of bubbles, their sparkling wines are made using the traditional French method, including hand riddling and disgorging completed on-site. Bring a small group of friends your favourite plus one and create your ultimate shared plate from a menu packed with delicious cheese, charcuterie, olives, and the list goes on. Nestle in and enjoy. Alternatively, if the weather suits, grab a blanket, order a picnic from the cellar door and head through to the gorgeous gardens for an amazing picnic in gorgeous surroundings.
Originally an apple orchard in the 1930s, you can also sample a unique range of ciders made from only the best local apples and pears as well as an apple brandy.
A haven for the Pinot Noir enthusiast tucked away in a private and peaceful oasis, Pimpernel offers a sublime range of premium wines in a relaxed setting that you are sure to fall in love with. They take winemaking very seriously here, but the talented cellar door staff are some of the best around and ensure you have a fun and informative experience.
You’ll taste and learn about their excellent range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah and Shiraz, as well as a couple of punchy blends that are sure to put this cellar door at the top of your list.
Transport your mind and treat your palate to the many wondrous delights of Italy with a visit to Soumah. The cellar door and restaurant team here proudly showcase the delicious food and wine that is typical of the styles found in Northern Italy.
While still offering the varieties we all know and love, you can also get acquainted with lesser-known varieties such as Navarro and Savagnin, and the sweetly sensational Brachetto. After sampling the wines, treat yourself to a mouth-watering feast with stunning views and continue your journey to the vineyards of Italy.
Sir Paz Estate Cellar Door is a unique wine and food experience that is sure to fire the senses. Established in 1997, Sir Paz Estate is family-owned and characterised by a rich Mediterranean ambience. It also has the good fortune of being the Yarra Valley's highest-altitude vineyard.
With sweeping views of the vineyard and the valley beyond, visitors can enjoy the wines as they while away the day on the open deck.
They offer tutored wine tastings of their estate-grown wine and signature à la carte woodfired lunch offering. It is the perfect gastronomic experience.
Sir Paz Estate is one of the only wineries over the Wandin East side of the Yarra Valley and is nestled amongst cherry orchards.
Pimpernel Vineyards is a small producer of hand-made premium wine styles in the heart of the Yarra Valley. The winemaking philosophy is simple and…
Soumah of Yarra Valley is a premium wine producer located in the Yarra Valley, just an hour drive from Melbourne. This pristine area, nestled at the…
Ninth-generation winemaker Dominique Portet chose the cool climate of aptly named Coldstream in the Yarra Valley as home to the eponymous winery he…
Kellybrook Winery is a small Yarra Valley winery that is conveniently close to Melbourne, making it the perfect first stop.The cellar door is open…
Sir Paz Estate Cellar Door is a unique wine and food experience that is sure to fire the senses. With sweeping views of the vineyard and the valley…