Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s best wine regions for wine lovers and travellers alike. The cool climate is perfect for producing sparkling pinot noir and chardonnay, and the rolling hills are some of the most beautiful in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or new to wine, Yarra Valley has something for everyone. From award-winning wineries to family-owned gems, each vineyard tells its own story through its handcrafted wines and intimate wine tastings. Below are some of the top wineries to visit on your next trip to Yarra Valley.

Domaine Chandon: The Sparkling Wine Star

No trip to Yarra Valley is complete without a visit to Domaine Chandon. As a leader in méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine, Chandon Australia brings a taste of French winemaking to the valley and offers a truly immersive experience. Established by Moët & Chandon, this iconic winery is a blend of heritage and modernity.

A tour of the winemaking process at Domaine Chandon lets you see how their sparkling wines are made using the méthode traditionnelle, a process that originated in France. At the cellar door you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views of the vineyards. Their wine tastings include a selection of premium wines – sparkling to still – for every wine lover.

Highlights:

• Sparkling wines made using méthode traditionnelle
• Beautiful gardens with views
• Wine lover’s paradise
• Food available at the winery restaurant

Yering Station: A Yarra Glen Icon

Established in 1838, Yering Station is one of the oldest wineries in the region and the heart of Yarra Valley’s wine country. With its history, innovation, and world-class winemaking, Yering Station is renowned for its wines, including elegant pinot noir, shiraz, and sparkling wines.

Their cellar door has a wide range of wines to taste from boutique wine collections to their award winning signature wines. After tasting a glass of wine in their art galleries you can enjoy food at their on site restaurant which focuses on seasonal ingredients and produce from local farms. The setting at Yering Station is breathtaking with views of the vineyards and mountains in the background, the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.

Highlights:

• Oldest winery in Yarra Glen
• Elegant wines
• Food and local produce at the winery restaurant
• Art and wine in the galleries

Dominique Portet Winery: French Heritage Meets Australian Excellence

For a family owned and intimate winery experience Dominique Portet is a must. The Portet family have brought nine generations of French winemaking to Yarra Valley with this eponymous winery. Specialising in premium wines like their rosé and cabernet sauvignon, Dominique Portet offers an experience that combines the traditions of Southern France with modern Australian winemaking.

You can enjoy a personal cellar door experience with handcrafted wines and a range of food options. Their kitchen garden and on site restaurant is farm to table with delicious food matched to their world class wines. The beautiful views and gardens surrounding the winery make it the perfect place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and take in the views of the rolling hills.

Highlights:

• 9th generation family-owned winery
• French-style premium wines
• Farm-to-table food
• Beautiful views of the vineyard

Oakridge Wines: Cool Climate Wine Leader

Any Yarra Valley wine tour should include a visit to Oakridge Wines, a premium winery located on the Maroondah Hwy. They are known for their cool climate wines and consistently produce some of the best chardonnays and pinot noirs in Australia. Their cellar door is famous for its tastings, where you can sample handcrafted wines and learn about their winemaking process.

Along with their great wine Oakridge is also famous for their restaurant where you can enjoy food made from local ingredients. The restaurant is farm to table with many of the vegetables and herbs coming from their own kitchen garden. As you eat you’ll have panoramic views of the mountains and the vineyard.

Highlights:

• Cool climate varieties of chardonnay and Pinot Noir
• Award-winning vineyard with handcrafted wines
• On-site restaurant

Rochford Wines: Wine and Entertainment

Rochford Wines is more than just great wine it’s a venue for year round entertainment. Close to Healesville Sanctuary Rochford hosts concerts, food festivals and events so it’s a great destination for wine lovers and families. Their boutique wines are a reflection of the valley’s unique terroir and their cellar door has a range of tastings to suit all palates.

Aside from wine Rochford also has an on site restaurant where you can enjoy food made with local ingredients and beautiful views of the mountains. Whether you’re here for a wine festival or just enjoying a glass of wine on the outdoor deck Rochford is a fun stop on any Yarra Valley wine tour.

Highlights:

• Entertainment and events hub
• Family-friendly and close to Healesville Sanctuary
• Boutique wines

Coombe Yarra Valley: A Treasure Trove of History and Culture

Formerly the home of Dame Nellie Melba, Coombe Yarra Valley is a winery that combines history, culture and great wine. This family owned Yarra Valley gem is one of the most unique winery experiences in the region. Coombe Cottage, Nellie Melba’s former home, is now a venue for wine tastings, high tea and historical Yarra Valley Winery Tours. The beautiful gardens, designed by the famous landscape gardener William Guilfoyle, are the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.

At the cellar door, you can taste premium wines and learn about the history of the estate. Coombe also hosts a range of events, from art exhibitions in their galleries to food and wine pairings that showcase the best of Australian produce—an excellent destination for history lovers and wine lovers.

Highlights:

• Dame Nellie Melba’s historic estate
• Winery with a focus on history and culture
• Historical tours and food

More Wineries to Visit

• Yarra Valley Dairy: If you love wine and cheese, Yarra Valley Dairy is a must. They offer cheese tastings and cheese experiences so you can add a savoury element to your wine tour.
• Joey Estate: Handcrafted wines and intimate tastings. Exclusive experience. Estate-grown single vineyard wines. Private winery for those looking for something special.
• Paz Estate: Wine tastings and stunning views of the hills.

Conclusion

Yarra Valley is a wine lover’s paradise and a great place to indulge in great wine, food and scenery. With award-winning wineries, beautiful landscapes and unique cultural experiences, the Yarra Valley has something for everyone. Whether you’re sipping sparkling at Domaine Chandon or a cheese platter at Yarra Valley Dairy, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your friends and get ready for the ultimate vineyard adventure in Yarra Valley!

FAQ 

When to visit Yarra Valley wineries?

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the best times to visit when the vineyards are looking lovely, and the weather is perfect for outdoor tastings.

Can I eat with wine at Yarra Valley wineries?

Yes, wineries like Oakridge Wines and Dominique Portet have restaurants on-site with food and wine pairings featuring local produce and artisan dishes.

What else to do in Yarra Valley?

Besides tastings you can visit local attractions like Healesville Sanctuary, go hot air ballooning for a bird’s eye view of the valley, visit art galleries like the Hubert Gallery of Art, or eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Are Yarra Valley wineries dog-friendly?

Yes, several wineries in Yarra Valley, Kellybrook Winery and Dark Horse Winery allow dogs so that you can bring your furry friend along.

How do I get to the wineries?

You can drive, bike or walk. There are also wine tour companies that will do the tasting for you, so you don’t have to worry about driving. Public transport is limited, so booking a tour or hiring a driver is often the best way to go.