If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne and want to explore the best wineries in the area, there are several options to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of ten of the best places to visit, and we’re sure you’ll find one you’ll love.
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is a cool climate wine region with an exceptional array of wineries. It’s only an hour drive from Melbourne and is a destination that’s worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for an excellent meal, a scenic tour or a shady picnic, you’ll find it here.
Yarra Valley is renowned for its chardonnay, pinot noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. However, it also has the ability to produce shiraz and sparkling wines.
One of the most famous wineries in Yarra Valley is Domaine Chandon. Established in 1986 by French champagne house Moet & Chandon, this winery is a family-run business. They produce premium quality cool-climate still wines and sparkling wines.
Some of their other wines include the Domaine Chandon sparkling rose and the Domaine Chandon methode traditionnelle. Their cellar door offers a self-guided tour. There are also tastings, including their sparkling wine.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is one of the best wine regions in Australia. It’s located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, and boasts over 200 vineyards. Many of them are small family-run operations. They offer great wines, reasonably priced food, and a host of activities.
There are over 50 cellar doors on the peninsula. Some of them are located in picturesque countryside villages. You can sample wines in a tasting room or on the grounds of the winery. A variety of wines can be tasted, including chardonnays, sparklings, and pinot noirs.
One of the best-known vineyards on the Peninsula is Tuck’s Ridge. This winery offers an exceptional experience. Guests can enjoy an Instagram-worthy picture while tasting Kahlua espresso deconstructed tiramisu, grilled Swiss Raclette, or free range pork meatballs.
Dromana Winery is another of the oldest wineries on the peninsula. Tastings at this family-run winery are tailored to suit individual tastes. These include their signature Mornington Peninsula wines.
La Cantina on Honeys Lane
If you’re in Melbourne and looking for a great day trip, look no further than La Cantina on Honeys Lane. This winery, located in the King Valley, offers a selection of Italian-style wines. It also has a restaurant, offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
In addition to wine tastings, guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a wine barrel-shaped booth. The vineyard produces a variety of grapes, including chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
Wines are made on-site, with no filtration or artificial additions. Grapes are hand-stomped and stored in wooden barrels and stainless steel. There are plenty of options, including crackers, cheese, and a build-your-own platter. During the summer months, the vineyard hosts a range of events, including a helipad and a summer party.
Another great choice is the vineyard owned by the Corsini family. This winery is located in the King Valley of north-east Victoria. Its wines are preservative-free and vegan friendly.
Giant Steps
Giant Steps is an Australian winery with a reputation for producing some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The company’s flagship product, the Pinot Noir, is one of the most highly regarded wines in Australia.
Giant Steps Winery is located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Its viticultural resources are second to none. A total of 75 acres of vineyard are owned by Giant Steps. In addition to their homegrown grapes, they also source fruit from the Gruyere Farm and Tarraford Vineyards.
The family behind Giant Steps has a history of making high quality wines. They have been awarded 34 trophies. Some of the wines they produce have been included in the top 100 wines of the world.
Located in the Yarra Valley, Giant Steps Winery is a family business. Their wines are considered benchmarks for the region.
Yering Farm Wines
Yering Farm Wines is a family-owned and operated boutique vineyard in the Yarra Valley. It produces a variety of high-quality wines on site and uses traditional winemaking techniques.
The vineyard has become one of Australia’s most acclaimed wineries. With a stunning location and an abundance of award-winning wines, Yering Farm has garnered the attention of locals and tourists alike.
A visit to the Yering Farm Wines cellar door will be a treat for all the senses. The tasting room is located in a restored hay shed and features signature platters.
There is also a sweeping lawn with mountain views in the distance. Guests can also enjoy a two course lunch and wine tasting.
For those seeking a romantic wedding, the Yering Farm winery offers a unique ceremony in the heart of the vineyard. Afterwards, guests are treated to an elegant reception held in a converted hay barn.
Rare Hare
Rare Hare is a winery dining restaurant located in the Willow Creek Vineyards. The cafe serves 11 wines and woodfired food. They also have a menu of craft beers from local producers.
In addition to their wine and food offerings, the winery features a cellar door. You can experience the best of the Mornington Peninsula in this one-of-a-kind establishment. It features a tasting room, as well as an outdoor dining area.
The winery is also home to the Rare Hare wine & food store. This retail space features an award-winning wine label, as well as a produce store. From the windows, you can take in views of the vine-draped hills and vineyards.
On the rare occasions that you don’t want to visit the winery, you can still taste the wines at the wine store. You can purchase their wine at the cellar door, or you can opt for a tasting that lasts for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can indulge in a premium tasting that includes all of the estate’s wines.
Mitchelton Winery
Mitchelton Wines is a renowned producer of fine wines. In fact, the family that owns the winery has recently opened a new winery in the Yarra Valley. There are a number of wine varietals available, including Riesling, Chardonnay and Marsanne.
The Mitchelton Estate is located in north-east Victoria. The estate is home to a large commercial gallery of Aboriginal art. This gallery is one of the largest in Australia. It also houses underground cellars.
Visitors can enjoy a guided wine tasting. The tasting includes the history of the Mitchelton Winery. A chocolate factory is also attached to the property.
Guests can also visit the Muse Restaurant, which offers a contemporary farm-to-table dining experience. Executive Chef Daniel Hawkins uses local produce to create dishes that highlight the unique flavours of Mitchelton Wines.
Other features of the Mitchelton Estate are a cafe-style Provedore and an iconic 55-meter lookout tower. From here, guests can take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Boomtown Winery
The best wineries in Melbourne Victoria include a wide range of offerings. There are new and established wineries, and a few with a rich history. They’re also located in a variety of wine regions. If you’re a connoisseur, you’re sure to find something to impress.
Boomtown Wines in Castlemaine is a co-op, which means it’s a place for young winemakers to collaborate. It’s a great spot for a long lunch.
This winery is open for wine tastings and sales every Friday evening and throughout the weekend. You can find it in the Mill Complex in Castlemaine. Also, this spot is great for a wedding venue.
The Boomtown Red Blend is a bright red blend of Pinot Gris and Shiraz. It’s great for barbeques, and pairs well with pulled pork, oxtail soup, and black berry flavours.
While there are a number of top-notch wineries in Victoria, there’s a particular charm to the region’s vineyards. The Yarra Valley is one of the most important wine regions in Australia.
Sir Paz Estate
Sir Paz Estate is a family-owned winery located in the Yarra Valley. The estate features acres of well-maintained vineyards and gardens.
Wines are hand-picked and processed with minimal filtration. Guests can take advantage of the estate’s signature woodfired lunch, tutored tastings and more.
This Yarra Valley winery is one of the top attractions in the area. Located at 852 feet above sea level, it boasts incredible views of the surrounding vineyards and gardens.
Sir Paz Estate has recently opened its own purpose-built cellar door. It also offers a variety of catering packages and a range of package options. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a family reunion, the estate will accommodate your needs.
With a large variety of award-winning wines and a breathtaking view, this is the ideal venue for any special occasion. Depending on your requirements, the estate can accommodate up to 120 guests for a cocktail party, and up to 80 for a sit-down meal.
Tokar Estate
Tokar Estate is a family-owned and operated winery and restaurant in the Yarra Valley. The award-winning wines produced by this reputable winery can be found at the cellar door, which also serves as a restaurant.
Tokar Estate has a unique approach to its winemaking. Rather than producing a large number of wine batches, it produces wines from a handful of vineyards. This method allows the winery to concentrate on vineyard practices and develop a distinctive style.
At the winery, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and delicious cuisine. Their seasonal menus change to reflect the changing seasons. Guests can also take a horse trail ride and enjoy a wine tasting.
As well as being home to award-winning boutique wines, the winery is also a place to stay. In addition to the cellar door, guests can also book three luxurious suites. There is also a winery restaurant, which offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.