Yarra Valley is Australia’s top wine region, famous for its award-winning wineries, stunning scenery and unique cellar-door experiences that will appeal to wine enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this iconic wine region has the perfect mix of beauty and world-class wine. From elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to sparkling wine, Yarra Valley has something for everyone. Visitors can taste and buy wine directly from the producers, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the views of rolling hills and vineyards. Here, we’ll take you through some of the best cellar doors Yarra Valley offers, each one an experience you’ll never forget.
Why Yarra Valley is a Wine Lover’s Paradise
The Yarra Valley is an internationally recognized wine region, famous for its climate and terroir. This lovely area bounded by the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges is perfect for growing a range of grapes, and the wines are crafted with love. Known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley also has Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Merlot to showcase the best of Australian wine.
The Australian Wine Tour Company and other local operators offer Yarra Valley wine tours where you can visit the wineries and taste, eat and experience. The valley is a must-do for anyone who wants to enjoy great wine and the beauty of the hills, views and nearby attractions, so it’s a perfect day trip from Melbourne or a longer stay to fully absorb one of Victoria’s top wine regions.
Yering Station – Classic Tasting
Yering Station, Yarra Valley’s first vineyard established in 1838, is a benchmark for historic wineries in Australia. This award-winning winery combines tradition with modernity. Visitors can explore the heritage cellar and modern tasting rooms. Yering Station’s wine list has a range of reds, whites, and dessert wines to suit all tastes.
At the cellar door, Yering Station offers guided tastings by knowledgeable staff, which will give you insight into the flavour profile, food pairing and production process of each wine. Their wines have been rated in the Halliday Wine Companion with high scores and awards to prove their dedication to quality. Surrounded by hills and views, Yering Station also has an in-house restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal dishes made with local produce, so it’s a must-do for a full wine-tasting experience.
Oakridge Wines – Sustainable Wines and Organic Practices
Oakridge Wines is the benchmark for sustainable winemaking and one of the organic wineries in Yarra Valley. With eco-friendly cellar doors, Oakridge uses sustainable practices throughout the winery, so if you’re an eco-traveller, this is the place for you. The vineyard and winery use organic farming methods to preserve the landscape and produce wines of individuality and purity.
At Oakridge, you can enjoy a tasting of their extensive collections of old and new-world wines. A visit wouldn’t be complete without a meal at their on-site restaurant, where the seasonal menu showcases fresh local produce that matches their wines. With rolling hills and views as a backdrop, Oakridge Wines is the perfect combination of great wines and sustainability, so it’s a must-stop on any Yarra Valley wine tour.
Levantine Hill – Boutique Wines and Small-Batch Crafting
Levantine Hill is a family-owned winery that is the embodiment of the charm and quality of boutique wineries in the Yarra Valley. They produce small-batch wines with an artisan approach and are proud to make wines that reflect the terroir of the valley. Their wines are often limited-release, so you can taste wines that you can’t find anywhere else.
Award-winning vineyard with stunning views of the valley, perfect for sitting and enjoying a glass of wine. Levantine Hill’s wine tastings are very personal, and the cellar door is an intimate space where you can taste complex wines and learn about the story behind each wine. A visit here is to experience wines that showcase the best of small winemaking in Yarra Valley.
Domaine Chandon – Vineyard Walk and Tasting
A pioneer of sparkling wine in Australia, Domaine Chandon offers an immersive and educational experience beyond wine tasting. Founded by the French Champagne house Moët & Chandon, this iconic winery is a must-do on any Yarra Valley wine tour. The vineyard tours here will teach you about the history and techniques behind their sparkling wines, which are made using the same methods as in France.
Domaine Chandon’s beautiful valley setting is the perfect place to spend an afternoon of wine tasting in Yarra Valley. Guests can tour the winemaking process, taste in the Cellar Bar and relax with a glass of bubbles on the patio. If you want to learn about the art of sparkling wine, Domaine Chandon is a must-visit, as well as knowledge and scenery.
Book Your Cellar Door Tour in Yarra Valley
To have a stress free Yarra Valley cellar door tour planning is everything. Just a short trip from Melbourne Yarra Valley is perfect for day trips and weekend getaways, wine tours from Melbourne offer the convenience. Visitors can choose from guided tours that include transport, wine tastings and even gourmet meals.
There are many gourmet restaurants and wine bars throughout the valley where you can have meals that match perfectly with local wines, from antipasto platters to full-course menus. For a unique and cozy experience, the lounge bars offer a comfortable setting where you can sit back and enjoy the vineyard views. Booking with a travel agent will give you access to the best cellar doors, a relaxed itinerary and any extra services you may need for a memorable experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a wine buff or a curious traveller the top cellar doors in Yarra Valley have something for everyone. From organic wineries to boutique cellars to historic wineries Yarra Valley has the Australian wine experience in a beautiful setting. Book through us and we’ll help you visit the best cellar doors, views and experiences in Yarra Valley.
FAQ
What is a cellar door?
A cellar door experience allows you to taste and buy wines directly from the winery’s tasting room, the cellar door. In Yarra Valley, cellar doors are very popular because you can try many wines from one of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions. Many cellar doors also offer information on the winemaking process, wine and food pairing and guided tastings by knowledgeable staff, so it’s a full-on wine experience.
What wines are Yarra Valley famous for?
Yarra Valley is famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir because of the cool climate but it’s also well known for sparkling wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Merlot. Each winery has their own interpretation of these wines so you’ll find a lot of variety across cellar doors.
Are there eco-friendly and organic wineries in Yarra Valley?
Yes, several wineries in Yarra Valley, like Oakridge Wines, focus on sustainable and organic winemaking practices. These eco-friendly cellar doors prioritize environmental responsibility through organic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, and other sustainable practices. For travellers who value sustainability, visiting these wineries offers a chance to enjoy great wines while supporting eco-conscious producers.
Can I do a day trip to Yarra Valley wineries from Melbourne?
Yes! Yarra Valley is only an hour from Melbourne, so it’s a perfect day trip. Many companies offer Yarra Valley winery tours from Melbourne that include return transport, wine tastings and sometimes lunch. For a more relaxed experience, book with a travel agent who can help you plan the best cellar door stops and arrange transport.
What else do I do besides wine tasting?
Besides wine tasting, Yarra Valley has plenty more to offer. You can visit Yarra Valley Dairy for cheese tastings, Coldstream Brewery for a brewery tour, take a vineyard walk or enjoy the views from the nearby Dandenong Ranges. For art lovers, some wineries have art installations, and for foodies, seasonal menus are available at winery restaurants, so Yarra Valley is the perfect destination for a full day of variety.