While enjoying the best restaurants and bars in Melbourne, you will undoubtedly stumble upon some delicious Australian wines. Wine producers are spread far and wide across the country, and in Melbourne we are blessed with two key regions right on our doorstep—the Yarra Valley to the east and the Mornington Peninsula to the south. Both are accessible as day trips, although excellent accommodations are available at each if you want to relax at the end of a hard day’s sipping.
The Yarra Valley
Take a look eastwards from the Sky Deck at Eureka Tower in downtown Melbourne, and on a clear day you can see the Yarra Valley. Its proximity to the city has made it a favorite playground full of wine tasting, gourmet food and boutique accommodation for Melburnians seeking a quick and easy escape from the city. One of the prettiest times to go is in the fall, but the wineries and restaurants are open year-round.
Yarra Valley Wineries and Wines
From quite humble beginnings, the scale and variety of wines on offer in the Yarra Valley have seen enormous growth in recent years. Today, 85 wineries cover more than 9,000 acres under vine. Classified as a cool climate, the region’s white wine specialties include pinot gris, semillon, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. When it comes to red, the Yarra Valley is famous for pinot noir, among other offerings.
With so much to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong at any Yarra Valley winery, but here are some not to be missed:
De Bortoli Wines is known for consistency across all of its wines. It is one of the valley’s largest vineyards, yet has retained focus and quality throughout. www.debortoli.com.au
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The Yarra Valley is known for producing high-quality pinot noirs, chardonnays and sparkling wines, thanks to its cool climate.
Peter Dunphy/Tourism Victoria
Yering Station, Victoria’s oldest winery, also hosts a Farmers’ Market on the third Sunday of every month. Its 2004 Fortified Shiraz is highly prized. www.yering.com
As the Australian arm of Moët & Chandon, Domaine Chandon focuses on sparkling wines, though its reds and whites are equally impressive. www.domainechandon.com.au
Offering two brands under one roof, Innocent Bystander and Giant Steps have a sparkling new cellar door in Healesville proper to bring their terrific boutique range to town. www.innocentbystander.com.au
Rochford Wines’ comprehensive list of whites and reds shouldn’t be missed. It also hosts concerts and an outdoor cinema if the wine isn’t entertaining enough. www.rochfordwines.com.au
General Info & Getting There
In the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula wine regions, advance bookings are not required, and tastings are generally free. A very small number of vineyards ask for a $5 or $10 tasting fee, but this is always redeemable against purchases made.
Hours vary depending on the winery and the season, so check Web sites, or call, before visiting.
Self-drive is a terrific option for obvious reasons—you can pick and choose where and when you stop. All car rental companies can provide maps and directions to the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula. Prices begin at around AUD$40 (US$26) per day for a compact vehicle.
Guided tours take all the hassle out of driving so you can focus on wine tasting, eating and enjoying the scenery.
A relative newcomer, Sticks, offers delicious and well-priced wines. Its pinot noir is a worthy award-winner. www.sticks.com.au
Yarra Valley Guided Tours
Yarra Valley Winery Tours offers a range of options, including private tours. Central Business District (CBD) pick-up and drop-off, tastings at five wineries and lunch at the award-winning De Bortoli Winery are included in its daily public tour (AUD$127; US$84). You can add overnight accommodation and other options, too.
Australian Wine Tour Co. offers tours in groups of up to 20 people for AUD$98 (US$65) per person. CBD pick-up and drop-off, tastings at four wineries, lunch at Rochford Wines and a glass of Australia’s best sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon completes the day.
A Tour With Taste tailors the day to your specifications. Visit a selection of boutique wineries at your own discretion with expert guidance. Pricing varies according to itinerary.
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Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley features four luxurious suites.
Courtesy of Chateau Yering
Where to Stay—Yarra Valley
At Balgownie Estate, enjoy luxury rooms, magnificent views and superb spa and dining options. Make your stay extra special with a hot air balloon ride over the valley at dawn. Accommodation starts at AUD$140 (US$92) per night for a studio room. www.balgownieestate.com.au
The magnificent, heritage-listed Chateau Yering offers luxury and period features in exquisite suites. With fine dining and facilities to match, bed and breakfast rates begin at AUD$545 (US$359) per night. www.chateauyering.com.au
Just minutes from the township of Healesville, Harvest Farm sits on 44 acres of property. Owned and operated by the nearby Healesville Hotel, the secluded farmhouse on the property is surrounded by a private garden of oaks, roses and rhododendrons. Breakfast is provided and dinner at the award-winning Healesville Hotel should not be missed. Prices start at AUD$220 (US$145) per night. www.harvestfarm.com.au
Next: Mornington Peninsula
Comments
1 Comments on this article | read all commentsby Donna on February 27, 2009
Post-Fire Update The article “Tourists Needed to Fan Economic Embers” in today’s “The Age” newspaper gives an update on the Yarra Valley region and how most of it was not affected by the devastating fires earlier this month. http://www.theage.com.au/national/tourists-needed-to-fan-economic-embers-20090227-8kdj.html?page=-1 Also noted in the piece: Last night, the celebrated De Bortoli winery and restaurant (recommended in our article) won the Australian Tourism award for best tourist winery. Congratulations!