As Victoria’s oldest wine region, Yarra Valley is renowned for its world-class wineries. Its rich viticulture history, charming scenery and wildlife, and huge variety of top-notch breweries and restaurants make it an excellent place to visit with friends, family, or that special someone.
If you’re thinking of heading down to Yarra Valley to indulge in some delectable wines, here are the top 10 best wineries in Yarra Valley that you need to stop by.
What Wine Is Yarra Valley Known For?
Yarra Valley is considered the birthplace of Victoria’s wine industry, with a viticulture history that dates back to 1838 when vines were first planted in the area. Viticulture rose in popularity through the 1860s and 1870s, but a high demand for fortified wine halted Yarra Valley’s wine production in 1921.
In the late 1960s, vines were replanted and Yarra Valley was recognized as one of Australia’s most prominent cool climate regions, which makes it ideal for growing wines of a huge range of varieties.
Although the region is capable of producing a wide variety of wines, some of the most renowned wines in Yarra Valley are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and both still and sparkling rosés.
Top 10 Best Wineries in Yarra Valley
Now that you know what wines are most popular in Yarra Valley, let’s dive straight into the top wineries in the region.
Best Wineries in Yarra Valley Map:
Oakridge Wines: Award-winning Wines
- Address: 864 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://www.oakridgewines.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-9738-9900
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Oakridge Wines is one of the most notable wineries in Yarra Valley, boasting exquisite wine and luxurious food. The winery is family-run and was first founded in 1978. Since then, its award-winning wine is stocked in many stores, restaurants, and even online.
There are three seated wine tasting experiences to choose from, including a Chardonnay Masterclass, 864 Single Block Flight, and The Oakridge Experience. Bookings are essential, so be sure to reserve a spot ahead of time.
Once you’ve checked out the winery’s extensive and delicious wine list, you can enjoy a hearty meal at Oakridge’s celebrated restaurant. Oakridge only uses Australian native ingredients, and the menu showcases some of the best produce in Yarra Valley.
Events like dinner parties, wine celebrations, and even a Fireside Festival take place regularly at Oakridge Wines, so there’s always something exciting happening. Alternatively, if you’d rather arrange a private event, the winery can accommodate functions like weddings, birthday parties, and bridal showers.
If you want to experience the delights of Oakridge at home, you can sign up for one of the winery’s exclusive clubs which includes various perks and delicious wines shipped straight to your house.
Editor’s Note: For a truly luxurious beverage, why not grab a bottle of the winery’s award-winning 2018 864 Cabernet Sauvignon? It has deep floral and dark fruit notes with flavors of cassis and black plum for a spicy and acidic finish.
Coombe Yarra Valley: Charming Garden Tours
- Address: 673-675 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://coombeyarravalley.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-9739-0173
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday
Next up is the stunning Coombe Yarra Valley winery, a stunning estate filled with expansive gardens and beautiful buildings, including a restored clock tower and motor house.
It offers wine tastings, dining, tours of the enchanting gardens, and facilities for weddings and private events. The cellar door stocks a wide range of wines, which can be enjoyed via samples or by the glass or bottle.
Standard tastings cost $10 per person but are complimentary if you’re a Melba Estate Club member. The wine club offers various subscription packages and includes perks like discounts, members-only events, and first access to new release and black vintage wines.
The restaurant is located within the motor and house and clock tower, providing a charming setting with views of the courtyard and gardens. Many of the dishes offered at the winery contain estate-grown produce for freshness and exquisite taste.
Editor’s Note: Made from estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes, the 2019 Estate Rose is one of the standout wines at this winery. It tastes dry, savory, and spicy, with notes of wild raspberry, candied strawberry, and rose petals.
Yileena Park: Unique Merlot Rose Wine
- Address: 227 Steels Creek Rd, Yarra Glen, Victoria 3775
- Website: https://yileenapark.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-9730-1977
- Operating Hours: 11am-5pm daily
Another world-class winery in Yarra Valley is Yileena Park, specializing in aged red wines, French-oak smoked produce, as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Merlot Rose.
The vineyard was established in 1998 and is built on a north-facing slope, which protects it from heat. With shallow grey loam soil combined with a rock-studded clay base, the land is ideal for growing premium grapes.
The cellar door offers an assortment of wines, including an exclusive Museum wine range. The winery offers a personalized wine tasting experience, alongside a tasting plate of sumptuous French-oaked food items like smoked Stilton blue cheese, 2-year-old cheddar, kalamata olives, and cold meats.
Editor’s Note: The winery is known for its unique Merlot Rose, which you definitely need to try if you’re a fan of Merlot and rose wines.
Dominique Portet Winery: Terrific Tours
- Address: 870-872 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://www.dominiqueportet.com/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-5962-5760
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Founded in 2000, Dominique Portet Winery crafts a variety of wines and foods that exude quality. Nestled against the luscious rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley, the winery’s cellar door is a modern and stylish building.
Dominique Portet Winery offers tastings, tours of the barrel room and the estate, as well as a calendar full of social, food, and wine events throughout the year. The welcoming bistro also serves a range of delicious dishes that you can enjoy alongside your wine.
If you need a venue for functions and private events, the winery will be happy to accommodate you. The cellar door has plenty of space for up to 40 guests, so it’s ideal for small and large gatherings.
Dominique Portet Winery has a couple of wine club subscriptions, both of which come with exclusive deals and perks, as well as plenty of the winery’s remarkable wine.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a wine that’s a little different, opt for the highly-acclaimed Brut Rose. It’s a sparkling rose wine that’s light, fresh, with balanced sweetness and acidity.
Domaine Chandon Winery: French-style Wines and Dishes
- Address: 727 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Victoria
- Website: https://www.chandon.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-9738-9200
- Operating Hours: 11am-4:30pm Thursday to Monday
Domaine Chandon Winery is a great place to visit in Yarra Valley for a French-inspired wining and dining experience. It has a well-presented lounge bar and restaurant, as well as striking scenery outside.
There are a few different tasting options, including rose tasting and vintage tasting, allowing you to sample wines of all varieties. Alongside tasting experiences, the winery offers self-guided tours so you can learn more about the winery’s history and wine production at your own pace.
The restaurant has a 270-degree view of the gorgeous estate so you can enjoy your meal in a peaceful atmosphere, but there’s also an outdoor terrace that’s perfect in warm weather. The seasonal menu offers an assortment of scrumptious food with a French twist, such as Chardonnay cured ocean trout and seared shark bay scallops.
The winery has two wine club subscriptions for those who want to enjoy the delicious beverages at Domaine Chandon right at home. Each option comes with plenty of benefits like discounts and members-only events.
Editor’s Note: The Chandon Garden Blitz is a unique beverage that’s made with a blend of outstanding sparkling wine and bitters. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything like it elsewhere. It’s crafted with navel and blood orange and macerated with herbs, spices, and dried orange peels.
Yering Farm Wines: Idyllic Wedding Venue
- Address: 19-21 St. Huberts Road, Yering, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://www.yeringfarmwines.com/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-9739-0461
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm daily
In the heart of Yarra Valley is the idyllic Yering Farm Wines, a small single-estate winery and orchard. It was established in 1989 and produces an assortment of top-notch wines and ciders. All of the wines and ciders are made with the utmost care and of the highest quality.
The tasting room has a rustic feel to it and is located next to the lambing nursery and orchard on the farm. The aged wooden bar adds to its rural charm, creating an atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
Outside, there is a huge cypress tree, majestic views, and a veranda so you can savor the flavor of the winery’s delicious wines while basking in the breathtaking scenery.
If you want to stay a couple of nights, the winery has an elegant farmstead called The George, a self-contained farmhouse. It has everything you need for a relaxing retreat and even has a heated spa and an inground solar saltwater pool.
Yering Farm Wines is also the perfect place for wedding ceremonies and receptions, with its majestic setting and delightful converted hay barn.
Lastly, the winery has a wine club so you can get outstanding wines sent straight to your door.
Editor’s Note: For a refreshing beverage, try the 2020 ‘Run Rabbit Run’ Sauvignon Blanc, with tasting notes of melon, peach, and lemon cream.
De Bortoli Wines: Italian-style Winery
- Address: 58 Pinnacle Ln, Dixons Creek, Victoria 3775
- Website: https://www.debortoli.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-5965-2771
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm daily
De Bortoli Wines is an Italian-style winery that was first founded in 1928. The Yarra Valley estate was purchased in 1987 and was chosen for its cool-climate region, which is ideal for growing high-quality grapes.
The cellar door is filled with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the winery’s wonderful hospitality will make you feel right at home. You can choose from an array of wine tasting options, including a cheese and wine flight, estate vineyard tasting, and private gourmet tastings.
De Bortoli Wines are also known for their luxurious Italian-style food made from fresh local produce. From delectable wild mushroom risotto to tantalizing Milawa duck tortellini, each dish is sure to delight and inspire you.
The beautiful scenery and 100-seat restaurant are also perfect for weddings and private functions. There are various packages to choose from, including one that offers catering.
If you want to experience what De Bortoli Wines has to offer at home, there are various wine club subscriptions too.
Editor’s Note: De Bortoli Wines is known best for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, so you should try one of their many varieties of these wines on your visit.
TarraWarra Estate: Beautiful Grounds
- Address: 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Yarra Glen, Victoria 3775
- Website: https://tarrawarra.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-5957-3510
- Operating Hours: 11am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
TarraWarra Estate is respected and well-known for its marvelous wines, scrumptious food, and breathtaking grounds. The cellar door at the winery is open Tuesday to Sunday and offers wine by the flight, glass, and bottle.
There are few different tasting options to choose from, including an express tasting experience and self-guided tasting. If you’re feeling hungry, the winery crafts some delicious dishes using produce grown from the estate’s ¼-acre kitchen garden.
If you want to try an assortment of TarraWarra Estate wines at home, the winery has an exclusive wine club that you can subscribe to. Alongside quarterly wine deliveries, you’ll also receive perks like a 20% discount on all wines and complimentary wine tastings.
The winery is also able to accommodate wedding receptions and other private events. Its phenomenal views and setting will make your special day feel even more special.
Editor’s Note: In the warmer months, the winery offers fantastic picnic hampers that contain an array of delicious food items that pair well with wine. If the weather’s sunny, why not pick up one and treat yourself to a luxurious lunch outside?
Soumah Wines: Spectacular Savarro
- Address: 18 Hexan Road, Gruyere, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://soumah.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-5962-4716
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm Friday & Saturday (April through October)
Soumah Wines is nestled in the heart of Yarra Valley but has a charming Italian atmosphere to it. It has won awards for many of its wines, including the sublime Savarro, which won trophies at the 2011 and 2012 Federation Square Wine Showcase.
The winery focuses on northern Italian-style wines like Savvaro, Pinot Grigio, Brachetto, as well as others like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You can enjoy the estate’s wines and food menu in the cellar door in the trattoria overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard.
Tastings are primarily done in the wine room and cost $20 per person. You’ll be treated to 6 exclusive samples of reserve quality, limited production, and museum-release wines.
Soumah Wines hosts a range of events throughout the year like wine masterclasses, but they are also available to host private and corporate events.
Additionally, if you want discounts and priority access to first releases and mediums, the winery has a wine club that’s completely free to join.
Editor’s Note: The 2019 Single Vineyard Savarro is sublime. It has a textured lemon and lime palate with chalky mineral notes, alongside a spicy and mildly acidic finish.
Helen & Joey Estate: Expansive Grounds
- Address: 12-14 Spring Ln, Gruyere, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://helenandjoeyestate.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 452-240-616
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Located in the Yarra, Helen & Joey Estate is a 200-acre winery that produces a variety of wines with passion and a careful eye for attention. They currently grow Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.
There is a cozy cellar door and a large outdoor deck where you can sit and enjoy the winery’s many wines. Helen & Joey Estate also offer a few tasty snacks, including cheese and charcuterie boards, and various sweet treats.
Editor’s Note: The 2018 Inara Cabernet Sauvignon is sublime at this winery, packed with fruity and herby flavor.
Final Thoughts
Yarra Valley is a magnificent region for wine and is a must-visit for both casual and experienced wine drinkers. Its cool climate is ideal for many grape varieties, so you’ll find a lot of different types of wines in the region.
All of the wineries above are a great place to visit when you’re in Yarra Valley. But if you can’t get down to them personally, online wine clubs like Firstleaf, Bright Cellars, and Winc are all fantastic alternatives for sampling mouthwatering wine at home.