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 10 wineries in the region, which is home to over 80 unique cellar doors.
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 864 Cabernet Sauvignon? It typically 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 once the home of world-famous soprano Dame Nellie Melba. It is 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 wines.
The restaurant is located within the motor 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 Estate Rosé is one of the standout wines at this winery. It tastes dry, savory, and spicy, with notes of wild raspberry 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 Rosé.
The vineyard was established in 1998 and is built on a north-facing slope, which protects it from excessive 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 and 2-year-old cheddar.
Editor’s Note: The winery is known for its unique Merlot Rosé, which you definitely need to try if you’re a fan of Merlot and rosé 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. Run by the 10th generation of a winemaking dynasty, the winery’s cellar door is a modern and stylish building nestled against luscious rolling vineyards.
Dominique Portet Winery offers tastings, tours of the barrel room and the estate, as well as a calendar full of social and food events. The welcoming bistro also serves a range of delicious dishes that you can enjoy alongside your wine.
If you need a venue for private events, the winery has space for small and large gatherings. They also have wine club subscriptions that come with exclusive deals and perks.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a wine that’s a little different, opt for the highly-acclaimed Brut Rosé. It’s a sparkling wine made using the méthode traditionnelle, resulting in a light, fresh profile.
Domaine Chandon Winery: French-style Wines and Dishes
- Address: 727 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Victoria 3770
- 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 rosé 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. The seasonal menu offers an assortment of scrumptious food with a French twist, such as Chardonnay cured ocean trout and seared scallops.
Editor’s Note: The Chandon Garden Spritz is a unique beverage that’s made with a blend of outstanding sparkling wine and bitters. 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 with a saltwater pool.
Yering Farm Wines is also a popular place for wedding ceremonies, with its majestic setting and delightful converted hay barn.
Editor’s Note: For a refreshing beverage, try the ‘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 a legendary 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 like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The cellar door is filled with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 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 is also known for their luxurious Italian-style food at the on-site restaurant. From delectable wild mushroom risotto to tantalizing duck tortellini, each dish is inspired by family recipes and fresh local produce.
Editor’s Note: De Bortoli is world-famous for its “Noble One” Botrytis Semillon, but you should also try their single-vineyard Pinot Noirs on your visit.
TarraWarra Estate: Art and Architecture
- 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 kitchen garden.
One unique aspect of this estate is the TarraWarra Museum of Art located right on the grounds, making it a perfect destination for lovers of both fine wine and contemporary art.
Editor’s Note: In the warmer months, the winery offers fantastic picnic hampers. If the weather’s sunny, why not pick up one and treat yourself to a luxurious lunch on their sprawling lawn?
Soumah Wines: Northern Italian Inspiration
- Address: 18 Hexan Road, Gruyere, Victoria 3770
- Website: https://soumah.com.au/
- Contact Number: +61 (03)-5962-4716
- Operating Hours: 10am-5pm daily (Trattoria hours may vary)
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.
The winery focuses on northern Italian-style wines like Savarro, Pinot Grigio, and Brachetto. You can enjoy the estate’s wines and food menu in the “Ai Fiori Trattoria” overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard.
Tastings are primarily done in the wine room and cost around $20 per person. You’ll be treated to exclusive samples of reserve quality and limited production wines.
Editor’s Note: The Single Vineyard Savarro is sublime. It has a textured citrus palate with chalky mineral notes, alongside a spicy finish.
Helen & Joey Estate: Re’em Experience
- 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 stunning 200-acre winery that has recently expanded to include the magnificent “Re’em” restaurant and boutique hotel. They grow a variety of cool-climate grapes including Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
There is a cozy cellar door and a large outdoor deck where you can sit and enjoy the winery’s many wines. With the addition of Re’em, guests can now enjoy an elevated dining experience and overnight stays right in the heart of the estate.
Editor’s Note: The Inara Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic representative of the estate’s commitment to balanced, fruit-driven flavors.
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 and Winc are fantastic alternatives for sampling wine at home.