The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most renowned wine regions and home to many small boutique wineries offering premium wine experiences. While the big well, known wineries like Chandon Australia get the crowds, the valley’s small family-owned wineries offer a more personal experience to learn about winemaking. These guys are known for their handcrafted wines and great cellar-door experiences and views. From sipping a glass of wine over the mountains to dining at a hatted restaurant, the small wineries of the Yarra Valley have something for every wine lover. Let’s take a look at ten of the best small wineries in this beautiful region.
The Small Winery Charm
Small wineries in the Yarra Valley have a charm that the big wineries don’t. These boutique winemakers focus on quality, not quantity, producing limited-release and premium wines that truly show the region’s character. You can often meet the winemakers themselves and learn about the handcrafted process that goes into their wines. The cellar doors are usually set in beautiful settings so you can relax and enjoy not only great wines but also great food and views of the vineyards. Many of these wineries also have hatted restaurants, seasonal menus and local produce, so it’s a full-on experience.
Seville Hill
Seville Hill is a secret hideaway on the southern edge of the Yarra Valley. This family owned winery is known for its cool climate Pinot Noir and méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, made with a handmade approach. The cellar door experience at Seville Hill is enhanced by the views of the vineyards and mountains. On weekends you can enjoy live jazz while sipping on a glass of wine, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Payne’s Rise
With a rich history, Payne’s Rise combines its cultural heritage with modern wine styles. Located on the original homestead of the Payne family, this eponymous winery offers a real and intimate cellar door experience. You can explore the historic buildings and taste their award winning wines including reds and sparkling. The winery’s garden terrace with views of the winery is the perfect spot to enjoy an antipasto platter with one of their best wines.
Seville Estate
An award-winning winery in the cool climate of Yarra Valley, Seville Estate is known for its complex wines and premium wine styles. Established in 1972, this historic winery produces top-shelf wines, especially its Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cellar door is set in the winery overlooking the vineyards and beyond. If you want to indulge, the on-site hatted restaurant has a seasonal menu that matches perfectly with its premium wines.
Soumah of Yarra Valley
Soumah of Yarra Valley is the only winery in the Yarra Valley that produces Nebbiolo and Savarro. The Italian inspired cellar door has wine tastings of their range and Italian food. You can lunch on the garden terrace surrounded by the gardens and vineyard views. Soumah is a visitor favourite.
Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar
In the heart of Healesville, Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar is small batch, sustainable winemaking. This family run winery produces a range of hand made premium wines that showcase the fruit and the land. The cellar bar is a relaxed space to taste a range of wines including Pinot Noir and méthode traditionnelle sparkling. Jayden Ong’s love of complex wines makes this a must see for serious wine lovers.
Boat O'Craigo Wines
Boat O’Craigo Wines in Healesville produces some of the best cool climate wines in the region. Family-owned with two vineyard sites, they can grow a range of grape varieties. The cellar door is a cozy space to taste wines with a mini prosciutto roll or a selection from their restaurant menu. The views of the mountains and the wines make Boat O’Craigo a must see.
Yering Farm Wines
Yering Farm Wines in a restored hay shed is the real deal; it is a family-owned winery. The cellar door with wine barrels and rustic decor has wine tastings of their handmade wines, including a dessert wine. Small batch production and estate-grown fruit mean the wines showcase the Yarra Valley terroir. The views and warmth of the winery make Yering Farm a lovely spot to spend an afternoon.
Steels Gate
In the hills of Dixons Creek, Steels Gate Wines has a cellar door with views of the Yarra Valley. Family-owned and operated, they make hand-crafted wines using sustainable viticulture. Taste a range of wines, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, from the cellar door. One of the closest to the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region.
Tokar Estate Winery
Tokar Estate, Mediterranean wines and family-friendly, hand-made premium wines. Award-winning restaurant with a menu showcasing local produce. Winery lunch spot. Panoramic views of the vineyard while you taste your Tempranillo and other varieties. Tokar Estate has good wines, good food, and good spots.
Mandala Wines
Dixons Creek. The family-owned winery produces good wine and has good wine experiences. Cellar door with sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Hatted restaurant on site with seasonal produce and creative food. It has a beautiful setting and good wines, and it is one of the Yarra Valley’s best wineries.
FAQ
What is a cellar door?
A cellar door is where you visit a winery and taste and buy their wines direct from the source. Often includes meeting the winemakers, touring the vineyard and learning about the winemaking process.
Best small wineries in the Yarra Valley?
Seville Hill, Payne’s Rise, Seville Estate, Soumah of Yarra Valley. Good wines, nice spots, wine tasting.
Can I eat at these wineries?
Yes, many small wineries have food, from little snacks like prosciutto rolls and antipasto platters to hatted restaurants. Always best to check ahead.
How do I get to these wineries?
The best way to visit the Yarra Valley wineries is by car or with a guided wine tour, like Wine Compass. This gives you flexibility and ease to visit multiple wineries in one day. There is some public transport, but it is limited.
What else to do in the Yarra Valley?
Beyond wine tasting. Alowyn Gardens, Healesville Sanctuary, Hubert Gallery of Art. Picnic weekend or cultural attractions.
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