The Yarra Valley is Victoria’s wine region and a must-see for cool climate wines, farm fresh produce and stunning scenery. From rolling hills to seasonal produce and food heaven, it’s the place to experience the best of Victoria. The valley has everything from wine tastings to artisan cheeses so it’s a favourite for those looking to relax, indulge and get adventurous.
A Wine Lovers Paradise
Wine is what the Yarra Valley is all about. One of Australia’s top cool climate wine regions it’s home to many award-winning wineries producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines. The vineyards with rolling hills and mountain ranges as a backdrop are a beautiful setting to taste some of the country’s best. Whether you’re a beginner or a connoisseur the Yarra Valley wine scene is unbeatable.
Wineries to Visit
No trip to the Yarra Valley would be complete without visiting its cellar doors. Domaine Chandon, on beautiful grounds, is one of the most well-known wineries in the region and has sparkling wines and vineyard views. Punt Road Winery, with its handcrafted wines, is another must-see where you can taste the region’s terroir. For secret winery gems, Jayden Ong Winery and Hubert Estate are the perfect places for a more intimate cellar door experience. Both have staff on hand to guide you through their wines.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in the Yarra Valley is more than just a glass of wine. Many wineries offer wine tours where you can walk through the vineyards, visit the wine centre and see the winemaking process from grape to glass. The cellar doors here are for every palate, whether you’re tasting at Oakridge Wines with its food pairings or Yarra Glen, a pretty town with several cellar doors within walking distance. Many wineries also host events and wine tours so the valley is a wine heaven.
Food and Local Produce
As well as wineries the Yarra Valley is a foodies’ heaven. Many of the region’s restaurants and cafes use local produce. Farm-to-table is good for the community and gives visitors a true taste of the region’s food diversity, from fresh veggies to artisan cheeses and handmade treats.
Farm-to-table and Local Produce
Beyond the wineries, the Yarra Valley is a foodie’s heaven. Many of the restaurants and cafes in the region source their ingredients from local farms. This farm-to-table philosophy not only supports the local community but gives visitors a true taste of the region’s diversity, from fresh veggies to artisan cheeses and handmade goodies.
Fresh Produce Markets
You can find the freshest seasonal produce at the Yarra Valley’s many farm gates and farmers markets. At the Yarra Glen Farmers Market, you can meet the growers, sample artisan dairy and buy handmade goodies like Black Truffles from Truffle Valley. Hurstbridge Market is another favourite with a wide range of stalls selling fresh fruits, veggies and artisanal cheeses, including Crow Cheese Company.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants
The valley’s food scene is boosted by restaurants that source locally and deliver great dining. Oakridge Wines is renowned for food and food matching, Dominique Portet for vineyard views and dining and Valley Farms for farm fresh produce and cheese experiences. For a special foodie experience visit Hubert Gallery of Art where art and food meet in a beautiful space.
Chocolateries and Distilleries
Yarra Valley isn’t just about wine and food – it’s also about sweet indulgences and artisan spirits. Chocolate and spirit lovers will love it.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
A must for any sweet tooth. Located in the midst of the rolling green hills the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery offers handmade chocolates, decadent ice creams and sweet treats. Free chocolate tastings, chocolate-making workshops and outdoor seating areas to sit and relax.
Distilleries and Breweries
For something with a bit of a kick, the Yarra Valley has several distilleries and breweries that produce unique spirits and beers. Four Pillars Gin Distillery is famous for its award-winning gins and offers tastings and tours and the Coldstream Brewery has locally brewed craft beers in a casual setting.
Scenic Drives and Outdoor Adventures
Yarra Valley is a nature lover’s heaven. Scenic drives meander through the landscape, past vineyards, forests and mountains. Stop at the lookouts or just enjoy the open road.
Hiking and Walking Trails
The valley’s walking trails are for those who want to get amongst it. Mountain Ash forests, native animals and freshwater fish can be found on trails like the Warburton Rail Trail and the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, both with great views and an opportunity to get back to nature. Healesville Sanctuary is leading the way in wildlife conservation.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Go big with hot air balloon rides over the Yarra Valley. Flying over the vineyards at sunrise with a glass in hand is a must-do.
Art and Culture in Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is not just for food and wine but also an arts and culture hub. There are many galleries and cultural centres to see local artists at work.
Galleries
Local galleries showcase the region’s talent with a mix of contemporary and traditional works. TarraWarra Museum of Art is one of them with an amazing collection of Australian art in a beautiful modern space surrounded by vineyards.
Festivals
With so many food and wine festivals on the calendar, Yarra Valley is the place to be. The Grape Grazing Festival at Yarra Glen Racecourse is the highlight of the year, with wine tastings, live music and food from local suppliers. Special events at Domaine Chandon, Oakridge Wines and other wineries are for foodies and wine enthusiasts everywhere. These are celebrations of the region and its wine and its food and drink.
Wildlife and Conservation
Yarra Valley is home to a variety of wildlife and several conservation projects. Visit and get up close to native animals and find out about the region’s conservation.
Healesville Sanctuary
Wildlife lovers will love Healesville Sanctuary where you can get amongst Australia’s wildlife, koalas, kangaroos and wombats. This world-renowned sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and care of native species and is where you can learn about the region’s wildlife in a natural environment.
Conservation Projects
Many of the Yarra Valley’s wineries and businesses are involved in conservation projects to protect the region’s natural environment and biodiversity. Organic farming and habitat restoration are part of these efforts to keep the region beautiful for future generations.
FAQ
When to visit for wine tastings?
Yarra Valley is open all year but autumn (March to May) is the best time to visit as the vineyards look their best and many wineries have events on.
Family-friendly?
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Healesville Sanctuary and Jay Berries Farm are great places to get the kids out and about and into the sweet stuff.
What wines does Yarra Valley produce?
Cool climate wines, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling. Crisp and varied, a wine lovers paradise.
Can I walk or bike to Yarra Valley?
Yarra Valley has many walking and bike trails and paths like the Warburton Rail Trail where you can get amongst it.
Eco lodges?
Eco lodges where you can be luxurious and green.
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