Looking for a weekend escape? At just over an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers the ultimate wine country adventure. With an array of destinations ranging from wine industry icons to boutique, family-owned cellar doors, the region has every itinerary covered. In fact, the most difficult part will likely be choosing where to go, so we've picked some of our favourites to help inspire your next adventure to Victoria's oldest slice of wine country.
Day One: Medhurst Wines
Your first stop is to Medhurst Wines, a family owned winery, located in a bushland setting overlooking the Yarra Valley. Owners Ross and Robyn Wilson's passion is to ensure their wines are a true reflection of place and season. A Halliday five red star-rated winery, the estate’s low cropped vines are handpicked to enable the Medhurst crew to produce outstanding, classic cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Their signature rosé is also recognised as one of the best in Australia and won The Best Rosé at the Langton’s 2021 Yarra Valley Wine Show.
At the cellar door, settle in for a tasting while soaking in the picturesque views of the Yarra Valley and estate grounds. After that, make sure you've reserved a seat for lunch, with the restaurant offering the choice of a set menu or a grazing box and recently received a 14.5 rating from The Age Good Food Guide. The menu continues the Wilson's drive for locality, designed to complement the wines and utilises homegrown, fresh, local produce.
Day Two: Yarra Yering
Your second day kicks off with a visit to Yarra Yering. Located in the house of founder Dr Bailey Carrodus, the tasting room is nestled among the vines of the estate. Enjoy a tasting of some of Australia's most awarded and collected from the knowledgeable Yarra Yering team, while taking in the cellar door's picturesque scenery.
Day Two: Oakridge Wines
Before heading home, be sure to pop in to the Oakridge Wines cellar door. Take your pick from a range of structured tasting experiences which showcases the diverse, and elegant Oakridge portfolio. If you've got time for lunch, be sure to book into the estate restaurant which works with seasonal, sustainably farmed produce from the estate and surrounding region.
