Just an hour northeast of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest and most celebrated wine region — a lush landscape of rolling hills, 300 vineyards and 160 wineries producing some of Australia's finest cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. Beyond the cellar doors, the valley offers exceptional vineyard restaurants, artisan food producers, wildlife encounters at Healesville Sanctuary, hot air ballooning and the dramatic fern gullies of Yarra Ranges National Park. This guide covers the must-visit wineries, best dining, and everything you need to plan your Yarra Valley trip in 2026.
Must-Visit Wineries & Cellar Doors
Domaine Chandon
SparklingViewsRestaurantAustralia's premier sparkling wine house, established by Moët & Chandon. The contemporary cellar door offers guided tastings of méthode traditionnelle sparkling alongside still wines. The terrace restaurant overlooks manicured vineyards and the Yarra Ranges — one of the valley's most scenic lunch settings. Behind-the-scenes winery tours available by appointment.
Open: Daily 10:30am–4:30pm · Tip: Book a terrace table for lunch with panoramic views
De Bortoli Estate
Pinot NoirCheese RoomFamilyOne of the valley's most beloved estates, famous for award-winning Pinot Noir and the outstanding cheese room offering local and international artisan cheeses perfectly paired with De Bortoli wines. The restaurant serves seasonal, produce-driven cuisine with vineyard views. A favourite stop on every Yarra Valley tour.
Open: Daily · Tip: The wine and cheese pairing is a must — a highlight of any Yarra Valley day
Yering Station
Est. 1838HistoricFine DiningVictoria's first vineyard, planted in 1838. The striking modern cellar door sits alongside the original 1850s winery building. Premium wine tastings span the full range from the approachable Village series to single-vineyard Reserves. The restaurant offers sophisticated vineyard dining, and kangaroos are regularly spotted grazing on the property at dusk.
TarraWarra Estate
Pinot NoirArt MuseumBoutique estate renowned for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, set in an architecturally striking building that also houses the TarraWarra Museum of Art — one of Australia's finest private contemporary art galleries. Wine and art combined in a single visit — a uniquely Yarra Valley experience.
Oakridge Wines
Single VineyardRestaurantConsistently rated among Australia's top producers for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The cellar door offers comprehensive tastings including single-vineyard expressions that showcase the valley's diverse terroir. The award-winning restaurant uses produce from the on-site kitchen garden.
Four Pillars Gin
Gin DistilleryCocktailsNot a winery — but an essential Yarra Valley stop. Four Pillars has become one of Australia's most celebrated craft gin distilleries. The Healesville distillery offers guided experiences, gin-making workshops and a cocktail bar. Their Shiraz Gin, made with Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes, is a local icon.
Understanding Yarra Valley Wine Styles
Pinot Noir: The valley's flagship variety. Cool-climate conditions produce wines of elegance, bright cherry fruit and silky tannins. Styles range from delicate and perfumed to deeper, earthier expressions depending on the sub-region and vineyard elevation.
Chardonnay: World-class examples balancing stone fruit, citrus acidity and subtle oak. The Yarra's best Chardonnays rival Burgundy and are regularly rated among Australia's finest.
Sparkling: The cool climate is ideal for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. Domaine Chandon leads, but many boutique producers craft excellent sparkling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Shiraz & Cabernet: Warmer valley-floor sites produce elegant, medium-bodied Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with pepper and spice characters distinct from warmer Australian regions.
Emerging Varieties: Look for Pinot Gris, Nebbiolo, Arneis, Gamay and Sauvignon Blanc as winemakers explore the valley's cool-climate potential beyond the traditional varieties.
Where to Eat: Vineyard Dining
Oakridge Restaurant
Award-winning dining with a kitchen-garden-to-plate philosophy. Set among the vines with panoramic views, the seasonal menus showcase the best of the valley's produce paired with Oakridge wines.
Ezard at Levantine Hill
Celebrity chef Teague Ezard brings contemporary Asian-Australian flavours to a stunning Yarra Valley setting. The architecturally dramatic estate is an experience in itself.
Innocent Bystander
Relaxed, buzzy atmosphere in Healesville's main street. Wood-fired pizzas, share plates and an excellent wine list featuring their own Yarra Valley wines. Perfect for a casual lunch between cellar door visits.
Locale at Yering Station
Modern Australian cuisine using seasonal ingredients from local producers, paired with Yering Station wines in a heritage setting overlooking the vineyards.
Beyond Wine: Yarra Valley Experiences
Healesville Sanctuary: Meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, platypus and over 200 other Australian native species in naturalistic bushland habitats. The Spirits of the Sky bird show features wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead. An essential experience, especially for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Hot Air Ballooning: Sunrise balloon flights drift over the valley's patchwork vineyards with the Yarra Ranges as a backdrop — one of Victoria's most iconic experiences, often followed by a sparkling wine breakfast.
Yarra Ranges National Park: Dramatic fern gullies, towering mountain ash forests and walking trails from easy boardwalks to challenging summit hikes. Rainforest Galleries, 1000 Steps (Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk) and Warburton Rail Trail offer varied outdoor experiences.
Artisan Producers: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Yarra Valley Dairy (goat cheese), local olive oil producers and the Healesville Harvest Festival (annual) round out the region's food scene.
Full-Day Yarra Valley Itinerary
Depart Melbourne. Scenic drive through the valley's rolling green hills.
Healesville Sanctuary — koalas, kangaroos, Spirits of the Sky bird show.
First cellar door — Domaine Chandon for sparkling wine tasting on the terrace.
Vineyard lunch — Oakridge or Yering Station for seasonal produce paired with estate wines.
De Bortoli Estate — wine and cheese pairing in the famous cheese room.
Four Pillars Gin — guided tasting and a signature cocktail at the distillery bar.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for a sweet finish, then return to Melbourne.
Planning Your Yarra Valley Visit
Getting There
The Yarra Valley is approximately 60 km (1 hour) northeast of Melbourne CBD via the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway. No public transport runs between cellar doors, so you'll need to drive, join a guided tour or use one of the hop-on hop-off wine buses that service the region.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (March to May) delivers harvest season, golden vine colours and food festivals. Winter (June to August) brings truffle season — many restaurants feature truffle menus and events. Spring (September to November) offers green vineyards and wildflowers. Summer is warm with long days, outdoor concerts and peak visitor numbers.
Tasting Tips
Most cellar doors charge $5–$15 for tastings, often refundable with purchase. Book ahead for premium experiences and restaurant tables, especially on weekends. Designate a driver or join a guided tour — 3–4 cellar doors is a comfortable day. Many wineries are family-friendly with gardens and casual dining options.
Your Yarra Valley Journey Awaits
From Victoria's first vineyard planted in 1838 to today's world-class producers, the Yarra Valley offers an unrivalled combination of exceptional wine, stunning landscapes and genuine hospitality just an hour from Melbourne. Our guided tours remove the driving logistics and introduce you to producers chosen for their quality, stories and warm welcomes.
Browse Yarra Valley Tours Enquire NowFrequently Asked Questions
How far is the Yarra Valley from Melbourne?
Approximately 60 km (1 hour) northeast of Melbourne CBD via the Eastern Freeway. An easy day trip or weekend getaway.
What wines is the Yarra Valley known for?
Cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine are the stars. You'll also find excellent Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Gris and emerging varieties like Nebbiolo and Gamay.
How many wineries can I visit in a day?
Most visitors comfortably visit 3–4 cellar doors including a vineyard lunch. Guided tours handle driving and typically include 3–4 wineries plus dining.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn for harvest and golden vines. Winter for truffle season. Spring for green vineyards. Summer for long days and outdoor events. Every season rewards a visit.
Is the Yarra Valley suitable for families?
Yes. Healesville Sanctuary, the Chocolaterie, many winery gardens and casual dining make it family-friendly. Several cellar doors welcome children with dedicated outdoor spaces.