Yarra Valley

Victoria's premier wine region just an hour from Melbourne, renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines with over 80 wineries and picturesque vineyard landscapes. Perfect for wine tasting, fine dining, and scenic drives through rolling hills.

Things to do

• Pinot Noir tastings at Coldstream Hills — One of the valley's flagship wineries offering cellar door tastings of their acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with vineyard views.
• Healesville Sanctuary visit — An open-range wildlife park where you can see native Australian animals including koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils in natural settings.
• Scenic drive through Warburton Highway — A picturesque drive winding through the valley's rolling hills and vine-covered slopes, stopping at numerous cellar doors along the route.
• Hot air balloon flight at sunrise — Experience the valley's patchwork vineyards and misty mornings from above with champagne breakfast upon landing.
• Visit Yering Farm Estate — A historic winery with traditional stone buildings offering tastings of cool-climate wines and gourmet platters in a heritage setting.
• Yarra Valley Dairy cheese tasting — Sample award-winning handmade cheeses paired with local wines at this artisan dairy nestled in the valley.

Food to try

• Yarra Valley Pinot Noir wine pairing — The region's signature cool-climate wine pairs exceptionally with local produce and is best experienced through multi-course tastings at winery restaurants.
• Roasted duck with cherry gastrique — A refined dish featuring locally-raised duck, often served at Yarra Valley's fine dining establishments, showcasing the region's farm-to-table philosophy.
• Artisan cheese and charcuterie platters — Locally-produced cheeses from Yarra Valley Dairy combined with regional cured meats, served at cellar doors and picnic spots throughout the valley.
• Trout from local cool-climate streams — Fresh freshwater trout is a delicacy prepared at valley restaurants, often smoked or poached and served with seasonal vegetables.
• Valley greens and heirloom vegetables — Farm-fresh produce from the fertile Yarra Valley appears in contemporary cuisine at fine dining venues, often with vineyard views.

Local customs & good to know

• Book winery visits ahead — Many cellar doors require advance reservations, especially on weekends and during peak season, to ensure entry and best experiences.
• Wine tasting etiquette — Spit buckets are provided and expected to be used during tastings; the goal is to experience multiple wines without excessive alcohol consumption.
• Respect vineyard privacy — Vineyards are working agricultural properties, so stay on marked paths and cellar door areas, and do not wander into active vine rows without permission.
• Explore beyond Pinot Noir — While famous for Pinot Noir, the valley also produces excellent Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet, so taste broadly to appreciate regional diversity.