The glorious Yarra Valley east of the Melbourne CBD is most Melburnians’ destination of choice for a wine tour.
However, there are actually highly accessible wine regions in almost every direction from the Victorian capital. Here are five spots that all offer a top drop and are well worth a visit.
1. Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is the jewel in the crown of Victoria’s wine scene. You could fill several days visiting the cellar doors of the many wineries around Yarra Glen and Healesville, along with those nestled in the surrounding hills. There are some 300 vineyards and more than 150 wineries dotted across the region.
These days the Yarra Valley is as much about gourmet food as it is about wine. Highlights include the Yarra Valley Dairy and the ever popular Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
Book a Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne
2. Macedon Ranges
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your life, head to the high-altitude wineries of the Macedon Ranges. They’re renowned for producing outstanding bubblies. The ancient landscape yields some of the country’s most celebrated sparkling varietals. Visit Hanging Rock Winery, Paramoor Winery (housed in an old stable) and Cope Williams Winery with its gorgeous gardens and art gallery.
3. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula offers a unique contrast between coastal wineries and the rolling vineyards of the hinterland, and has around 50 properties under vine across its diverse landscape. If you’ve got a soft spot for Pinot Noir, the local version is a favourite with connoisseurs. The region also produces some renowned Chardonnays. Port Phillip Estate is a grand establishment, while Ten Minutes by Tractor and Foxeys Hangout are must-visits.
Book a Mornington Peninsula food and wine tour from Melbourne
4. Geelong/Bellarine Peninsula
Geelong’s sprawling wine region is located about an hour’s drive southwest from Melbourne, and encompasses some 40 wineries. The region produces many of Victoria’s best Shiraz and Chardonnay varietals. Fun and funky Leura Park Estate and rustic Oakdene (with its award-winning drops and acclaimed eatery) are just a couple of the highlights.
Book a Bellarine Peninsula food and wine tour from Geelong
5. Sunbury
If you’ve got 45 minutes, you can be in Melbourne’s closest wine growing region — Sunbury, which is also one of Victoria’s oldest winemaking region. The wineries here benefit from a cold, dry climate, which is perfect for the production of the shiraz. Galli Estate is committed to organic and sustainable vineyard practices. Its cellar door is open daily.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Julietta Henderson is a Melbourne-based travel and feature writer. Originally planning to visit London for six months, she ended up staying for ten years and now divides her time between her home in Australia and several months of the year in the UK, Italy and France. Julietta has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia and Russia, and believes the keys to a great travel experience are an open heart, an open mind and an open-ended ticket.
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