Melbourne Winery Guide

Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s most prestigious wine districts, which can be found between the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. The area became Victoria’s first wine region in 1838 when vines were planted in the Yarra Valley. And although these two major companies are responsible for the vast majority of Victoria’s finest wineries, there are excellent options to be found across Victoria.

Yarra Valley wineries produce award-winning chardonnays, pinot noirs, Shirazes, and cabernet sauvignons from cool-climate vineyards. Pinot Coast is a region that includes the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas. The region is known for its excellent cool-climate pinot noir and fresh local seafood, saline air, and artisan products.

In Melbourne, there are hundreds of wineries to choose from, ranging from eccentric and historic vineyards in the Grampians to long-standing Goulburn Valley establishments to modern ventures just outside Melbourne’s city limits. Others have world-class restaurants and views, some have cellar doors with tastings that include large pours, and some just have proprietors who have an incredible story to tell about their businesses.

Travel across Victoria’s finest wine-growing areas to get a taste of the state’s most celebrated wines. Victoria boasts more than 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors spread over five excellent wine regions, ensuring that every taste may find the right grape type.

Make time for wine in Victoria, and try new wines that you may not have tried before. Here is a list of excellent wineries that are reasonably near to Melbourne.

Rob Dolan Wines

Rob Dolan, an ex-footballer, leads Rob Dolan Wines and has become a Yarra Valley legend. Dolan came to the Yarra Valley after playing two back-to-back AFL premiership games for Port Adelaide in the 1980s, earning friends everywhere he went.

Rob Dolan founded several wineries in those early years, most notably are Punt Road Wines, and he still has a share in Four Pillars Gin (whose renowned Shiraz Gin was initially made using Dolan’s grapes). Another of Rob’s acquisitions was the Old Yarra Ridge vineyard, which he subsequently christened after his old football moniker, ‘Sticks.’

Rob Dolan Wines is a respected name. It stands on 120 acres, but the grapes are supplied from vineyards across the Yarra Valley area, from farmers Rob has worked with from the beginning.

The grapes cultivated on-site are reserved for members of the ‘Huddle Club,’ who, besides a regular wine subscription, get to select and crush their grapes before returning to bottle them when the time comes.

It is worth knowing that Rob Dolan Wines is not located in the Yarra Valley proper. It’s a former egg farm in Warrandyte – the chicken houses can still be seen in the distance. It is just 30 minutes from the city, and it makes sense to begin your day trip here.

Stone & Crow cheese is produced on-site and available for purchase in addition to locally sourced charcuterie, and there is no lunch menu. There is an outdoor pop-up movie and Sunday lunches throughout the summer.

Domaine Chandon

Domaine Chandon, one of the most famous wineries in the Yarra Valley, is located in the heart of the area. Chandon, a sparkling wine specialist, takes pride in its authentic French history, delivering Moet Chandon’s elegance to Australia. Chandon Blanc de Blancs 2012 is one of James Halliday’s favorite sparkling wines. In his Top 100 wine list, he gave this sparkling wine 95 points. Chandon is not just about the wine selection, both still and sparkling, but also about the Chandon experience. Many people travel there for birthdays or anniversaries to be wined and dined by the industry’s top experts.

Merricks Creek

It is situated on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, where Merricks Creek Winery is a stunning bespoke winery. Merricks Creek is just a one-hour drive away, and you’ll be able to relax with their award-winning Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay in no time after arriving.

They produce Pinot Noir from vineyards that are closely planted, which is often praised as some of the best in Australia (made in the French Burgundy tradition). Not only is the wine excellent, but the views from the vineyards are just stunning. On the raised wood terrace, you may enjoy a meal while getting the feeling that you’re really in the vineyard itself (which is meters away). Take delight in the vineyard’s various seasons as they unfold (excellent in both summer and winter).

Enjoy meals and wine around a huge 100-year-old wood slab from the Jamieson High Country by hiring The Garden View Table for group bookings.

The cellar door provides a first-class tasting experience, which often includes Dr. Peter Parker, the winemaker, and owner. This is a family-run winery that oozes love and excitement for all things wine, particularly Pinot Noir. Merricks Creek provides great gourmet sampling plates for a reasonable price at about $15), as well as a glass of wine for $10.

A great way to spend a few hours with family and friends is to do some wine tasting and order various gourmet sharing plates and wine. Check out the Monet-inspired gardens as well. Not far from Melbourne, a beautiful location.

Paringa Estate

Paringa Estate is situated on the Mornington Peninsula and has earned a reputation as one of the best-performing wineries in Australia. With more than 100 medals to its credit, Paringa is a must-visit destination for all wine enthusiasts. This vineyard and estate is owned and managed by Lindsay McCall, who is widely regarded as one of Peninsula’s most dependable and experienced winemakers.

This venerable vineyard is home to some of the oldest grapes on the Mornington Peninsula and some of the most spectacular eating options. Even though the restaurant was initially designed to serve as a showcase for the developing variety of wines, it has already earned a well-deserved reputation for itself.

Marnong Estate

Located on the outskirts of Marnong, Marnong Estate offers the appearance and feel of a resort, complete with a top-notch Bankvale Restaurant, luxurious accommodations, cellar door, and more, all with sweeping views that are just stunning. It is near to the Melbourne CBD while also being close to the airport is a surprise. (35 min from City and 15 min from Airport)

Located in Marnong Estate in Melbourne, Bankvale Run Restaurant is an excellent choice for everyday dining and special occasions, thanks to its accessible location and affordable rates. It is trendy among the locals. Your jaw will drop when you see the level of quality, size, and scope of Marnong Estate, which is easily accessible to Melburnians and visitors.

The culinary experience at Bankvale Run restaurant, which top Executive chef Adam Upton oversees, is first-rate and complements the breathtaking sweeping high views of the surrounding countryside. Local ingredients are enhanced, and a solid, European influence can be seen in the kitchen’s preparation. The Macedon Ranges may be seen for miles and miles in the distance.

Kelly Brook

Kellybrook Winery, located on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley, is a famous winery among tourists and locals alike. Known for its Cider Festival, this location is popular among those who know what they’re doing. Their ciders are more well-known than their wines (although their wines are excellent), with the cider produced in the champagne technique and bottle fermented, while their wines are fantastic. You can enjoy a glass of wine, cider, or beer at the cellar door, on the verandah, or even in the vineyards themselves.

Real crushed fruit, rather than artificial chemicals and essences, is used in the production of famous cider. Enjoy with a plate of fresh local vegetables available at the cellar door.

Kellybrook is a charming cellar door with ancient gardens and grounds that is conveniently located near the city.

Seville Estate

Seville Estate is situated in the upper Yarra Valley, about an hour from Melbourne. It’s been producing wine for 40 years, and it’s a Victorian food mecca-a lovely location for a restaurant that celebrates locally sourced ingredients and world-class wine. The cuisine is unpretentious and rustic in style, intending to highlight the excellent quality of the products used in its preparation.

Seville’s whalebone-shaped dining area has picture windows overlooking a pasture. There are ficus and rubber plants in winemaking vats and scoop-backed bentwood chairs for post-gorge slouching. Seville opened the Homestead in 2018. There’s also a suite of vine-side flats for rent.

Arundel Farm Estate

Arundel Farm Estate is just around 27 minutes from Melbourne via the Calder Freeway, which runs through the city’s north-western suburbs and a top-notch establishment. Arundel Farm Estate is a small boutique winery with a lot of heart, situated in the Sunbury wine area. It is owned and operated by a family.

A brand new, contemporary basement door is waiting for you. The wines are of excellent quality, and you will be able to get a few bottles of their Shiraz, including a 2011 back vintage, which is delectable. Because it is a dry area, the wines have a higher level of intensity as the grapes fight for moisture.

The estate has a vineyard, cellar door, restaurant, and a bluestone farmhouse, stables, and a shearing barn, among other structures.

Tahbilk Winery

Everything at Tahbilk Winery shows a deep appreciation for the past and the traditions of the region. The National Trust has designated the winery buildings as historic landmarks, and the ancient Shiraz grapes, which were planted in 1860, should be designated as national treasures.

The location is, quite simply, a shrine for Australian wine fans, and it is a must-visit for all wine enthusiasts in the area while in Victoria. An additional benefit is a fact that the wines are also very excellent. The Marsanne is a perennial favorite, and all of the reds are classic, cellar-worthy, and excellent value for money.

Established around 1860, Tahbilk Winery and Vineyard is a family-run business. Alister Purbrick, Alan George, Neil Larson, and Brendan Freeman are the winemakers on this project.

Sally's Paddock

Sally’s Paddock at Redbank Winery was founded in 1973 in the Pyrenees wine region of Victoria, and it is one of the oldest wineries in the area. Neill and Sally Robb founded the winery, and Neill continues to be the winemaker, working with his daughter Sasha.

The Redbank Winery has become a Victorian institution, owing partly to its founders’ vision and hard work and the distinct personality of its primary wine, Sally’s Paddock. An intensely flavored single-vineyard mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Merlot, and Malbec with many characters. This very rustic cellar door also serves excellent coffee and a great ploughman’s lunch, all of which are highly recommended.

Sally’s Paddock, Sally’s Hill, and Sasha are some of the wines available. In addition to offering a variety of sharing plates, the Flying Pig Deli also serves coffee and cake throughout the day.

The Final Word

Melbourne, renowned for its four different wine districts, each with its distinct blends led by shiraz and pinot noir, has a lot to offer. Climate and topography differences result in wines that are one-of-a-kind. Around Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, and Macedon wine regions offer everything from volcanic plains to verdant valleys and hinterland.

Escape to a beautiful wine area an hour from Melbourne, pick from four different wine regions with unique blends, and savor the experience.