Experience Yarra Valley Eat & Drink
'Wine & Dine' The Maroondah Highway
In today’s blog, we are heading to the Maroondah Highway – an easy 10-minute drive from us – where you will find a great selection of wineries that you can book in for a cellar door tasting, linger a bit longer over incredible food designed to perfectly complement the wines being poured – all whilst enjoying the unique stories that are waiting to be told and spectacular landscapes that can be discovered at each destination. And, for those that enjoy their cocktails, we have included a couple of wineries that are now producing their own spirit ranges. We recommend starting your day at Oakridge – with its modern design and pockets of spaces to be explored, this award-winning winery is producing single-vineyard wines – and are renowned for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their cellar door is open daily from 10am – 5pm and you can stay for lunch Thursday – Sunday from 12pm.
Make your way to Levantine Hill Estate – where the stunning architecture of their Cellar Door has taken inspiration from the surrounding hills with its soaring ceilings and seamless curves – whilst the wines you will enjoy here are amongst the best in the region. Cellar door experiences must be booked, and you can continue your gastronomic journey over lunch Wednesday – Sunday from 11.00am.
Whilst here, head across the road to Rochford Wines –where you will find one of the truly immersive wine, food and entertainment experiences that can be found in the Yarra Valley. With three vineyards, two restaurants, a Providore and 12,000 person outdoor concert Amphitheatre – there is something for everyone at Rochford; and did we mention their Gin Bar – featuring their range of craft spirits which continues to grow with the recent release of their Rochford Rose Gin and Rimedo. Book a cellar door experience from 10am daily and enjoy lunch in Isabella’s Restaurant from 11.30am daily.
Another wonderful winery to visit is Dominique Portet – where you will find 10th generation winemaker, Ben Portet, whose family’s rich winemaking tradition can be traced back to the early 1700’s and the Bordeaux region of France. Tastings can be booked daily, but we recommend elevating your experience with an Estate Tour & Tasting which can be booked Friday – Sunday. Enjoy classic French dishes when dining in the Bistro, Thursday – Sunday; or head outside for L’Apero Dining on the Terrace Wednesday – Sunday.
In our final stop on a fabulous day tasting your way along the Maroondah Highway, take a step back in time when you visit the former home of operatic legend and Australia’s first diva, Dame Nellie Melba – Coombe Yarra Valley. First established in 1909, Coombes is now producing award winning wines, and the original motor house has been converted to a stunning restaurant that offers views out across the landscaped gardens and courtyard – all meals must finish with their modern take on the classic – Peach Melba. Cellar Door experiences are available Wednesday – Sunday, lunch can be booked Wednesday – Sunday and High Tea is available on Thursday and Sundays from 2.30pm.
When planning your day out exploring the delights of our backyard, please check the opening hours and always book ahead; and if you don’t wish to drive, we can recommend several local tourism operators who would be delighted to discuss your specific requirements.
