Melbourne is home to a number of the world's top wineries, and Australia is well recognised as a leading wine producer. Although we have a love-hate relationship with the sun, its radiance is essential to the growth of grapes.
Similarly, our milder winters allow for bolder flows and aromas that distinguish Australian wine from more delicate varieties made in France and Italy.
Some of the best wineries in Australia can be found in Melbourne, from intimate cellar door through Michelin-starred restaurants and even a worldwide chain.
Among the several wine-making areas around Melbourne, two of the most prominent are the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. The excellent quality wines made in both regions are well worth the day trip out of the city.
If you're travelling somewhere with pals, be sure to designate a sober driver in advance and stick to your itinerary. The Mornington Peninsula is perfect for cultivating Pinot varietals and chardonnay because to its cooler climate, which is evocative of Tuscany.
It just takes about an hour to drive out to the gorgeous wine region, away from the rush and bustle of Melbourne. You may choose from four different wine-producing areas, all of which produce distinctive wines.
Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir are produced with great renown in the Yarra Valley, Geelong, and Macedon, Mornington Peninsula. The climate and geography of each location produce wines that are distinctive and memorable.
Sample the unique wines of the surf coast, volcanic plains, green valleys, and hinterland that surround Melbourne.
The Top Melbourne Wineries
Wines from Australia are well-liked all across the globe. But there's nothing quite like enjoying a bottle of wine among the grapevines. The difference in flavour is noticeable. Producing wine is a national industry in Australia, with operations in every territory.
You can visit Victoria's stunning wine region without going too far from the city of Melbourne. Is a day excursion to wine country from the city a possibility, but you don't have quite that much time?
The following are some of the top wineries in the Melbourne area.
Rob Dolan Wines
Among Victoria's wine regions, the Yarra Valley is by far the most revered and well-known. Rob Dolan Wines is one of the closest wineries to Melbourne. Of course, you shouldn't drink and drive, but this vineyard is just a half-hour trip from Melbourne's central business district. Beautiful Warrandyte South, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is where you'll find the winery and cellar door.
Rob Dolan Wines offers wine tastings hosted by knowledgeable staff. It's a great place to relax and take in the view of the vineyard while sipping a drink or two and then purchasing a few bottles to enjoy at home.
Red Hill Estate
The Red Hill Estate winery is located on the Mornington Peninsula, only a short drive from Melbourne. Sit back with a bottle of wine and enjoy the gorgeous scenery on this property surrounded by vineyards.
Furthermore, spectacular views of Westernport Bay may be enjoyed. The pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz from these vineyards are among the best in the world. But it also makes a huge range of other wines, including the fantastic prosecco.
FAQs About Wineries
Home to many quaint local towns such as Coldstream, Healesville, Yarra Glen & Warburton, there are plenty of places to explore in the region. Plus, with over 70 wineries and cellar doors, there is no shortage of wines to be tasted and views to be enjoyed.
Casella winery
Australia has almost 2000 wine producers, most of whom are small winery operations. The market is dominated by a small number of major wine companies. The largest wineries are the Casella winery in Yenda, NSW (YellowTail wines) and the Berri Estates winery in Glossop, SA.
There is a lot of talk about Australian Wineries being hurt by the Chinese ban on importing Australian wine. The Chinese government-imposed tariffs of between 107.1% and 212.1% on bottled Australian wine in November 2020. About 41 Australian Wineries are owned by Chinese companies or individuals.
eighty wineries
Over eighty wineries span the Yarra Valley, each of which expresses the diversity of its terroir, the passion of its producers, mastery of traditional practices and a rebellious instinct to push the boundaries.
800 wineries
With more than 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors across five great wine regions, Victoria has the perfect grape style to suit every palate.
Galli Estate Winery
Galli Estate Winery is located in the Heathcote and Sunbury wine area, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Melbourne. For example, one winery relies mostly on organic fertiliser and employs little chemical spraying in its vineyards to achieve sustainable results.
It makes several different kinds of wine, including shiraz, sauvignon blanc, Nebbiolo, chardonnay, viognier, viognier, tempranillo, and Sangiovese. The stunning winery and its accompanying restaurant provide the ideal setting for savouring exceptional vintages. Relax with a glass of wine while you take in the panoramic views of the vineyard.
Bellbrae Estate
When travelling down Australia's Great Ocean Road, be sure to make a pit break at the beautiful Bellbrae Estate. This winery is barely 5 minutes from Bells Beach, and we swore we tasted the ocean in the wine.
Wines that are true to their environment. That's why it's best to pair them with foods that are in season and native to your area. You may buy wine and enjoy it while listening to live song at the estate's basement entrance.
The Mornington Peninsula's Paringa Estate Winery is picture-perfect thanks to its stunning vistas of the valley and its excellent wine. The restaurant's proximity to the vineyard makes patrons feel as if they are really eating among the grapes. Chardonnay and pinot noir are the flagship products of this vineyard.
Also, the region produces some of the best cool-climate shiraz in Australia. The knowledgeable cellar door staff will lead you through a tasting of these wines. Just an hour outside of Melbourne, this vineyard is the epitome of sophistication.
Cannibal Creek Vineyard
Just an hour's drive east of Melbourne, you'll find the Cannibal Creek Vineyard. Located in the heart of the prestigious Gippsland wine region, this establishment has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a highly regarded wine shop. The grapes for the wine at this estate vineyard are hand-picked, and the winemaking process is carried out in oak barrels from France.
The restaurant's chefs use French methods and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to produce their meals. You may get a sample of all the winery has to offer during a cellar door tasting. Wines range from sauvignon blanc and chardonnay to pinot noir and merlot to cabernet sauvignon and cab franc to blanc de blanc and vin de liqueur. Savour a glass of wine while taking in the scenery of Mount Cannibal.
Marnong Estate
What a discovery! Everything at Morning Estate seems like a luxury resort, from the exquisite cuisine at the Bankvale Restaurant to the sumptuous accommodations to the extensive wine collection in the basement to the breathtaking views from your suite. Astoundingly, it is conveniently located near both Melbourne's downtown and the airport.
If you're looking for a great place to eat, whether it's a typical weekday out or a special event, go no further than the Bankvale Run Restaurant at Marnong Estate. There is widespread support among locals. You'll be blown away by Marnong Estate's superior quality, massive size, and convenient location for Melburnians and guests.
PortArlington clams and mussels are the best in the world. Cooked barramundi is a wonderful delicacy. Chef Adam Upton has done an outstanding job at Brookvale Run, and the restaurant's cuisine is a perfect complement to the resort's breathtaking surroundings. breathtaking views.
The food has a uniquely European flavour and features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. One may see the Macedon Ranges in the distance.
The World Loves Melbourne had lunch at Bankvale Restaurant on a breezy Friday in the middle of winter. It's an understatement to say we were amazed. The convenience of its location to central Victoria is unrivalled.
Merricks Creek
Merricks Creek, located on the breathtaking Mornington Peninsula, is a beautiful boutique vineyard. To reach Merricks Creek, just take an easy hour-long drive, and then unwind with some of the best Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay in the country.
They have a reputation for making excellent Pinot Noir in the style of French Burgundy from closely spaced vines. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wine is excellent to boot.
You may take a seat at one of the tables on the wood deck's elevated level and pretend you're in the vineyard, even if it's just a few feet away. Enjoy the vineyard throughout the year; it's beautiful in the summer and the winter.
Top-notch gourmet servings for a group, like this Grilled Raclette cheese. One of the greatest places we've seen for a winery is this cellar, which, thanks to its bifold doors, can be fully opened up. The toasty baguette accompanied with fresh goat's curd from Main Ridge Dairy, tomatoes, and beetroots.
If you have a big company, we recommend hiring The Garden View Table, where you and your guests may dine and drink around a massive pine slab that dates back 100 years and was sourced from the High Country.
First-rate wine tastings are available at the cellar door, typically in the presence of the winemaker and owner. Family-run company bursting with excitement and love for wine, especially Pinot Noir.
In addition, a glass of wine at Merricks Creek is just $10, whereas other restaurants in the area charge as much as $17.
Wine tasting, followed by ordering a variety of gourmet sharing plates and wine, and spending the time with loved ones is a perfect evening in. See the Monet-inspired gardens while you're there. A mystical location close to Melbourne!
Mornington Peninsula Region
Montalto
Montalto, the most sophisticated vineyard on the peninsula, is located 90 kilometres from the city centre. Make a reservation and have lunch while gazing out at the vineyards, olive groves, and sculptures that dot the surrounding hills.
The restaurant's menu is inspired by the harvest and uses olive oil pressed on the premises. Do you have a group size of ten or more people? Make a reservation at the Wine Room, located above the tasting bar, and dine on a set menu while taking in the views of the surrounding orchards and vineyards.
While Chardonnays have always been the focus of these collections, Pinot is the main attraction this time around. You can take some of their tasty, freshly pressed olive oil houses with you if you buy some. A long, leisurely meal in the sun or a huge party in Montalto are two of life's greatest pleasures.
Quealy Winemakers
Wines from this region soon reveal why the Quealy family is a legend in Australia's wine industry. Adding to the family's other Peninsula establishments like T'Gallant and the brand-new Kerri Greens, this winery is a more recent endeavour.
Quealy's basement entrance is hidden 70 kilometres from Melbourne, in the town of Balnarring. The all-wood area has standing and tasting space for parties or a couple and is lined with tens of their bottles.
Son of Quealy now oversees operations at the winery and vineyard. You'll be filling out order forms before you leave, charmed by his expertise. The wide range of styles and levels of body means that even if pinot noir isn't your usual go-to, you'll enjoy Quealy's.
You can't go wrong with any of their wines; the Campbell & Christine is well-balanced, the Seventeen Rows is their best seller, and the Rageous is a Sangiovese, pinot noir, and shiraz mix to covet. There are other whites, including a pinot grigio and a sparkling white (Secco Splendido) that are also worth saving for the summer.
Red Hill Estate
The Red Hill wooded peninsula is about 90 kilometres from the city proper. A lot of locals have a special place for Red Hill Estate as well. There's a good chance the cool weather has a role in the high quality of the local wine.
THE recently co-hosted a dinner with Vue de Monde, the fifth best restaurant in Australia, with courses paired with wines. It offers a large selection of wines at reasonable rates, including some highly acclaimed pinot noir and chardonnay. Fish, steak, and fresh vegetables are served at Max's Restaurant, and the wine is paired with each meal.
Pt Leo Estate
This sophisticated vineyard has sweeping views of Western Port Bay, making it the ideal location for an Instagram post. Stroll through the sculptures to work up an appetite before you dive into the tasting. This is not the buttery chardonnay your aunt would drink; rather, it is refreshingly light and surprising. Interestingly, 2017 is an even better vintage than 2015.
Not only has pinot noir made a comeback as a signature wine, but chardonnay has made a comeback as well. The property is home to Laura, which was selected the Best New Restaurant by the Good Food Guide, and the main restaurant serves regional food with a contemporary touch. Despite being 80 kilometres outside of the city, you could have a good day today.
T’gallant
Another hero of the Peninsula comes from the Quealy family. It takes around an hour to get to Main Ridge, where T'Gallant is located, from Melbourne. There are many visitors to the peninsula that stop by this beach because of its fame and popularity among residents.
The winery's proprietors, the Quealy family, are widely credited with introducing high-quality pinot gris and pinot grigio to Australia in the 1990s. Their products are influenced by European styles but given an authentically Australian spin, with regional variances.
Is there such a thing as canned Prosecco or Moscato? Ideal for a day out in the park. Pizza will be served onsite amid the vines, and mushroom fans may attend Mushrooms in May, a month-long celebration that includes a guided tour and a meal centred on the theme of the month. wine, naturally.
Yarra Valley region
Rochford Wines
Rochford Wines hosts the greatest yearly music show for wine and music lovers, A Day on the Green. About sixty kilometres outside of Coldstream's downtown, you'll find a vineyard. If you visit their website, you could learn about upcoming concerts and festivals; they often host one-time events throughout the year.
The scenic grounds with the hills in the background make for a pleasant walk. The theatres outside patio and the lakeside deck are both great places to kick back and take in the view. Visit the main house again to sample their award-winning chardonnay, shiraz, and cabernet sauvignon.
Isabella's Restaurant serves delicious charcuterie and hearty meals that pay homage to the veggies farmed by nearby farmers.
Yering Station
Those with an eye for aesthetics will enjoy the feast that is Yering Station. The vineyards at this Yarra Glen winery date back to 1838, making it one of the oldest in the state. The trip there is a picturesque one, passing through farmland and pine forests.
Envision a bottle from that era! Wines like chardonnay, shiraz, pinot noir, and even white and rosé sparkling wines thrive at Yering Station's warmer weather. The hotel also has an art gallery that, every so often, displays the work of contemporary artists.
Their annual spring sculpture exhibition raises money for a leukaemia charity by donating all commissions on artwork sold in connection with the show.
Giant Steps
Giant Steps Winery is located in Healesville, 65 kilometres from Melbourne's core business area. For the previous six years, Wine & Spirits Magazine (US edition) has named Giant Steps wines among the top 100 in the world. In what ways does it excel in comparison to other options? They solely cultivate the specific variety of grapes needed for each product in their own vineyards.
In this way, their chardonnays, pinot noirs, syrahs, and LDRs (a blend of the latter two) may get the most benefit from the soil and sun, producing more robust flavours and aromas. For a delicious lunch and access to the best seasonal produce, stop by the winery's tasting room. Their vines seldom produce more than 200 cases, making each bottle a true collectable.
You can easily spend a day travelling to either of Melbourne's main wine regions, so why not turn it into a weekend getaway? It is possible to stay in a wonderful bed and breakfast or Airbnb everywhere on the peninsula, from the beautiful countryside to the bay itself.
Domaine Chandon
You've certainly heard of Mot & Chandon, a French sparkling wine producer that has set up business in Coldstream, 55 kilometres outside of the CBD, to make its Australian batches.
Domaine Chandon's prime growing (and drinking) soil has made it a favourite venue for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and other celebrations involving women. You may, however, take a day trip or weekend getaway up here by car and marvel at the finest sparkling wine the world has to offer.
Whatever your drink of choice, you'll have a great time sampling the offerings and exploring the grounds. The selection has the expected whites and rosé (both cuvée and brut) as well as a sparkling pinot shiraz that is sure to delight.
The restaurant's French spin on regional Yarra Valley vegetables went well with the recommended wine. If you also use GoGet, all the legworks will be done for you.
Conclusion
Melbourne is home to a number of the world's top wineries. The Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are the most prominent wine-producing areas. Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir are produced with great renown in these regions. The Red Hill Estate winery is located on the Mornington Peninsula, only a short drive from Melbourne. Rob Dolan Wines offers wine tastings hosted by knowledgeable staff.
Paringa Estate Winery is picture-perfect, thanks to its stunning vistas of the valley and its excellent wine. Cannibal Creek Vineyard is located in Melbourne's prestigious Gippsland wine region. The grapes for the wine at this estate vineyard are hand-picked, and the winemaking process is carried out in oak barrels from France. First-rate wine tastings are available at the cellar door. The World Loves Melbourne had lunch at Marnong Estate's Bankvale Restaurant.
The restaurant's menu is inspired by the harvest and uses olive oil pressed. Dine on a set menu while taking in the views of the surrounding orchards and vineyards. Quealy's basement entrance is 70 kilometres from Melbourne in the town of Balnarring. Son of Quealy now oversees operations at the winery and vineyard. 2017 is an even better vintage than 2015 for pinot noir and chardonnay.
The Yarra Glen vineyards at Yering Station date back to 1838 and are one of the oldest in the state. Rochford Wines hosts the greatest yearly music show for wine and music lovers, A Day on the Green. Isabella's restaurant serves delicious charcuterie and hearty meals that pay homage to the veggies farmed by nearby farmers. Giant Steps Winery is in Healesville, 65 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD. For the previous six years, Wine & Spirits Magazine has named Giant Steps wines among the top 100 in the world. Their vines seldom produce more than 200 cases, making each bottle a true collectable.
Content Summary
- Melbourne is home to several of the world's top wineries, and Australia is well-recognised as a leading wine producer.
- Some of the best wineries in Australia can be found in Melbourne, from intimate cellar doors to Michelin-starred restaurants and even a worldwide chain.
- Among the several winemaking areas around Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula are the most prominent.
- Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir are produced with great renown in the Yarra Valley, Geelong, and Macedon, Mornington Peninsula.
- Wines from Australia are well-liked all across the globe.
- You can visit Victoria's stunning wine region without going too far from the city of Melbourne.
- The Red Hill Estate winery is located on the Mornington Peninsula, only a short drive from Melbourne.
- When travelling down Australia's Great Ocean Road, make a pit break at the beautiful Bellbrae Estate.
- The Mornington Peninsula's Paringa Estate Winery is picture-perfect, thanks to its stunning vistas of the valley and its excellent wine.
- Just an hour's drive east of Melbourne, you'll find the Cannibal Creek Vineyard.
- Located in the heart of the prestigious Gippsland wine region, this establishment has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a highly regarded wine shop.
- Merricks Creek, located on the breathtaking Mornington Peninsula, is a beautiful boutique vineyard.
- To reach Merricks Creek, take an easy hour-long drive and then unwind with some of the country's best Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay.
- Everything at Morning Estate seems like a luxury resort, from the exquisite cuisine at the Bankvale Restaurant to the sumptuous accommodations to the extensive wine collection in the basement to the breathtaking views from your suite.
- It is conveniently located near Melbourne's downtown and the airport.
- If you're looking for a great place to eat, whether on a typical weekday out or a special event, go no further than the Bankvale Run Restaurant at Marnong Estate.
- Chef Adam Upton has done an outstanding job at Brookvale Run, and the restaurant's cuisine perfectly complements the resort's breathtaking surroundings.
- The World Loves Melbourne had lunch at Bankvale Restaurant on a breezy Friday in winter.
- Montalto, the most sophisticated vineyard on the peninsula, is located 90 kilometres from the city centre.
- Wines from this region soon reveal why the Quealy family is a legend in Australia's wine industry.
- Quealy's basement entrance is 70 kilometres from Melbourne in the town of Balnarring.
- Son of Quealy now oversees operations at the winery and vineyard.
- The Red Hill wooded peninsula is about 90 kilometres from the city proper.
- Many locals also have a special place for Red Hill Estate.
- THE recently co-hosted a dinner with Vue de Monde, the fifth-best restaurant in Australia, with courses paired with wines.
- Another hero of the peninsula comes from the Quealy family.
- From Melbourne, it takes around an hour to get to Main Ridge, where T'Gallant is located.
- The winery's proprietors, the Quealy family, are widely credited with introducing high-quality pinot gris and pinot grigio to Australia in the 1990s.
- Rochford Wines hosts the greatest yearly music show for wine and music lovers, A Day on the Green.
- The vineyards at this Yarra Glen winery date back to 1838, making it one of the oldest in the state.
- Giant Steps Winery is 65 kilometres from Melbourne's core business area in Healesville.
- For the previous six years, Wine & Spirits Magazine (US edition) has named Giant Steps wines among the top 100 in the world.
- For delicious lunch and access to the best seasonal produce, stop by the winery's tasting room.
- It is possible to stay in a wonderful bed and breakfast or Airbnb everywhere on the peninsula, from the beautiful countryside to the bay.
- You may, however, take a day trip or weekend getaway up here by car and marvel at the finest sparkling wine the world has to offer.
