Whilst visiting this region of Australia it is a must to wile away a few days at some of Australia’s best winery’s enjoying samples of their finest wine in sensational settings. It’s what weekends for locals are made for but as a tourist you can get a tasting and learning too!
Most of these vineyards offer complimentary tasting sessions if you then go on and make a purchase. Or you can pay a small fee to do so and learn more about wines in wonderful surroundings – or you can just grab some drinks and enjoy this gorgeous part of the country!
I’ve rounded up eight…. from the Yarra Valley to Morning Peninsular this only scratches the surface but your starting point when you are overwhelmed with the hundreds on offer! Hic!
Gurdies
📍 South Gippsland
🍷 Riesling, Verdelho-Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sparkling Red.
What a setting – stunning views for miles to come. Great DIY option to wine taste without the commentary. Super eclectic and quirky at inside. Only down side was they have limited snacks of cheese & crackers. But perfect for an afternoon!
Chandon
📍Yarra Valley
🥂 All the sparkling wine
Sipping on the sparkling! What’s not to love about that. For the tasting it really informative but held standing up inside which was a bit of a shame considering the setting. A perfect place for lunch and bubble shopping … oh and baby kangeroo spotting as they hop through the vineyard!
Zonzo Estate
📍 Yarra Glen
🍷 Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
This is extra special as it’s where my friend got married. The venue are a bit ‘computer says no’ – sticklers for their way. We didn’t do tasting but had the Sunday set menu as that’s all you can have on a Sunday and woah it’s so much Italian food! It’s like several meals each – but you can have take away boxes for what you can’t manage so it’s a great place for a hangover!!
Helen and Joey
📍 Yarra Valley
🍷 Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, small amount of Shiraz. Pinot Gris and Chardonnay
This became a firm favourite – maybe because it had a unicorn I could climb on. (Though seeing as we were on vineyard no 3 that day maybe wasn’t the wisest moves but no injuries occurred in the making of some great snaps!) The views here rolled on for miles, it was super chilled and good vibes though maybe not the best of the wine but a great place to spend the afternoon.
Rare Hare
📍 Mornington Peninsula
🍷 Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
This was a surprise winner! Small and very intimate barrel room for the tasting. I wasn’t expecting as much as the others but they were really thoughtful and highly knowledgeable. Plus stunning vineyards at the back to enjoy with whatever ever you tipple you fancy the most!
PT Leo
📍 Mornington Peninsula
🍷 Pinot Noir, Shiraz Chardonnay, Pinot Gris
This was fancy! The calibre of cars in the car park showed that!! Would make a super special lunch or dinner but I’d recommend getting a glass of wine and wondering round in the sunshine admiring their ‘sculptures by the sea’. Not too shabby an afternoon spent!
Montalto
📍Red Hill / Mornington Peninsula
🍷 Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Tempranillo, Riesling, Savagnin, Sauvignon Blanc
Less fancy but with 30 sculptures this was a destination not a pit stop. We did it all – tasted, ate and a stroll round the art – really loved this one.
Coombe
📍 Yarra Valley
🍷 Blanc de blancs, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Like Chandon this was tasting stood inside so wasn’t as fun but seemed a more transactional tasting than having the experience. Side note would make a great lunch or dinner venue
So where you going to start first?’ 🍾
Note: if you are driving yourself / friends round remember (especially for U.K. readers) the limit for blood alcohol limit for driving is less in Australia so you will need a designated driver or there’s tons of organised tours! Enjoy! 🍷🥂
