The Best Wineries in Victoria: Our Top Picks from Three Famous Wine Regions

Everyone’s palate is different. Some people chase crisp, bubbly sparkling, others live for a silky cool-climate Pinot Noir, and plenty just want a great lunch with a view and a glass in hand. The good news is that Victoria has wineries to suit every taste.

Within easy reach of Melbourne, three wine regions stand out: the Yarra Valley, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Mornington Peninsula. Each has its own landscape, climate and personality. The catch is that you can’t do justice to all of them in a single day.

If you’re not sure where to start, this guide to the best wineries in Victoria covers our favourite cellar doors in each region, and what makes each one worth the trip.

 

Yarra Valley Wineries: Heritage, Hillsides and Honest Hospitality

The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most celebrated wine regions. Rolling hills, leafy valleys and a diverse range of exceptional wines make it a natural choice for a first-time visit or a repeat escape. These four Yarra Valley wineries are a great place to begin.

 

Domaine Chandon

If sparkling wine is your thing, Domaine Chandon belongs at the top of your list. Owned by the famous Moët & Chandon, it blends French heritage with Australian innovation. Visitors can take a guided winery tour, settle in for a tasting and enjoy views over the vineyards from the modern tasting room. It’s an elegant, polished experience and a good way to start a day in the valley.

 

Rochford Wines

Rochford Wines is a must-visit for its beautiful setting and exceptional wines. The estate hosts events throughout the year, including concerts and wine festivals, so check what’s on before you book. The restaurant serves meals designed to pair with the wines, which makes Rochford an easy choice for a full day out.

Soumah

This award-winning winery takes its name from its location: South of the Maroondah Highway. Soumah is a boutique estate that aims to bring the charm of Northern Italy to the Yarra Valley, with wines that reflect the region’s provenance. Views from the Warramate foothills are matched by an impressive restaurant and cellar door, so it’s likely to become a favourite.

Yering Farm

Yering Farm has a rustic charm and a history dating back to the 19th century. This boutique winery makes handcrafted wines with a focus on quality. The farm-style cellar door has a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, a lovely setting for tasting award-winning wines with the Yarra Valley stretching out around you.

 

Bellarine Peninsula Wineries: Cool-Climate Wines with Bay Views

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula combines coastal scenery with a growing reputation for cool-climate wines. Cellar doors here tend to be relaxed and welcoming, and many have views over vineyards, bay or both.

 

Scotchmans Hill

Scotchmans Hill is a leading Bellarine winery, known for premium cool-climate wines. The cellar door looks out over the vineyards and the bay, and tastings feature the winery’s renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you only have time for one stop on the Bellarine, this is a strong contender.

Jack Rabbit

Jack Rabbit Vineyard pairs great wines with breathtaking bay views. The relaxed cellar door and restaurant serve award-winning wines alongside gourmet food, and friendly staff add to its popularity with wine enthusiasts. It’s an easy place to lose an afternoon.

Leura Park Estate

Leura Park Estate is celebrated for vibrant wines and a lively atmosphere. The winery regularly hosts live music and events, which gives it a fun, welcoming feel. At the cellar door you can taste an eclectic range of wines, including sparkling varieties that are well worth trying.

Mornington Peninsula Wineries: Wine, Food and Art by the Coast

The Mornington Peninsula combines beautiful coastal scenery with a variety of award-winning wineries, offering a perfect blend of wine, food, and art.The Mornington Peninsula is a favourite for a reason. Beautiful coastal scenery, award-winning wineries, great restaurants and a thriving arts scene come together in one region. Here are four Mornington Peninsula wineries to add to your itinerary.

Montalto

Montalto Estate is as much a place to wander as a place to taste. Its beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures make it a unique wine-tasting destination. The award-winning wines are matched by a top-rated restaurant that uses fresh, local produce.

Port Phillip Estate

Port Phillip Estate carries a large range of high-quality Victorian wines. The architecture is distinctive, with curved and barrel-shaped buildings of carved limestone that echo the rolling hills the estate sits on. The large dining room and the cellar door both have panoramic views over Western Port bay, so it’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Pier 10

This boutique family owned winery produces a diverse range of “methode traditionnelle” sparkling wines and premium table wines, with a specialised focus on handcrafted cool climate wines. What once started out as a hobby farm now showcases some of the Mornington Peninsulas finest wines.

Ten Minutes by Tractor

Ten Minutes by Tractor is famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The luxurious cellar door and restaurant offer crafted wines and gourmet dining, making it a classic choice for a long, leisurely lunch.

How to Choose the Right Victorian Wine Region for You

With so many options, it helps to match the region to the kind of day you want.

• Love sparkling wine and French-inspired elegance? Start in the Yarra Valley with Domaine Chandon.
• After relaxed cellar doors and bay views? The Bellarine Peninsula is hard to beat.
• Want wine, food, gardens and art in one trip? Head to the Mornington Peninsula.

Whichever region you choose, it’s worth planning ahead. Many of these wineries host seasonal events, and restaurants can book out on weekends. Visiting several cellar doors in a day also means someone has to drive, which is why many visitors choose a guided wine tour. You can taste freely, enjoy the scenery and let someone else handle the logistics.

Discover Victoria’s Finest Wineries

Victoria’s wine regions offer experiences for every kind of wine lover. From the sparkling wines of Domaine Chandon to the handcrafted cool-climate wines at Pier 10, there’s something for everyone. Exploring the state’s top wineries means unforgettable memories and delicious wines to take home and savour.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to explore, pick a region, book a table and raise a glass to a great day out.

Ready to Taste the Best of Victoria? Let Chillout Travel Do the Driving

Choosing a favourite winery is the hard part. Getting there shouldn’t be. With Chillout Travel, you can sample the best of the Yarra Valley, Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula without worrying about who’s behind the wheel. We take care of the transport and the itinerary, so all you have to do is relax, taste and enjoy the day with your friends.

Explore our Victorian wine tours and book your next day out today.

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