A Definitive Guide to Drinking Your Way Through the Yarra Valley

Nestled amidst rolling hills and vine-laden landscapes, the charming Yarra Valley beckons wine enthusiasts and adventurous spirits. The region is a playground for libation lovers, from the velvety reds that tantalize taste buds to the effervescent bubbles that tickle the senses. But it’s not just about wine; here, craft beers froth with creativity and artisanal spirits weave tales of botanical wonders. It’s an easy, breezy hour-and-a-half drive from Melbourne, making it the perfect day trip for drink enthusiasts.

Wineries

Levantine Hill

When it comes to fine drinking establishments, you won’t find anything more sophisticated and surprising than Levantine Hill. Whether you choose to arrive via heli or car, the experience will have the same impact. Blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance, this winery is known for its award-winning cool-climate drops and unique dining experience. Settle into a wine-barrel-shaped booth and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired lunch, or venture next door to the tasting room, an equally striking building, serving a taste of the Estate range, handcrafted in small quantities.

TarraWarra Estate

TarraWarra Estate takes great pride in its wine production, and rightfully so. The estate’s vineyards cover over 400 acres and produce exceptional cool-climate wines, including chardonnay and pinot noir. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings at the cellar door, where they can sample a range of wines while enjoying the countryside scene. A visit is never complete with a dining experience. The dishes are expertly prepared, beautifully presented, and designed to complement the estate’s award-winning wines.

Yering Station

Venture to the oldest vineyard in the Yarra Valley, Yering Station. Dating back to 1838, the station is still regarded as one of the finest wineries in the region for its cool-climate drops, including sparkling wines and a rich, fruity shiraz. The estate also houses a renowned art gallery showcasing contemporary Australian works. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, explore the historic grounds, and immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of wine, art, and nature.

Distillieries

Four Pillars

When you think of Australian gin, chances are Four Pillars comes to mind, and you’re not wrong. Australia’s favorite gin flows out from this distillery in Healesville. Using locally sourced botanicals and their signature copper pot stills, they create unique gin expressions such as the aromatic Rare Dry Gin and the vibrant Bloody Shiraz Gin. The modern distillery offers immersive tours, tastings, and a welcoming bar where visitors can experience the artistry and passion behind these exceptional gins. Book a gin masterclass for a memorable experience.

Killik Handcrafted Rum

There are only two dedicated rum distilleries in Victoria, and one of them sits on the cusp of the Yarra Valley and at the beginning of a picturesque walking track in the Dandenong Ranges. For $16 AUD, you can enjoy a tasting paddle that includes highlights such as Killik Gold, aged in chardonnay barrels for a year and infused with sweet flavors of cherry and bubblegum, and the Spiced White, which throws notes of pineapple, limes, and mandarins. It makes for a perfect stop before or after a day spent exploring the area.

Breweries

Watts River Brewing

As far as breweries come, Watts River emerges as a beacon of artistry in the craft beer landscape in the Yarra Valley. The brewery was founded by Ben Hamilton and Aaron Malmborg in 2014 and is celebrated for its commitment to producing high-quality, small-batch beers. They source local, premium ingredients to create diverse flavors, including hop-forward ales, refreshing lagers, and barrel-aged specialties. Visit the taproom and enjoy their meticulously crafted beers while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

St Ronan’s Cider

At St. Ronan’s Cider, the ciders are a world away from the popular sweet ciders of recent times. Owner and cider maker Eric Driessen embraces the dry and intricate “méthode traditionelle” style. Inspired by the French winemaking technique used for champagne production, their ciders undergo two fermentations, including the bottle fermentation stage, and are aged on lees, yielding a nuanced and textured cider. This complex creation harmoniously complements various culinary delights, making it a truly gastronomic experience and a must-visit.

Spirits, Wine, Beer, TravelNatasha BazikaSeptember 22, 2023distillery, wineries, breweriesComment