Wine. If you don’t already love it, get ready to. Victoria is renowned for it’s world class wineries, and luckily for those of us living in or visiting Melbourne, the majority are right on our doorstep! As the weather heats up, it’s hard to resist daydreaming of lush green vines and icy cold bottles of wine with friends and loved ones. We have curated our top picks of the fabulous vineyards that Melbourne has to offer to help you plan the perfect break from the city. These exceptional day trips or overnight escapes feature stunning natural backdrops and unique architecture which make them perfect Instagram fodder. Add to that an equally stunning array of award-winning range of wines, restaurants featuring Michelin trained chefs using the freshest local produce and you have the perfect Melbourne getaway. Explore some of these wonderful wineries this weekend and be the envy of all of your followers!
1. South-East – Cannibal Creek Vineyard, Tynong
Located just one hour South-East of Melbourne, Cannibal Creek Vineyard in central Gippsland is known for their French inspired wines and menu, which innovatively uses local produce to develop exquisite dishes. Add to that an uber-cool architecturally designed (and hand-built!) restaurant interior, and you have to perfect location to snap thousands of impressive selfies, while indulging in all the wine.
If you simply can’t tear yourself away, try one of these beautiful local accommodation options:
– Tallawarra Homestead
– The Haven Country House
2. East – TarraWarra Estate, Tarrawarra
This eye-popping estate is a must-see, with an unbelievable architecturally designed cellar door, nestled into a hill in the famous Yarra Valley. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, TarraWarra Estate are known for their exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With a mouth-watering modern menu set in a restaurant brimming with natural architectural details, you will be in wine heaven. Oh and did we mention that the estate also includes an on-site contemporary art gallery? Tick, tick, tick.
If you need more time to soak up the heavenly Yarra Valley vibe, check out these impressive accommodation options:
– Balgownie Estate
– Sanctuary Park Cottages
3. North-West – Hanging Rock Winery, Newham
For wine with a view, this gorgeous setting can’t be beaten. Under an hour away from Melbourne, what Hanging Rock Winery lacks in a restaurant is made up for by the friendly, knowledgeable staff and an unsurpassed variety of wine types. Sample the wide range of wines on offer at the cellar door and as a bonus, grab some award winning steaks from the Hanging Rock Beef Company to sear later and perfectly complement your Shiraz. Alternatively there are divine restaurants nearby, such as Du Fermier (which is French for ‘From the Farmhouse’, just lovely) in the cute town of Trentham or the sophisticated Macedon Wine Room, located in Macedon. Afterwards, take a seat outside to soak up the ultimate Hanging Rock view with a glass in hand. You’ve earned it.
Continue to absorb the absolutely gorgeous views in one of these beautiful places to stay nearby:
– Oakhill Woodend
– Mirkwood Forest
4. South-West – Terindah Estate, Bellarine
Come to Terindah Estate at the right time of year and you’ll be treated to endless rolling hills of fluorescent yellow canola reaching all the way out to Port Phillip Bay, all while you sip on some of their unique small batch wines. The boutique winery’s restaurant, lovingly named ‘The Shed’ is a bright, airy space that has received accolade from foodies, having been voted one of the top 5 restaurants in regional Victoria. Extra points for the winery being close to the many wonderful beaches of the sleepy Bellarine Peninsula and the excellent produce the area has to offer, the perfect weekend combination.
Make the most of your weekend and the ocean-breeze in your hair by staying at one of the great nearby accommodation options:
– Drysdale Bed and Breakfast
– Starhaven Retreat
5. East – Yering Station, Yering
One of the oldest wineries of the Yarra Valley region, Yering Station offers a sublime taste of old world charm and the best of contemporary elegance all wrapped up into one neat package. Visit the cellar door which is housed in the original winery building for a taste of a bygone era. Then head to The Wine Bar restaurant to sample the newly revamped French-inspired menu, with a kitchen headed up by a Michelin trained chef for a feast of decadent delights. Don’t forget to soak up and take some snaps of the magnificent views of the Yarra Ranges from the dining room – perfect for a very, very long lunch.
If you want to extend the classic and elegant experience of Yering Station, try staying at one of these opulent accommodation options just a short drive away:
– Chateu Yering
– Eagles Nest Luxury Mountain Retreat
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