Justly renowned for its award-winning vineyards and rural surroundings, the Yarra Valley wine region is ideal for a day trip to a winery. You’ll find big names and brands, but take the time to discover the cellars of small producers where personal attention and expertise are guaranteed.
Escape the crowds and experience personalized wine tastings at small wineries in the picturesque Yarra Valley. Indulge in a truly authentic wine-tasting experience.
Boat O'Craigo Wines
“Dark Horse of the Year” James Halliday 2018 Wine Companion, Boat O’Craigo Vineyards is a second-generation family-owned winery in the Yarra Valley. With over 50 acres of vineyards across two sites, Boat O’Craigo produces exceptional wines from single-vineyard, noble grape varieties.
The cellar doors are located in Hillsville, and you can relax and taste the wine with the experienced, passionate and approachable staff while enjoying views of the vineyard and surrounding mountain ranges.
The kitchen serves delicious antipasto, cheese kebabs and the famous traditional thin-crust pizza. These dishes are perfect for enjoying wine with friends while admiring the majestic view.
With large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vineyard, an open fireplace in the colder months and an outdoor terrace in the warmer months, plenty of local animals roaming the grounds, and good wine and food, Boat O’Craigo’s Cellar Door has everything you need to make your next visit to a vineyard in the Yarra Valley genuinely memorable.
Payne's Rise Winery
Paynes Rise Wines is located in the Upper Yarra Valley. It is a boutique winery specialising in small-batch wines made from fruit grown and selected in their vineyard in Seville, Victoria. It is the result of the hard work of Tim and Narelle Cullen, who have been dedicated to it passionately for many years. Paynes Rise is committed to producing complex, fruity wines that express the vineyard’s unique qualities and the Upper Yarra’s cool climate.
The cellar door is integrated into the 1860s estate of Seville’s first settler, Thomas Payne. Guests can look around the original house and outbuildings. The main purpose of the owners is to represent this beautiful place rich in history, character, and charm to everyone. Moreover, one can relax and savour fine wines here.
The newly renovated Cellar Door restaurant offers wine tastings and informal dinners from Thursday to Sunday.
Seville Estate
In 2019, Seville Estate was named the Halliday Wine Companion Winery of the Year.
Since its first vintage, Seville Estate has quickly established itself as one of the best producers in the Yarra Valley. Surprisingly, Seville Estate’s Shiraz has received the most attention in a region better known for its Pinot Noir, quickly becoming one of Victoria’s most sought-after wines.
The Seville Estate can be found amongst the hills and pastures of the Upper Yarra Valley, with the cellar door and winery set amongst native plants of a beautiful garden.
This 6.1-hectare vineyard, planted in 1972, is well-known for high-quality fruit. And this fact doesn’t stop to surprise everyone. The age of the vines affects the quality and consistency of the fruit.
Seville Hill
Seville Hill is located in the southern area of the Yarra Valley and is known for its picturesque hilltop vineyard. Mature camellias add colour to the well-tended vineyard, and tall elms provide shade for those listening to the music. One of the family members is a jazz musician, and in the warmer months, a top orchestra performs in the vineyard. The wines here are excellent; sometimes, they successfully explore unconventional territory for the Yarra Valley. Try the Sparklin Tempranillo to discover part of the unique range of Seville Hill. John and Josie D’Aloisio began winemaking over 30 years ago and founded Seville Hill Vineyard and Winery in 1991. Located in the picturesque town of Seville, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, John and Josie have grown quality fruit on 43 acres of deep, rich volcanic soils since 1985, becoming the foundation and inspiration for Seville Hill wines. Summer Jazz at Seville Hill is a regular event held during the warmer months of October to April. Enjoy lunch or a cheese plate with a glass of wine, stunning views and soothing music.
Soumah of Yarra Valley
Soumah of Yarra Valley is a wine producer located in the Yarra Valley, approximately an hour’s drive from Melbourne, known for its premium offerings.
This unspoilt region, nestled at the foot of the Warramatta Range and south of the Marunda Highway, is home to some of Australia’s most prestigious vineyards. Here, they produce their wines with the charm of Northern Italy and the origin of the Yarra Valley.
Yarra Valley Winery was named Winery of the Year 2019 at the Melbourne International Wine Fair, and their Northern Italian-style cellar door and trattoria welcome guests seven days a week. When you visit the cellar door, you can enjoy a tasting accompanied by experienced and passionate staff. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with a glass of your favourite wine in the Ai Fiori Trattoria overlooking the vineyard hills and majestic hills of the Warramat Hills. We strongly recommend booking a table for lunch.
For Yarra Valley wine tour groups and special occasions, the team can arrange a tasting in the private tasting and dining room, which seats up to 20 people. You can also stay in their accommodation.
Tokar Estate Winery
With majestic views of the Yarra Valley’s finest vineyards, surrounding mountain ranges and stunning horizons, and nestled in the picturesque circle of the famous Yarra Valley, Tokar Estate is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the beauty of the valley, taste fine wines, savour gourmet cuisine and stay in dream accommodation.
The Tokar family also invites you to their wine cellar to sample a fabulous range of award-winning wines, including Tempranillo (from the oldest Tempranillo plantations in the Yarra Valley).
Afterwards, you can dine in the welcoming atmosphere of their restaurant; the superb seasonal cuisine will tantalise your taste buds, and your senses will be amazed by the spectacular views of the Yarra Valley.
Accommodation at the Residence is in the traditional B&B style, and your host, Rita, prepares the most sumptuous breakfasts.
Come and enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Tokar Estate, taking in the incredible panoramic views of the Yarra Valley.
FAQ
What makes the Yarra Valley wine region special?
The Yarra Valley is famous for award-winning vineyards, scenic landscapes, and a mix of big-name wineries and boutique cellar doors offering personal, expert-led tastings.
What is unique about Boat O’Craigo Wines?
Boat O’Craigo is a family-owned winery with stunning vineyard views, a welcoming cellar door, delicious antipasto and pizzas, and award-winning single-vineyard wines.
Why visit Paynes Rise Winery?
Paynes Rise offers small-batch wines in a historic 1860s estate, blending heritage charm with high-quality cool-climate wines and a relaxed cellar door experience.
What is Seville Hill known for?
Seville Hill features a picturesque hilltop vineyard, unique wines like Sparkling Tempranillo, and popular Summer Jazz events with great food, wine, and music.
Can I enjoy dining experiences at Soumah or Tokar Estate?
Yes — both offer premium wines with on-site restaurants serving gourmet dishes and spectacular vineyard views, making them ideal for long lunches or special occasions.
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