Balgownie Estate

You can tell a lot about a place by the way it smells. At Balgownie Estate, the air is filled with cool-climate vines, toasted oak and freshly baked bread from the kitchen at Restaurant 1309. It’s one of those rare Yarra Valley wineries where you can wear thongs and still feel like you’re part of something special.

I’ve spent enough weekends wandering Victoria’s wine country to know when a place gets the balance right. Balgownie Estate doesn’t just serve award-winning wine; it wraps you up in the easy rhythm of the Yarra Glen landscape — the slow rustle of vines, the low hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glass that says, “Mate, we’ve made it.”

Heritage and Innovation

Before Balgownie Estate became one of the signature wineries of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, it was a bold idea in Bendigo back in 1969. Founder Stuart Anderson planted the original vines with a focus on classic French varietals — Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz — that could thrive in Australian soil.

When Balgownie expanded to the Yarra Valley in 2003, it brought that same pioneering spirit but with a dash of modern elegance. Under the guidance of winemaker Tony Winspear, the estate now blends old-world craftsmanship with new-world creativity, producing a wine range that includes single block wines, exclusive aged collections and local favourites like the Balgownie NV Cuvée.

As Tony says, “Every vintage tells a story — ours just comes with a better view.”

The Cellar Door

Step into the Cellar Door and you’ll be greeted by warm smiles and that unmistakable scent of oak and ambition. The space is bright and welcoming, lined with shelves stacked high with Balgownie favourites and back vintages that whisper of decades past.

Here you can taste the estate’s signature Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay — each one a reflection of the Yarra Valley’s cool climate.

Wine Type	Signature Character	Average Cellar Door Price (AUD)
Balgownie Estate Chardonnay	Citrus zest, white peach, light oak	$38
Balgownie Estate Pinot Noir	Red cherry, mushroom, soft tannin	$45
Balgownie Cabernet Sauvignon	Cassis, cedar, black olive	$55
Black Label Shiraz (Bendigo)	Full-bodied, pepper, dark berries	$65
Sparkling Brut NV	Fine bead, apple blossom, crisp finish	$35

The cellar team don’t just pour — they chat, they laugh and make you feel like part of the family. Pop by Balgownie’s Bottomless Wine Bar on weekends for unlimited tastings with local cheese or try their Wine + Chocolate pairings, a sensory treat that will convert even the sceptics.

Dining at 1309

There’s good food, and then there’s Restaurant 1309. Tucked inside the main lodge, this Yarra Valley restaurant takes “seasonal and local” very seriously. Executive Chef Aidan Gallagher has built a menu that celebrates Victorian produce with global flair — no fuss, just honest cooking with personality.

When I last visited, I had the Buxton Smoked Trout Mousse with gamma purée, followed by Otway Pork Belly glazed in local honey and topped with a native leaf salad and muntrie berries. Bliss.

Aidan’s philosophy is simple: “Let the ingredients do the talking.” And they do.

You’ll find:

Grazing menus built around seasonal harvests
Buffet breakfasts with Yarra Valley cheese and pastries
Alfresco/outdoor dining under a leafy canopy
A carefully curated list of Balgownie wines to match every dish

The High Tea here is also worth a mention — a modern High Tea menu stacked with luxe sandwiches, sweet and savoury treats, freshly baked scones, and local delicacies served with a tea menu from Australian blenders.

Relax and Reset

Wine in one hand, spa robe in the other — that’s my kind of balance. The onsite Endota Spa (previously Natskin Spa) is the ultimate in pampering. The space is calm, scented with the exclusive Balgownie Signature Scent and run by therapists who know their stuff.

Whether you book a Yin & Vin ritual, an aromatherapy massage or a full-body scrub with native botanicals, you’ll walk out feeling lighter, calmer and possibly a little reluctant to re-enter reality.

A few faves:

Luminous Facial (75 mins) – $185
Thermal Stone Treatment (90 mins) – $195
Vineyard Renewal Ritual (2 hrs) – $260
Spring Retreat Package – from $320 (includes massage + High Tea)

Couples often add on a glass of Balgownie NV Cuvée to their treatments — because self-care deserves bubbles.

Overnight Stay

When the last glass is empty and the valley is quiet, it’s worth staying. The guest rooms at Balgownie blend modern design with vineyard charm — soft linens, spacious spa baths and balconies overlooking the Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

Highlights:

Premier Spa Suites with valley views
In-room minibars with Balgownie’s own wines
Day Delegate Packages for corporate guests
Wedding packages for vineyard ceremonies
Gift vouchers for future indulgence

For something a bit different, book an Indulgent Sunday package — buffet breakfast, late checkout and a guided Bike Hire ride along the Melba Trail.

Seasons of the Vine

The Yarra Valley changes its coat every few months, and each season gives Balgownie Estate a whole new personality.

Season	Weather & Atmosphere	What’s On
Autumn (Mar–May)	Cool mornings, harvest in full swing	Grape picking, vintage dinners
Winter (Jun–Aug)	Crisp air, cosy firesides	Mulled wine, truffle menus
Spring (Sep–Nov)	Budburst, green hills	Garden walks, picnics, and local produce
Summer (Dec–Feb)	Long days, warm evenings	Twilight tastings, outdoor concerts

If you want fewer crowds, aim for late autumn or early spring — you’ll get those big views without fighting for parking.

From Vines to Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s part of the fabric. Balgownie Estate uses solar panels, water recycling systems and minimal intervention vineyard practices to keep its footprint light.

They’re part of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, which benchmarks wineries against environmental and social standards. According to the 2024 industry report, certified members (including Balgownie) have reduced carbon output by an average of 27% since 2020.

That’s not just good PR — it’s real progress. As the head winemaker told me, “Good wine starts with good soil. You look after the land, it’ll look after you.”

Local Yarn

The first time I stayed at Balgownie, I arrived late — headlights bouncing off misty rows of vines. The cellar door had closed, but a staff member spotted me wandering and offered me a leftover glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. We stood there under the stars, swapping stories about Bendigo’s early wine days.

Moments like that remind you why Yarra Valley hospitality is the best. It’s not just the luxury — it’s the heart behind it.