Every time I wander into Jayden Ong’s Winery & Cellar Bar, tucked inside the vibrant Healesville Makers Quarter in the Yarra Valley, I’m reminded of why I fell for this region in the first place. There’s no pretence here — just genuine winemaking, thoughtful food and that relaxed, communal energy that only comes from vines growing on Mount Toolebewong.
Jayden Ong Wines has built a true community hub — a blend of urban winery and cellar door charm. Locals gather here after work, and travellers linger over their glasses longer than planned, watching sunlight dance across the barrels as the day fades.
At the heart of Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar lies a philosophy grounded in organic farming, low-intervention winemaking and deep respect for nature’s rhythm. The Forest Garden vineyard on Mount Toolebewong, nestled among cherry trees and native bushland, gives every vintage a unique voice.
Jayden’s wines are rooted in terroir — each bottle expressing the soil, weather and altitude of its origin. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here; it’s a lifestyle built around solar power, rainwater harvesting and reusing organic waste to enrich the soil.
“We farm gently,” Jayden says. “If we listen to the land, it always rewards us.” His wines are made with wild ferments, minimal sulphur and no unnecessary fining or filtering — resulting in bottles often labelled Preservative Free Wine or unfined & unfiltered.
The Man Behind The Wine
Before opening his Healesville cellar door, Jayden spent years crafting wines across Australia’s coolest regions. His focus is on honest wines that tell the story of the vineyard — never the ego of the winemaker.
His Mount Toolebewong vineyard sits high above the valley, surrounded by forest — a site that demands patience and rewards restraint. The single-vineyard estate wines reflect the region’s altitude and microclimate — pure, structured, and precise.
Drawing on European influences, Jayden’s Syrah hints at Côte Rôtie finesse, while his Pinot Noir carries a Burgundian elegance — yet both remain distinctly Australian in spirit.
Exploring The Wine List: Four Labels, One Clear Vision
Jayden’s portfolio reflects clarity and purpose. Each label tells its own story, yet together they define modern Victorian winemaking.
| Label | Focus | Personality | Notable Wines |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Maison de Ong | Estate-grown Yarra Valley fruit | Elegant, detailed, age-worthy | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| One Block | Single-site expressions from across Victoria | Precise, terroir-driven | Syrah, Pinot Gris, Nebbiolo |
| Moonlit Forest | Experimental blends and alternative varieties | Creative, textural, a bit cheeky | Field blends, skin-contact whites |
| Jayden Ong & Co. | Collaborative wines with growers & mates | Approachable, drink-now fun | Sparkling, rosé, table wines |
For something truly special, try the Dark Moon Syrah — pressed after 40 days on skins and matured in Francois Freres puncheons. The result is a silky texture and haunting depth — proof that minimal intervention can deliver maximum soul.
The Cellar Bar: Where Locals & Travellers Unite
The Cellar Bar Restaurant brings together wine, woodfire and warmth. Its blend of industrial chic and rural charm — timber beams, tall windows and sunlight spilling across concrete floors — makes it one of Healesville’s most inviting spaces.
Part wine bar, part working winery, you can see stainless steel tanks and barrels behind glass panels, with the air rich in fermentation aromas. It’s all about keeping things real and transparent — just as Jayden intended.
Food & Events: Where Delicious Meets Deep Meaning
The food here is every bit as soulful as the wine. Woodfired dishes fill the air with smoke and warmth — think sourdough, charcoal-grilled lamb, kingfish and fire-kissed local vegetables. On weekends, the outdoor grill and terrace come alive under fairy lights and laughter.
Both indoor and alfresco dining options are available, with cosy fireside tables in winter. Private events, weddings and corporate functions are welcome, supported by catering, flexible setups and generous parking for guests.
Family Fun & Inclusivity
What sets this place apart is how inclusive it is. Families, friends and solo travellers all share the same relaxed space. Kids play on the patio while parents enjoy a glass; friends share cheese platters and stories under the canopy.
Events here are family-friendly — from pizza nights to seasonal celebrations with local musicians. The venue offers baby-change facilities, wheelchair access, and plenty of quiet corners for downtime.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Visit
Check the opening hours — usually Thursday to Sunday, 12 pm–8 pm, though they can shift with the seasons.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 8 Hunter Road, Healesville VIC 3777 |
| Region | Yarra Valley, Victoria |
| Opening Hours | Thursday–Sunday, 12 pm–8 pm (subject to season) |
| Bookings | Recommended for groups over 6 |
| Phone | (03) 5962 8549 |
| Website | jaydenong.com |
| Parking | Free on-site, accessible spaces available |
Insider Tips: Visit mid-afternoon for the best light. Join the Magnum Opus Wine Club for early access to new releases. Try the Orange / Skin Contact Wine Flight — textural, vibrant and unlike anything else. And don’t skip dessert — the pastry chef’s honeycomb creations are legendary.
A Taste That Lingers Longer Than The Finish
Every pour here tells a story — one of patience, sustainability and craft. Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar captures everything special about the Yarra: creative energy, community warmth and wines that make you pause mid-sip.
You don’t come for the hype — you come for the connection. For a seat under the timber roof, good company and that perfect, lingering finish of cool-climate Chardonnay.
FAQ
Do I need to book in advance for tastings?
Walk-ins are fine during the week, but weekend sessions fill fast. Book ahead online if you’re planning a group or private event.
What type of wines does Jayden Ong make?
Expect elegant, terroir-driven wines made with organic methods and minimal intervention — from One Block Syrah to La Maison de Ong Chardonnay and the Preservative Free range.
Can I host events at the Cellar Bar?
Yes — it’s a full-service venue for weddings, corporate functions and private celebrations, with flexible menus and indoor-outdoor flow.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. Family events, high chairs and relaxed seating make it perfect for all ages.
What else is nearby?
Check out Watts River Brewing, Four Pillars Gin Distillery and Giammarino Wine — all within walking distance, making Healesville the perfect day-trip base.
