Zonzo Estate in the Yarra Valley is one of those special places where Italian passion meets Aussie laid-back vibes – where long lunches drag on into sunsets, and every glass of wine is a story about the land it came from. I stopped in for a quick wine tasting on my first visit down Healesville–Yarra Glen Road, but before I knew it, three hours had flown by and I was still at the cellar door, arguing with a mate about which of Zonzo’s Pinot Noir was best with that juicy roast chicken and roasted spuds we’d just devoured.
Here, food, wine and community are all intertwined. Winemakers are always chatting up the guests, chefs are usually sharing stories over a coffee, and there are tables full of locals and travellers alike – that lovely, easy camaraderie that sums up the best bits of country Victoria’s top wine region.
Out in the rolling hills near Yarra Glen, Zonzo’s vines are doing fantastically well in the Yarra Valley’s great cool-climate — this is one of the oldest and most respected wine regions in the Melbourne area. The soil, the rainfall, all those long sunny afternoons — it’s all just perfect for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Cabernet Franc, all of which seem to be saying “this’s how wine’s supposed to taste” with quiet confidence.
Step outside the cellar door, and you get this stunning view of the Great Dividing Range off in the distance, rosellas flitting about in the gum trees, and the vines are just loaded with fruit. The air smells like fresh cut grass and gum leaves — and just when you think it’s all a bit ordinary, you catch a whiff of perfume from the gardens nearby.
No wonder this area has become home to some top winemakers like Innocent Bystander and Zonzo — both showing that wine can still be taken seriously, but still be lots of fun.
The Italian-Inspired Kitchen
Zonzo’s kitchen takes its cue from the Italians — keep it simple, keep it tasty. They’re not trying to show off here — they’re all about generosity and flavour. Wood-fired pizzas come out just right — crispy and blistered, perfect with a glass of Prosecco di Aria or a Pinot Noir as bright as a spring morning.
You get your sautéed greens slick with olive oil, pasta rolled that morning in the kitchen, and slow-roast meats that just melt off the fork. Add that to some wines that really taste like the land they came from — red plum, dark cherry, and spicy dark plum notes all dancing together like old friends with the food.
Zonzo’s menu is like a postcard from Tuscany with a local twist:
- Prosecco di Aria for a sunny day toast
- Estate Prosecco di Aria 2024 — crisp with a bit of crunchy pear and a fresh finish
- Estate Pinot Noir 2024 — sour cherry, red currant, and dried rose petal tones all going on
- Family-style mains like slow-cooked lamb or roast chicken with roast spuds
Each meal is a reminder that keeping things simple can be pretty bloody luxurious.
Estate Wines And Tasting Experience
The cellar door at Zonzo is as warm as the people behind it. The team pour with passion, sharing new and old from their Scoperta Range — everyday wines to share — to the more complex Estate Pinot Noir 2024 and Estate Prosecco di Aria 2024.
Their red wines show the Yarra’s cool climate character. The Zonzo Estate Pinot Noir is a beauty — aromatic profile of dark cherries, spicy dark plum, peppered herb notes and a lick of vanillin cedar. On the palate, it’s soft, elegant and medium-bodied with those earthy peppered earth elements that make you want to go back for more.
Meanwhile, the Estate Prosecco di Aria is bright and lively — crunchy pear, white flowers and a clean, fresh finish perfect for alfresco dining. There’s a balance here that comes from formal training and intuition. Head Winemaker Caroline Mooney has a wine science degree and makes wines that are expressive and unpretentious.
Her colleague Rod Micallef oversees operations and has the calm energy to run an estate that’s part vineyard and part social hub. Together, they’ve built a reputation for authenticity and quality that’s getting noticed from Melbourne to the Victorian Wine Show.
Quick Tasting Tips
- Book ahead for weekends or long weekends.
- Taste with the Winemaker Events are worth the calendar space.
- Ask about Wine Education Events if you love learning what’s in your glass.
- Join The Extended Family, Zonzo’s Loyalty Program, for early access to new releases.
- Women Who Inspire evenings feature female leaders in hospitality — a great initiative.
Seasonal Travel And Local Hacks
Timing your visit makes all the difference. The Yarra Valley shifts its character with the seasons, and Zonzo leans into each one perfectly.
| Season | Typical Conditions | Best Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Mild days, golden vines | Pinot Noir harvest, cool nights, outdoor tastings |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Crisp mornings, misty hills | Red wines by the fire, rich food pairings |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Blossoms, bright greens | Prosecco di Aria, lighter menus, and photography |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Warm afternoons, long days | Alfresco dining, weddings, sunsets |
Pro Tip (From a Local): You know what helps beat the crowds at the cellar door? Swing by on a weekday. No queues for you!
Travel Note: Even if it’s summer, don’t pack that jacket just yet — it can still get chilly once the sun dips behind the Yarra Ranges.
My Yarra Valley Story
The last time I went, I promised myself it’d be a quick in-and-out job — just pop in for a taste, grab a pizza, and I’d be home by 4. But the valley had other ideas. That Prosecco di Aria had a sparkle like morning sunshine, and before I knew it, I was chatting with a bunch of strangers at another table about the difference between dark cherries and red liquorice in that Estate Pinot Noir 2024.
Someone ordered another carafe, saying “research”, of course, and that was it. I was sold. As the light started to turn golden and the vines lit up, we raised a glass to the good life. It was one of those afternoons in the Yarra that felt frozen in time and would stay with me long after I left.
By the end of it, I figured out why the locals love this place so much — Zonzo isn’t just about the wine, it’s about finding a sense of belonging.
Planning Your Trip — Quick Checklist
- Make sure to book ahead for tastings, events, or weddings because they fill up fast.
- Join the extended family for offers and updates on what’s happening.
- Check the event calendars for those Taste With The Winemaker Events – they’re a real treat.
- Don’t forget to bring a designated driver or stay overnight in Yarra Glen.
- Get your cameras ready early; the light in the afternoon is perfect for photos.
- Ask the staff about local partners like Innocent Bystander or other nearby producers they work with.
A good meal, a glass of Estate Pinot Noir, and the sound of laughter carrying across the vines – that’s all the planning you really need to have a great time.
FAQ
Is Zonzo Estate Family-Friendly?
Yeah, you can bring the kids along, and there’s loads of space for them to run around. Families love staying for lunch or dinner al fresco on sunny weekends.
Can I Just Rock Up Without A Booking?
You can, but weekends get pretty busy, so be prepared for a wait. Book ahead for tastings or lunch, especially during Pinot Noir harvest season.
What Wines does Zonzo Estate Produce?
Zonzo focuses on Pinot Noir, Prosecco di Aria, small batches of Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, plus the easy-drinking Scoperta Range of everyday wines.
Who Makes The Wines At Zonzo Estate?
Head Winemaker Caroline Mooney – with a wine science degree under her belt – is the mastermind behind the craft, alongside Rod Micallef. He keeps the wines soft and elegant, just the way they love them at Zonzo.
What Sets Zonzo Estate Apart In The Yarra?
It’s the warmth of Italy, mixed with local ingredients and a community focus. The Wine Education Events and Taste With The Winemaker nights aren’t just a drink; they’re a chance to connect with others over good wine.
