There’s something about pulling up to De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate that feels like stepping into a well-worn family photo — sun-kissed rows of vines, the scent of fresh grapes drifting from the vineyards, and a classic Aussie welcome. Nestled in Dixons Creek, at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, it’s the kind of Yarra Valley winery where tradition and innovation share the same glass.
The De Bortoli wines story starts in New South Wales, where Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli started with humble vines and a fierce belief that great wine comes from great people. Nearly a century later, their granddaughter Leanne De Bortoli and her husband, chief winemaker Steve Webber, have turned the Yarra Valley estate into a modern beacon for Australian wine.
Here, the couple have built a place that celebrates both heritage and experimentation. Their family philosophy is Italian warmth with Aussie ingenuity — sustainable winegrowing and a deep respect for the land. The result? Award-winning wines from the Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Best Cellar Door Awards to the Travellers’ Choice Hall of Fame.
Navigating the Wine Country
The estate is at 58 Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek, a scenic drive about an hour from Melbourne. It’s surrounded by gardens, vineyards and picnic grounds that make you want to stay all day.
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate is more than a cellar door — it’s a full day out. The property has a Locale Restaurant, picnic facilities, and even a kids’ playground for families visiting the valley. For events, the Kinglake Room has indoor space with festoon lighting, a dance floor, and private marquee options for outdoor functions.
There’s wheelchair access throughout the property, with a disabled car park and even an electric vehicle charging point — a thoughtful touch with their Sustainable Tourism Accreditation.
A Taste Of The Yarra In Every Glass
De Bortoli’s estate vineyards do pretty well in the Yarra’s cooler pockets, where the temperature & soil are just right, producing wines that show the region’s delicate nuances. Each wine tasting experience here tells a story – from crisp whites to full-on reds, crafted in a low-key way using winemaking techniques that keep things simple and whole bunch inclusion.
Their wine range showcases the valley’s diversity, from single-vineyard releases to Organic offerings. If you know your wine, you’ll spot classic Yarra cool-climate characters like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc, but also some more unusual European-influenced varietals like Grenache, Shiraz and Nebbiolo.
Some Standouts That Are Absolutely Worth Swirling
De Bortoli Riorret Pinot Noir: An absolute stunner with perfumed aromatics, lots of brambly cedar notes, and a silky-smooth palate with a hint of red to dark fruit.
Estate Grown Chardonnay: A beautifully-balanced wine with the subtle oak from French casks and a lingering finish like a Yarra sunset.
La Boheme Act Two Pinot Gris & Friends: Great acidity with hints of dried herbs – just what you need for an afternoon platter.
The Noble One Botrytis Semillon: Australia’s most famous dessert wine, golden, luscious, and sporting a sweet finish to match its reputation.
Their Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership sums up their approach – they plant trees, compost grape skins, and keep making top-notch wine while looking out for the valley for the next generation.
Stories in Every Glass
At the De Bortoli Yarra Valley Cellar Door, every pour tells a story straight from the people who live and breathe the vines. With the Great Dividing Range right behind, the views across the valley are stunning—perfect for any wine-tasting experience.
Things to Taste: We Reckon You Should Definitely Try:
- Signature Tasting: A selection of five estate wines to get a feel for what they do – from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir.
- Premium Wine & Cheese Experience: The ultimate wine and cheese tasting combo – featuring all sorts of house-made cheeses & local goodies.
- Family Reserve Tasting: If you want to go deeper, try their award-winning wines – even some museum releases or limited editions.
Prices:
from $10 (and you get that back if you buy a bottle) up to $55 for a private, guided session.
Cheese, Glorious Cheese
Just next door is the De Bortoli Cheese Room, a veritable treasure trove of all sorts of cheeses – soft, hard, & blue, all made on-site. You can taste your way through, then build a platter to enjoy on the terrace.
If you’re planning on staying a while, get a few local treats to take home – Yarra Valley olives, relishes, and of course, a bottle or two to match.
Dining Among the Vines
Perched right on the edge of the vineyards, Locale Restaurant is your chance to indulge in a love letter to the family’s Italian roots. The menu draws inspiration from northern Italian recipes mixed with the best local produce – we’re talking homemade pasta, slow-cooked meats, and ingredients straight from the estate.
Head Chef Adam Mead keeps things nice and simple – a fusion of Italian food with a Yarra Valley twist. Think a rustic risotto piled high with porcini mushrooms or slow-cooked beef in De Bortoli’s Shiraz – every dish is a celebration of both where you are and how much love goes into it.
Some Dishes to Set the Bar High:
Pappardelle with Duck Ragu – its earthy goodness pairs a treat with the Estate Pinot Noir.
Wild Mushroom Risotto – comfort food at its best, and it goes shockingly well with a glass of Grenache Shiraz.
Noble One Semifreddo – just a bit of fun nod to the family’s most famous wine.
And yes, the wine list is top notch. Feel free to try some wine flights that mirror the tasting you’d do yourself, or ask the sommelier for a matching pairing – they’re passionate and fully on board but never pushy.
Seasonal Tips, Timing Your Visit
As the Yarra Valley changes up its look with every season, the De Bortoli crew always brings a new look to the table. Here’s how to get there with the locals in mind:
| Season | What To Expect | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Harvest season — the valley glows gold and amber. Cellar door is buzzing. | Pack a jumper for chilly mornings and try the new-release Pinot Noir. |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Crisp air, foggy vines, and hearty menus in Locale. | Grab a fireside table and order the Syrah with lamb. |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Wildflowers and new growth in the vines. Quiet weekdays for relaxed tastings. | Book mid-week for fewer crowds and clear valley views. |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Long days, picnics, and sunset tastings. | Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water — it gets hot between the rows. |
If you’re looking for events, keep an eye out for the Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival and De Bortoli’s own Summer Wine Series, which features live music and grazing platters on the lawn.
Practical Info: Hours, Bookings, And Accessibility
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate is open year-round with flexible spaces and services to suit every kind of visitor.
Hours:
Cellar Door: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Locale Restaurant: Thu–Mon, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cheese Room & Shop Online: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Facilities:
Wheelchair accessible across all venues
Private marquee and event spaces available for hire
Picnic facilities and lawns
Helicopter landing option for luxury events
Click & collect and home delivery via their website
Cooking school experiences are offered seasonally
De Bortoli also has De Bortoli Rutherglen, part of its broader Australian wine company, but the Yarra Valley site is closest to its heart.
Local Yarns And Lived Advice
One of my favourite memories from a Yarra Valley loop was watching a storm roll in over the vines while the cellar-door team opened a 10-year-old museum Chardonnay “just because.” That’s the kind of warmth that defines this place — a family legacy that still feels personal.
If you’ve got time, make a day of it: start with a late-morning tasting, lunch at Locale, and then wander the grounds as the afternoon sun hits the vines. You’ll leave with more than a bottle — you’ll leave with a story.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Book your restaurant table in advance (especially weekends)
- Bring an esky if you’re taking cheese and wine home
- Allow 2 hours for tasting + lunch
- Combine with Yarrawood or Mandala Wines
- Snap a photo by the old oak tree — it’s the family landmark
FAQ
Do I Need To Book Tastings In Advance?
Bookings are highly recommended for weekends, groups, or premium tastings, especially if you’re planning a private wine experience.
Is The Estate Dog Friendly?
Dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor areas, not inside the restaurant or event spaces.
What’s The Most Popular Wine?
The Noble One dessert wine is a winner, but the Estate Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are close seconds.
Can I Get Married Or Hold My Event Here?
Yes — the estate offers full wedding and function facilities, customised wedding packages, event coordination services and stunning private marquee setups.
Is The Property Accessible?
Yes. The estate is wheelchair accessible, with disabled parking and accessible restrooms throughout.
