Punt Road Wines is right at the heart of the Yarra Valley, just off St Hubert’s Road in Coldstream – a place with a history of winemaking that’s as deep and rich as the red earth itself. The Napoleone family are the owners here – a family that’s been growing fruit in the valley for generations, long before ‘cool-climate’ became a rather trendy marketing tag – and their philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: make wine that’s genuinely a product of the place it’s from, using estate-grown fruit and made by the people who are living and breathing it every day.
The Punt Road Wines story started in the pioneering days of Hubert de Castella, a Swiss bloke who was one of the key figures in establishing Yarra Valley viticulture in the mid-1800s. This guy really put the region on the map and helped set the standards for fine, cool-climate winemaking that the Yarra Valley would become famous for. Unfortunately, phylloxera came along and wiped out the vines, leaving the valley in a pretty sorry state.
Fast forward a century or two, and the Napoleone family came back to the land and reignited that old legacy at the Napoleone Vineyard – a spot that blends old-fashioned values with some innovative ideas and a nod to the European roots of the region. Nowadays, the vineyard is run by winemaker Tim Shand and vineyard manager Georgie Jacobs – two people who are passionate about farming sustainably and working the land with their hands, with a real focus on what came before and what might come next.
These guys are part of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, and use all sorts of eco-friendly methods like cover crops, solar power and keeping spraying to the absolute minimum. Their goal isn’t just to make some award-winning wine – it’s to make sure the Yarra Valley keeps on thriving for the next generation of growers and visitors.
Crafted in a Cool Climate
The estate-grown vineyards cover about 150 acres of the Yarra Valley’s great soil, divided into blocks of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Gris – each one carefully managed to get the best out of the cool mornings and long dry autumns that the valley is known for. It’s perfect for ripening the fruit slowly and getting that beautiful balance of acidity – the kind of thing that makes for some world class wine.
Here’s a snapshot of what goes into each bottle at Punt Road Wines:
| Vineyard Snapshot | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | St Huberts Rd, Coldstream, Yarra Valley |
| Vineyard Size | 150 acres (approx. 60 hectares) |
| Varieties | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Soil Type | Grey loam over clay |
| Sustainable Practices | Solar energy, water recycling, and cover cropping |
| Membership | Sustainable Winegrowing Australia |
Winemaker Tim Shand nails it when he says, “We’re not after ratings – we’re chasing the real thing” (by that he means purity of flavour). And trust us, it shows – with a small but talented team taking care of everything from pruning to bottling, you get to taste that genuine vine-to-bottle connection that just can’t be replicated. Each vintage pretty much reflects the season as well as the quirky personalities of the folk who made it.
The Wines That Tell a Story From the Land
If you’ve ever strolled into their cellar door, you’ll know that Punt Road Wines has a pretty obvious love affair with showcasing a range of wines while still keeping things in check. They don’t go over the top and churn out fifty different wines – that would be madness – they stick to making the right ones and keep a focus on the regional taste and the vintage’s unique character.
Their standout wines – their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are real showstoppers – are textbook Yarra Valley – elegant, lip-smackingly good and go down a treat with food. – while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz lean in a bit more with the valley’s warmer bits and richer, more complex flavours.
Highlights Worth Trying:
- Punt Road Pinot Noir – a mix of bright cherry and the earthy goodness of forest floor, silky smooth tannins and just a hint of spice that’s just enough to keep things interesting
- Airlie Bank Chardonnay – light oak is just a hint of what you get, with citrus taking centre stage and an absolute cleanliness that’s like a mountain stream on a summer’s day
- Cabernet Sauvignon – it’s got dark berries, a whiff of cigar box and that perfect balance you’d expect from the Yarra Valley
- Punt Road Shiraz – juicy plum meets black pepper, and that’s the perfect combo for a barbie on a hot summer day
- Sauvignon Blanc – crisp tropicals and minerality, and that nice zesty finish – what more could you possibly want from a white?
The Airlie Bank range is a special case – that’s the winemakers’ experimental side, where they get to let rip and have a bit of fun. Think carbonic maceration reds, funky sparkling whites – even some mad little blends that show you what’s possible when you ditch the rule book and just have a go.
Drop In for a Tasting
You just can’t talk about Punt Road Wines without mentioning the lovely bunch behind the counter. The cellar-door crew are a classic bunch of Yarra Valley characters – warm, chatty, and unashamedly proud of what they’re pouring. None of that snobbish nonsense, just good wine and better chats.
What’s Waiting For You At The Cellar Door
- Location: You can find it at 10 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream, Yarra Valley
- Hours: They’re open every day from 10 am to 5 pm
- Tasting Fee: $10 – $15, which you can use against a wine purchase – that’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask me
- Bookings: If you’re coming with a group of six or more, just book ahead; otherwise, just rock on up
- Pet Policy: Oh, and yes! It’s a dog-friendly winery – bring your best mate along
You’ll usually get about six wines on the go for tasting – these might change depending on the seasons or the vintage. The space itself is just the best blend of old-world charm and modern ease – think rustic timber beams, concrete floors and big glass windows looking out at the vines.
Some Events To Book In
- Punt Road Wines Open Day – family friendly with live music, food trucks and limited releases to taste.
- Airlie Bank Pop-Ups – casual sessions focusing on the experimental side of winemaking.
- Harvest Festival – each March – a whole day of Yarra Valley producers from wine to cheese to cider.
If you’re heading to the Yarra Valley this is a great place to stop by – nice and relaxed and a good warm up for Oakridge or Yering Station.
Food And Wine Pairing: Simple Pleasures
Punt Road Wines doesn’t have a full restaurant, but the Picnic Pantry and Marquee Bar deliver Yarra Valley charm. Grab a platter loaded with local cheeses, olives and cured meats — or sit down with a glass of wine in the outdoor area.
No dress code beyond “whatever’s comfortable”. Bring the family, bring the dog and bring your appetite.
Quick Pairing Guide:
| Wine | Food Match | Style Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Duck, truffle risotto, roast beetroot | Serve slightly chilled on warm days |
| Chardonnay | Grilled barramundi, creamy pasta, soft cheeses | Pair with buttery textures |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Chargrilled steak, rosemary lamb, aged cheddar | Decant 30 mins before serving |
| Pinot Gris | Spicy Thai salad, grilled prawns, goat cheese | Great for summer lunches |
| White Pinot (Chemin Noir) | Salmon sashimi, pork belly, mild curries | Chill lightly for a crisp finish |
Whether youre just grabbing a glass of wine with the mates or settling in for a night in with a bottle, the main thing is the simple enjoyable stuff – good food, a good glass of wine & some great company to share it with.
Delivery Options & Customer Service
Online shopping‘s taken over these days, but Punt Road Wines has a good balance between browsing online and being able to chat with a real human. Their website is pretty to the point and good, and delivery across Australia is usually 3-7 days, depending on where you live. It’s done in a flash.
I reckon what really gets me is that it still feels like you’re doing business with a small outfit. You get real people answering email, proper care taken with the boxes so the bottles don’t get bashed around by the courier and seasonal wine gift packs that are just perfect for presents. Plus, they even have a Wine Club for regular customers – a flexible subscription service that sends you a curated selection of bottles on a regular basis, often with some discounts and first crack at new releases.
Customer service here isn’t some pre-written script; it’s a real conversation with a real person—in this day and age, that’s worth pouring a drink to.
FAQ
Who Owns Punt Road Wines?
Punt Road Wines is owned & run by the Nepoleone family who’ve been local growers for ages in the Yarra Valley and have a serious passion for making wine the sustainable & estate-grown way.
What Varieties Do They Grow?
The family grow various types – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon & some good Pinot Gris – and Yarra Valley’s climate suits them pretty well.
Is Punt Road Wines Part Of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia?
Yeah, they’re members, and they use eco-friendly farming and solar power to keep their footprint as small as possible.
Can I Bring The Kids & Dog To The Cellar Door?
Totally. Punt Road is a pet-friendly winery with heaps of space for the kids & the dog to run around.
What's The Best Wine To Try?
Give the Punt Road Pinot Noir or the Airlie Bank Chardonnay a try for a taste of the Yarra Valley’s best—they’re both top-of-the-line and showcase the quality of this place, which is right up there with the best in Australia.
