Foodies Guide To The Yarra Valley
We love this region and we keep coming back to try something new. It’s less than a 1 hour drive from Melbourne! We highly recommend visiting the following places. They are located on a 35km circular route that goes through the main towns of Coldstream, Healesville and Yarra Glen.
At the smaller wineries, sometimes the wine tasting is free. At the wineries listed below expect to pay between $10-20. However, generally if you buy a bottle your wine tasting fee will be deducted off the price. We suggest that you make bookings, most can be done online.
Coombe
This beautiful home was the residence of Dame Nellie Melba (famous singer). It has been converted into a chic winery and restaurant, surrounded by stunning gardens. Main dishes range between $20 to $40.
You can also book a high tea which includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, desserts and Coombe Sparkling Wine. This costs $55 per person or $75 for the premium high tea.
Stones
The Stones has proven to be the region’s premiere food and wine destination. Like many of the wineries the entrance is magnificent with trees lining the driveway. It is located in a vintage farmhouse setting with unobstructed views across the vines to the rolling hills. We walked around the grounds and found the stunning rough rendered Chapel. We can understand why it is so popular for weddings.
There are four excellent restaurants on the property, each with a very different menus.
There is luxury accomodation at The Farmhouse Meletos.
Domaine Chandon
One of the most popular wineries in the region due to its connection with its founder Champagne house Moët Chandon. The building is grand with a tasting bar, restaurant and lounge bar. There are many different options for sparkling wine tastings, educational experiences and tours. On the weekend in summer they offer Picnic Experiences on the grass in front of the vines with stunning views.
Four Pillars Gin Distillery
It is located in a cool modern shed with outdoor and indoor seating. From inside you can see through to the distillery. We are big fans of Gin and Four Pillars is one of our favourites especially the Bloody Shiraz Gin. We got a paddle tasting which has 3 or 4 gins on ice and a bottle of Tonic. It is popular so we suggest you click here to book online.
Payton and Jones
It is located across the road from Four Pillars. They have an excellent selection of craft beers and wine from the region. They have a covered seated outdoor area which doubles as a street art gallery. We did a wine tasting which was very different to the others as they included wines from different vineyards. They don’t serve food however you can bring in food from outside and sometimes they have a food truck outside. So we got a take away pizza from Innocent Bystander.
Tarrawarra Estate
This contemporary buildings has an incredible architectural design. Walking into the Cellar Door was like something out of a James Bond movie. The building was built into the slope and it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
Watch the chocolatiers hand craft over 400 different chocolate products. You can do a chocolate tasting which includes 12 different chocolate and only costs $3. There is also a delicious range of house made ice cream.