How to Spend a Day in the Yarra Valley

The home of numerous wineries, breweries, restaurants and dairies, the Yarra Valley is a must-visit spot in Victoria, especially for wine and cheese lovers!

One of the highlights of my trip back home was going to the Yarra for a glorious winery tour. As I’m one of those devoted wine and cheese lovers/obsessors, it was heeeaaaven. The day was filled with lots of wine tasting at many cellar doors, eating divine food, and taking in the gorgeous countryside.

Here’s a rundown of our day for you to reenact – I highly recommend you do!

 

 

Yarra Valley Dairy

For cheese to die for! The Yarra Valley Dairy are famous for their soft style goat and cows milk cheeses made in a similar style to the farmhouse cheeses of France and Italy. Here you can taste to-good-to-be-true cheese (I recommend getting the tasting plate), try local wines, buy locally made condiments and gifts, or relax with a delicious coffee and cake. I do beg you to try the cheese though, it’s seriously incredible!

 

 

Yering Station

Yering Station is one of the more well-known wineries in the Yarra Valley and for good reason. The architecturally pleasing estate includes a cellar door and a first class restaurant which overlooks their beautiful vineyard. The tasting is free at Yering Station and you won’t be disappointed with the numerous wines you’re free to taste. My tip: Try the Chardonnay. I’m not a big white fan, but I did enjoy the Yering Station variety!

 

 

Meletos

On the same estate as the famous winery Stones of the Yarra Valley, Meletos was chosen as our lunch spot for the day and my gosh did it impress! We couldn’t say no to the Italian style wood fire pizzas, chunky cut chips and fresh Waldorf salad. For drinks, we went over to Napoleone Brewery and Ciderhouse, which is literally in the room next door. We each chose a paddle of 4-5 mini beers and ciders to enjoy with our delicious meal.

 

 

Dominique Portet

Our next stop was Dominique Portet where we had a lovely tasting. The Rosé and the Sparkling Rosé were our absolute favourites and I recommend you leave with a bottle of both. If you’re game, I really think you should buy the Rosé in magnum size, it’s a mammoth bottle of heaven!

 

 

Oakridge

Oakridge was our last stop to end this amazing wine-filled day. Every single wine we tasted here was incredible, we seriously loved every one (and boy we tried a lot!), whether white, red or sparking. While we were tasting, we looked out upon the Oakridge vineyards, which were so beautiful and picturesque. Located next to the cellar door, Oakridge has a very well-known restaurant, which I’d love to try one day (the food on their Instagram looks exquisite!). We certainly finished the day on a high note, and with a few cases of wine packed in to the back of the limo (I told you we loved everything!).

 

 

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Have you been to the Yarra Valley before? If so, where’s your must-visit winery or eating spot?

For more travel tips and inspiration, make sure you follow @theemasphere on Instagram!

 

Read our guide to Yarra Valley wineries