5 Best Wineries Near Melbourne

De Bortoli Wines in the Yarra Valley is a large family-owned winery, with vineyards in New South Wales and Victoria that produce a vast array of award-winning wines. Book a gourmet tasting paired with fine cheeses at their Yarra Valley Cellar Door to learn about winemaking techniques and the story behind the De Bortoli family.

Visit the on-site Italian-inspired Locale restaurant to enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the vines. Make sure you try their Noble One dessert wine, an internationally acclaimed wine that’s one of the most celebrated in Australian history.

Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley is part of the iconic French and Napa group and produces méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines made in the same style as champagne. You can book 20- or 50-minute tastings where you can learn more about making this traditional method sparkling wine while tasting different grape varieties and vintages.

Stay for a Chandon dining experience: have snacks and a sparkling flight of wines in the Lounge, a chef’s tasting menu in the on-site restaurant, or get together with friends for a fun sparkling brunch with mimosas and plenty of sweet and savoury treats overlooking the Yarra Range.

Red Hill Estate is just an hour’s drive away from Melbourne on the beautiful Mornington Peninsular specialising in cool climate wines from single vineyard Chardonnay to sparkling Shiraz. Red Hill Estate produces 3 Italian-influenced wines: Montepulciano, Vermentino, and Prosecco under the ‘Nonno Knows’ label as a tribute to the founder’s grandfather, Domenico Fabrizio.

From Wednesday to Saturday, you can book a tasty food and wine-paired experience with 6 different wines and bites from the on-site Max’s restaurant, a pioneer of the Mornington Peninsular dining scene with a stunning view over the vines and Phillip Island.

Paringa Estate on the Mornington Peninsula is one of the most highly awarded food and wine destinations in the region, producing excellent wines with a top-notch on-site restaurant. The estate vineyards focus on single variety Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.

Book a 30-minute tasting to explore these complex wines in the tasting room or stay a little longer and enjoy a multi-course wine-paired meal overlooking the vines. For a special treat, make a reservation for the Garden Menu and eat outside under shady umbrellas at rustic Cyprus wood trestle tables.

Stonier Wines was one of the first wineries to be established in the Mornington Peninsular in 1978, producing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. Founder Brian Stonier focused on creating wines from single vineyards to better express the varietal characteristics and the unique terroir of the Mornington Peninsular.

After a tasting through their award-winning wines, enjoy a glass, or share a bottle, of wine with a picnic box from local favourites D.O.C. Mornington, who are on-site each Saturday with fresh-baked focaccia and other Italian-influenced goodies.