It’s no secret that the Yarra Valley is home to some of the most well-known wineries in Victoria. But did you know there are hundreds of relatively unknown cellar doors in the region offering unique and informative experiences that will change the way you view, and taste wines of the Yarra Valley?
Wine Compass is the Yarra Valley experts and offer tailored tours to suit any occasion, and are here to show us the 5 Best Small Winery Experiences of the Yarra Valley…who knows, they might just become your favourites too?
Kellybrook Winery & Distillery
A hidden gem on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley in Wonga Park sits Kellybrook Winery & Distillery. Originally an apple orchard in the 1970s, Kellybrook today is still churning out some of the freshest and vibrant ciders, beers and wines that you’ll find anywhere in the Valley. Best of all, it’s tucked away from the busy crowds so you can truly enjoy this private piece of paradise.
Soumah
A little slice of Italy in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Soumah proudly showcases delicious food and wine that is typical of the styles found in Northern Italy. While still offering the varieties we all know and love, you can also get acquainted with some lesser-known varieties such as Savarro and Savagnin, and the sweetly sensational Brachetto which is rarely grown outside of Piedmont region of northwest Italy. After sampling the wines, treat yourself to a mouth-watering feast with stunning views and be transported to the vineyards of Italy…
Pimpernel Vineyards
Possibly our favourite place to take guests, Pimpernel offers a sublime range of premium wines that you are sure to love. They take winemaking very seriously here, but the talented cellar door staff are some of the best around and ensure you have a fun and informative experience. You’ll taste and learn about their excellent range of Pinot Noir, which is what they really excel at, as well as Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Shiraz and a couple of punchy blends that will put this cellar door at the top of your list.
Yileena Park
Carved into a hillside at the base of the Christmas Hills, you’ll wonder how you never knew about this warm and inviting cellar door. There are so many reasons to love Yileena Park, but here are just a few. They make premium wines that really highlight the great quality fruit being grown in the Yarra Valley today. While you enjoy your wine, you get to experience endless views of the Steels Creek mountain range and devour a platter of smoked olives, cheeses, nuts and olive oil – all produced using the very barrels that their wines are matured in.
Mandala Wines and DiVino Ristorante
This cellar door and restaurant make for an all-in-one perfect stop. Mandala is a small family-run winery with a great line-up of wines from the very easy to drink Blanc de Blancs traditional method sparkling to a rich and brooding Shiraz. There really is something for everyone. A few steps from the cellar door is the Italian run DiVino Ristorante. Delicious wood-fired pizzas and a variety of amazing hand-made pasta are just a few of the temptations that await you from this well-thought-out menu, created using only the best locally sourced seasonal produce.
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