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 Historic setting |
Off Shannons Road (1km from Lancefield, off Kilmore Road) Melbourne, VIC 3435 Australia +61 3 5429 1449 |
This is a fabulous winery, offering outstanding facilities. The property is home to a beautifully restored 1890s Gothic style house, as well as the Carriage House Restaurant and provincial courtyard, which serves fresh, seasonal country selections. The restaurant is available for functions for 50 people or less. At the cellar door visitors can taste or purchase the delicious bubbly, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Prices range from AUD11-AUD40. You will also find a cellar door cafe, for lighter, more casual dining. Cleveland Winery's intimate bed and breakfast accommodation suits a romantic weekend away, and is a great base for touring the local countryside and wineries. The Great Room above the winery in the Cleveland Mews is also ideal for weddings, catering for up to 120 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Australia's Best |
269 Browns Road Fingal Victoria Melbourne, Victoria 3939 Australia +1 300 13 1741 http://www.thecupsestate.com.au/ |
Explore the glories of this beautiful winery and estate as you enter in through the spectacularly designed doors. Panoramic views are what you are treated to, as you indulge in the free wine-tasting, which are held by appointment, to the accompaniment of complimentary finger-food. Relax at the bar and watch some action take place at the nearby Moonah Links Golf Course, as the tastes sink in. The vineyards are a pleasure to behold, with 15 acres of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Merlot plantations, and a long walking track. The produce amounts to around two tonnes per acre, which translates into about 2000 cases of Australia's finest wines per year. Take home a memento in the form of one of these vintages, a sip of which will bring back memories of these serene groves. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Boutique winery |
Red Hill Road (between McIlroys and Stanleys Roads) Melbourne, VIC 3937 Australia +61 (0)3 5989 2324 |
The Mornington Peninsula's Red Hill is a cozy area full of farms, orchards and rural retreats. A haven for artists and craftspeople, it is also home to a number of spectacular vineyards. Darling Park is a beautifully situated boutique winery, which offers friendly service and elegant wines. Visitors can try the progressive Pinot Gris and Tempranillo varieties, the more traditional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Merlot or the two Rose styles--Querida (a dry wine), and Decadence (a fortified dessert wine). Delicious sweet or savoury Alsace style Tartes Flambées, cooked in a wood fired oven are available on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and by special request. Because of the popularity of the vineyard, bookings are required for tastings and meals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Excellent wine, award-winning restaurant |
Pinnacle Lane Melbourne, VIC 3775 Australia +61 (0)3 5965 2271 http://www.debortoli.com.au |
The Yarra Valley is home to some of Victoria's most sought-after wines. Amongst the lush greenery and landscape of rolling hills, Yarra Valley vineyards produce some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia. De Bortoli produces a range of three table wines plus fortified and Sauternes styles. You will also find an award-winning restaurant, which offers visitors stunning views of the vineyard and the Yarra Valley. This stylish restaurant has a Northern Italian theme (both decor and food), with an à la carte menu, utilising as much local produce as possible. The restaurant is open for lunch daily and evenings on Saturday only. Professional cellar door staff offer personalised service to visitors — whether it is a tasting or purchase. Courtesy tours can be arranged by appointment. The winery can accommodate business functions and weddings for a limited number of people. There is also a picnic area, playground and barbecue facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shaun Garrity  |
 Photo: TBP Fun |
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Superb sparkling wine |
Green Point, Maroondah Highway Melbourne, VIC 3770 Australia +61 (0)3 9739 1110 |
In the heart of the Yarra Valley, one of Victoria's most dynamic wine regions, you will find the Australian winery of leading French champagne: Moet and Chandon. Premium sparkling wine is produced here from classic grape varieties-- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Still wines are produced as well as méthode champenoise. At Domaine Chandon, visitors can sit in the stylish Green Point Room, looking out to the vineyards and the Yarra Valley, sipping bubbly and sampling gourmet platters (which include local cheese). There are free guided tours of the production facilities, and tours are available to the disabled. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Newberry |
 Photo: Kes |
 Photo: madalone |
 Photo: Rika |
 Photo: Chris Newberry |
 Photo: sharonmcol |
 Photo: ekolee |
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Picturesque lake view |
Corner Harrisons Road and Bittern-Dromana Road Melbourne, VIC 3936 Australia +61 (0)3 5987 3800 http://www.winetitles.com.au/d... |
The Mornington Peninsula is now established as one of Australia's great wine regions. Set amongst spectacular scenery, the warm summer days and afternoon sea breezes encourage the grapes to produce intensely flavoured juice. The red wines are especially generous. At Dromana Estate, visitors can sample an exciting range of award winning wines by the glass or bottle. Wines include Cabernet/Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Italian varietals Barbera, Nebbiolo, Rosato, Dolcetto and Sangiovese. At the Vineyard Cafe simple, delicious lunches are available, to be eaten in the tasting centre, on the verandah, or on the lawn overlooking the lake. There are also barbecue facilities and picnic areas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: witty jessica |
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Float high above terra firma |
541 Middleborough Road Box Hill North Melbourne, VIC 3129 Australia +61 3 9890 0339 http://www.gowildballooning.co... |
There is nothing quite like floating high above terra firma at dawn, enjoying a glass of champagne and seeing the sun rise over the horizon. That scenario is offered by Go Wild Ballooning, one of the main operators of hot air balloons in the Yarra Valley. There is a range of crafts available, the largest holding 16 people. The norm is to take groups of approximately ten people for a one-hour sunrise float, starting from somewhere in the Yarra Valley (depending on the wind conditions). This concludes with a champagne breakfast. Admission: From AUD220 per person (including breakfast). Discounts available for children and groups. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David |
 Photo: John Carney |
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Colonial bluestone winery |
Sunbury Road Melbourne, VIC 3429 Australia +61 3 9740 7766 http://www.wilmap.com.au/sunbu... |
Right on Melbourne's doorstep, the Sunbury wine region is officially classified as a cool climate area, but is still a suitable place to ripen red grapes. Shiraz and Cabernet do well here, as does Chardonnay. Goona Warra was originally established as a winery in 1863 and replanted over one hundred years later, in 1983. The original bluestone winery makes for a memorable setting to taste their herbal, spicy Semillon and vibrant cherry flavored Cabernet Franc. They also produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Prices range from AUD15-AUD22. The popularity of this vineyard for lunch and afternoon tea on Sundays only means booking is advised. Functions can cater for 200 people, and weddings held in the winery and garden, a maximum of 120. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sample some of Victoria's best wine, food and scenery |
180 Swanston Street Melbourne Day Tour Centre Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 1300 85 8687 http://www.grayline.com/ |
The Yarra Valley, north east of Melbourne, not only boasts some of Victoria's prettiest scenery, it is also home to many of the State's top wineries. This tour takes you from central Melbourne through the leafy eastern suburbs, and up into the Dandenong Ranges where you will see beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, noted for its fern gullies and colourful native birds. Then it is on to the Yarra Valley, and a spit-roast lunch at Fergusson's Winery, where you can also start your wine tasting experience. The afternoon takes you through the bush town of Healesville, with stops at wineries such as Oakridge Estate and Domaine Chandon. Here, at Moet & Chandon's Australian base, you will take a guided tour of the winery. Afterwards there's time to relax with a glass of Domaine Chandon and a savoury platter while enjoying the magnificent view from the restaurant windows. Admission: Adults AUD94; concession AUD87; children AUD47 (includes lunch and wine tasting) Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: annie williams |
 Photo: Lincoln Marr |
 Photo: Rob Gee |
 Photo: Janine Peate |
 Photo: Thusitha Rajapaksa |
 Photo: Natalie Ho |
 Photo: RigelCheng |
 Photo: Paul Coghlan |
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Hanging Rock Winery |
Jim Road Newham, VIC 3442 Australia +61 3 5427 0542 http://www.hangingrock.com.au |
The Macedon wine region begins just outside Melbourne and continues up into the rolling hills of the Macedon Ranges and Kyneton. Some of Victoria's most picturesque wineries, producing superb cool climate wines, sit amongst historic homesteads, beautiful cultivated gardens, and rugged bushland. In the heart of this spectacular scenery, you will find Hanging Rock Winery a specialised producer of premium sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet/Merlot. The Macedon premium sparkling is regarded as one of the best in the country. Prices range from AUD9-AUD38. Visitors can sample wines whilst looking out at the famous Hanging Rock itself. For those who wish to make their visit more than just a day trip, there is Dryden's Run a bed and breakfast winery retreat. This luxury accommodation is situated at the winery in secluded bushland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Restaurant serving seafood delicacies |
85 McAdams Lane (off Portarlington Road) Melbourne, VIC 3223 Australia +61 3 5251 2223 |
The Bellarine Peninsula, just to the south east of Geelong is developing its own identity as a wine sub region. It produces distinctive and individual Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Kilgour Estate Winery is testament to this with a fruit driven award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Prices range from AUD18-AUD30, or AUD5 per glass. This hillside vineyard offers great rural views across farmland to the tranquil expanse of blue that is Port Phillip Bay. The winery restaurant serves local seafood delicacies a must for visitors to the area. Other facilities include a barbeque, cricket pitch, tennis court and basketball ring. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine, dry table wines |
130 Staughton Vale Road Melbourne, VIC 3221 Australia +61 3 5284 1256 |
The Geelong region is now home to more than 50 vineyards, the cool maritime climate favouring fine, dry table wines. Mt. Anakie Estate is one of the first vineyards of the modern era in this region, producing vibrantly fruity wines. Try the unusual and delicious red made from the Italian Dolcetto, or sample the Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Semillon and Biancone. Prices range from AUD9-AUD15. While visiting the winery, why not have lunch in the rustic style restaurant? It seats 60 people for weekend lunches, and is available for group bookings at other times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exciting sparkling wine |
53 Red Hill-Shoreham Road Melbourne, VIC 3937 Australia +61 (0)3 5989 2838 |
An outstanding winery, with spectacular views over hills and vineyards to the unbroken blue of Western Port Bay. Only a decade old, Red Hill Estate quickly became known for being the first producer of méthode champenoise on the Mornington Peninsula. Bubbly is the speciality, with an exciting Sparkling Pinot Noir--displaying a soft, spicy strawberry fruit flavour and beautiful bronze colour. This winery also produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Prices range from AUD17-AUD28. The restaurant (Max's at Red Hill Estate) is open daily for lunch, and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. It features Mediterranean style cuisine and booking is recommended. Functions can accommodate a maximum of 100 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jaye Loring |
 Photo: Thanh Do |
 Photo: Devaleena Pradhan |
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Stylish, modern winery |
362 Frankston-Flinders Road Melbourne, VIC 3916 Australia +61 3 5989 8300 http://www.stoniers.com.au/ |
Established in the late 1970s, Stonier has produced outstanding wines that have won awards both nationally and internationally. A stylish and modern winery, the emphasis is on informative tours and instructive tastings. The wines are some of the Mornington Peninsula's best: spicy Pinot Noir, rich toasty Chardonnay, and a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon. Prices range from AUD18-AUD35. Gourmet platters are available. Lunches and functions can be catered for by prior arrangement. There is also a picnic area and children's playground facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Outstanding table wines |
Bulldog Creek Road Melbourne, VIC 3926 Australia +61 (0)3 5974 3325 |
Tanglewood Estate was established fifteen years ago, with the aim of producing premium table wines. Set in picturesque bushland with glimpses of Port Phillip Bay, this friendly, attractive winery produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet. It has embraced the Gewminer grape variety--resulting in a voluptuous, rich, spicy but dry wine. Lunch, using fresh seasonal produce, is offered every Sunday--a perfect complement to a glass of crisp, fruity Riesling or a lightly oaked Chardonnay. Bookings are essential. Picnic facilities are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Melbourne's closest winery |
St. John's Lane (off Wildwood Road) Bulla Melbourne, VIC 3428 Australia +61 3 9307 1118 http://www.wildwoodvineyards.c... |
Sunbury is a maritime influenced region, where basalt clay based vineyards produce full bodied, full flavored red and white wines. Wildwood is Melbourne's closest winery, where a long, cool ripening period produces elegant but intensely fruity wines. Visitors can taste the multi layered Chardonnay and berry fruited Cabernets, as well as Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot/Cabernet Franc. One of the most interesting wines here is the perfumed Viognier. Prices range from AUD20-AUD28. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Wine, dames and opera country |
Via Maroondah Highway Lilydale Melbourne, Vic 3140 Australia +61 3 5962 2600 http://www.yarravalleytourism.... |
Just outside the north-eastern suburb of Lilydale is Melbourne's most well-known wine region. The former residence of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba marks the unofficial entry point, which leads to dozens of wineries dripping with old world charm--Chateau Yering (Victoria's first), Domaine Chandon, St Huberts, De Bortolis and Loveys to name a few of the 30-odd that are dotted around the valley. Drop in at Yarra Glen Dairy for a quick cheese tasting when the wine gets too much. This is a great area for cycling, being fairly flat and with well-spaced wineries for regular refreshment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Moody |
 Photo: Marcus Crafter |
 Photo: Marcus Crafter |
 Photo: Crystal Campbell |
 Photo: Crystal Campbell |
 Photo: Rebecca Weeks |
 Photo: Rebecca Weeks |
 Photo: Chee-Yan Kan |
 Photo: Evan Madow |
 Photo: Oliver Fynch |
 Photo: Melissa Rogers |
 Photo: Winnie Chow |
 Photo: Steve Taylor |