Innocent Bystander
With its breezy design and location along the quaint main street of Healesville, Innocent Bystander is a no-brainer for your Yarra Valley itinerary. At the cellar door, there's wine on tap, with recyclable kegs an eco-friendly alternative offering guests fresh tastings of the drinks list. You’ll find vinous options from the Yarra Valley, as well as from elsewhere in Victoria. And the menu is tasty and easy, promising char-freckled, wood-fired pizzas and share boards of local produce.
Perfect for: An inviting hangout with good food and drink, and with nearby attractions such as the Healesville Hotel and Four Pillars Gin. Open from 11am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
On pour: Pinot gris, arneis, chardonnay, rosé, pinot noir, tempranillo, syrah, moscato, prosecco, cider.
innocentbystander.com.au | 316-334 Maroondah Highway, Healesville | 03 5999 9222
Helen & Joey Estate
For an experience that's friendly and laidback, Helen & Joey is the place. The cellar door is perched on a hilltop, providing a spectacular view encompassing mountains and vines. There are several wines on tasting, and you can try as many as you’d like for a small fee, but the heroes of the range are chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. Pick your poison, find a comfortable seat, and order a plate of antipasti to nibble on alongside the vino (if you’re a dessert fiend, you can also indulge in sweet snacks and sticky wines).
Perfect for: The whole family. Open from 10am to 5pm daily.
On pour: Chardonnay, pinot gris, semillion sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, merlot, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon.
helenandjoeyestate.com.au | 12-14 Spring Lane, Gruyere | 0452 240 616
Rochford Wines
This family-owned Yarra Valley winery established its first vines in 1985. The wines it produces have earned enormous respect as being carefully crafted using fruit from four exceptional vineyards. Thanks to thoughtful winemaking, each wine imparts a true expression of the terroir of each site. The vineyard and winery incorporates two acclaimed restaurants, a cellar door and shop. Through passion and dedication to customer service, the team at Rochford aim to provide visitors with a very memorable experience.
Perfect for: All comers, offering a variety of events, festivals and experiences. Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays.
On pour: Chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot blanc, riesling, rosé, pinot noir, syrah, cabernet sauvignon.
rochfordwines.com.au | 878-880 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream | 03 5957 3333
Yarra Yering
Helmed by former Halliday Winemaker of the Year Sarah Crowe, Yarra Yering is a treat not only for its wow-worthy line-up of wines but also for its atmospheric cellar door surrounded by fig trees. Established by wine industry legend Dr Bailey Carrodus in 1969, the tasting room is in what was once his home among the vines. Choose from one of three tasting experiences – current release, museum release or the iconic Carrodus range – for a small fee that's refundable with purchase. As one of the region's founding wineries, dedicated drinkers won't want to miss this from their lists.
Perfect for: Beautifully made wine with a rich history. Open from 10am to 5pm daily.
On pour: Semillon, chardonnay, viognier, marsanne, roussanne, pinot noir, Portuguese varieties, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, malbec.
yarrayering.com | 4 Briarty Road, Gruyere | 03 5964 9267
