3 Must-Visit Grampians Wineries: + Bonus Wine Cellar!

· 5 min read
3 Must-Visit Grampians Wineries: + Bonus Wine Cellar!

Throughout the late 1800s the Stables historic building served as the stablehand quarters of the property before being transformed into the fine-dining space that it is today. To encapsulate exactly what the region has to offer, we’ve dug up the inside scoop on the best wineries in the Yarra Valley and compiled it into a list of seven vineyards that are highly rated. Sarah is responsible for all aspects of Tarrawarra Estate winemaking and winery operations. Amid all the mediocre pasta and manhandling, the warm glow of Kirk’s Wine Bar shines extra bright. Years have passed, but it feels as essential as ever, proving that a classic wine bar, done well, never goes out of fashion. Their list is as deep as it is broad, paying respect to all the old-world staples before giving equal ardour to trailblazing makers like Radikon and local innovators like Memento Mori.
Knock back a muscat gin or try a selection of bevs with a buy chateau angelus 2014 melbourne cocktail flight. Escape the skyscrapers and enjoy the red brick heritage of Little Lon Distilling Co. Little Lon serves gin made right here in the city, enjoy yours with fresh fruit garnishes. Book a seat at the bar or get up close and personal with a  distillery tour and gin masterclass.

Passing Clouds is fortunate to operate in both Daylesford, Macedon Ranges and Bendigo wine regions. Bahama Gold started out as a liquor delivery service in the dark days of lockdown, but has since transformed into a public bar and wine shop for the discerning explorer. The first thing you’ll notice upon walking into the cosy 12-seater is its warm golden lighting and generous outlook out onto the quietly hip Brunswick East end of Lygon Street.
Chancery Lane has several luxurious private dining rooms perfect to host any event you could throw at it. Chancery Lane is ready to seat up to 40 of your favourite family, friends and colleagues for an elegant and festive fine dining experience. If you’re looking for one of the most luxe private dining rooms that Melbourne has to offer, look no further. Moonhouse is one of Melbourne’s infamous heritage-listed restaurants and its private dining room upstairs above the main restaurant is a prime destination for a secluded soiree. The Chinese-inspired bistro can host up to 28 guests for a seated experience with a set menu of its very best dishes. This place practically oozes special occasions, Society is one of Melbourne's most opulent dining experiences and one you'll likely never forget.
But the jewel in the crown of the estate is, naturally, the wine. With more than 80 cool climate wineries to its name, plus some 60 cellar doors, even those who visit the Yarra Valley on the regular are practically guaranteed to find something new on their next trip. There’s a tight menu of wine-friendly cheese and charcuterie, plus snacks by Atelier Josun (a project by chefs Jo Chan and Jasper Chui), including black garlic canelés, gougères, oolong citrus tea cake, and mochi. You'll also find packets of cheesy Bret’s chips imported from Brittany, and an extensive selection of tinned garfish, octopus, sardines, anchovies, stuffed calamari, and more.

It’s located close to the famous seaside drive in the Surf Coast hinterland region. Idyll Victoria and Arcadian branded wines are available, including Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Durif, Blanc de Blancs, and a Brut Cuvée. IDL offers a complete service to its customer base, from development and production to canning, bottling, kegging, and logistics. IDL wine in Moorabool is one of Australia’s largest producers, and wine is just one of the beverages made here. The Austin Winery near Geelong is also set in the Moorabool Valley, with its unique cool climate and fertile limestone soil. Del Rios Winery and Restaurant is a welcoming, family-run winery in the Moorabool Valley, northwest of Geelong.
The first vineyard was planted in 1971, which makes this winery one of the oldest vineyards in the Yarra Valley. The Moon feels more like the VIP room of a nightclub or a sleek cocktail lounge than a wine bar, but that's part of its charm. Along one long wall, beautifully labelled take-away bottles are lit like art in a gallery. The list of wines by the glass is a good balance of approachable and more out-there natural stuff, with a slant towards Alsatian styles. Enoteca Boccaccio opened last year above Boccaccio Cellars, a 60-year-old bottle shop and Italian grocer run by the multigenerational D'Anna family. By the glass, there are  premium pours served via Coravin and available in tiered serving sizes hovering around $30, plus a standard offering starting around $15.

Whether you’re pouring neat or stirring the perfect Old Fashioned, every bottle carries depth, balance and unmistakable craftsmanship. From timeless Special Cuvée to rare vintages and magnums, discover one of Champagne’s great houses. The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present.
These are just a few of the labels ready to pleasantly surprise you at this tidy SipnSave bottle shop attached to the Arab Steed Hotel. Tastings are held weekly, with the makers themselves usually in attendance. East End Cellars has featured in past Top 50 Wineslinger lists. We acknowledge and pay respect to the Bunurong / Boon wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of these lands and waters where we live, play and work.
Flinders Lane's favourite, Cumulus Inc is offering private dining in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. They have a few unique spaces including their upstairs area, wine room or spot in the Arc One Gallery—which houses works from over 20 contemporary Australian-based artists. Riverland is one of Melbourne’s best private dining event spots, due to its waterfront location on the brink of the Yarra in the CBD.

The range produced by Spence Wines includes a natural sparkling rosé, viognier, shiraz, chardonnay, and pinot noir. They offer not one but a range of wine clubs, including Domaine, Village, Museum, and Estate options. The cellar door has been carefully designed to ensure guests have the best experience possible. Many of the features here have been built using recycled materials sourced from around the state. Sharing good wine and food with those you love is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and that’s precisely how the team at this Anakie winery wants you to experience what they have to offer. The cellar door at this five-star winery is open during weekends for tastings, and the history of grape-growing here stretches back to the 1840s.
These include (1) a consistent temperature of C; (2) a constant humidity of 55-75%; (3) minimal vibrations; (4) darkness as UV can be damaging; and (5) some airflow. Liquid System wine racking  can be customised in the most stunning range of vibrant colours. Fit out an entire cellar or select just a small amount to complement other racking whilst highlighting your special bottles. Their focus is to create wines of exemplary quality and character, utilising winemaking techniques that complement the unique qualities derived from our vineyards, in a style that reflects each vineyard site. Our award-winning winemaking team, led by Simon Black, develop wines for three labels from vineyards expertly managed by Dan Prior, across our cool-climate and coastal location. Specifically designed to share, curated collections of dishes arrive at the table in a series of courses.