Time to unwind: Where to find the best wineries in Victoria

WINE time is never far away in Victoria. We’re a state not short on top drops with 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors across 21 regions. Whether you’re a millennial, a traditionalist, or have the kids in tow, we have a winery for you.

WINE time is never far away in Victoria. We’re a state not short on top drops, spoiled for choice with 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors across 21 regions.

For a weekend away or day trip, it’s easy to head straight to the source. Whether you’re a millennial, a traditionalist, or have the kids in tow, we have a winery for you.

FAMILY

SHADOWFAX WINES

K Rd, Werribee. shadowfax.com.au

Melbourne's closest winery has been rebuilt bigger and better after a fire last year. BYO picnic or order wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards at outdoor tables before a leisurely game of bocce. Team with a visit to the nearby Werribee Mansion or Werribee Zoo.

BLUE GABLES

100 Lanigan Rd, Maffra West Upper. bluegables.com.au

Gippsland locals flock here for award-winning wines, live music, platters of local cheese and wood-fired pizza and wedges, while the kids play on the fort or enjoy games of cricket and KLOP on the vast lawn.

INNOCENT BYSTANDER

316-334 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville. innocentbystander.com.au

Big, bustling cellar door, cafe, restaurant and bar with Yarra Valley drops and tasty pizza and paella perfect after a Healesville Sanctuary walk-around.

DELICIOUS.100: THE 10 BEST SUNDAY LUNCH RESTAURANTS IN VICTORIA

Renee Mc Bride of Werribee's Shadowfax Wines pours a glass of their finest while families relax on picnic rugs on the grass. Picture: David Caird

The luxurious Jackalope Hotel in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula's wine region. Picture: Supplied

COUPLES

MITCHELTON ESTATE

470 Mitchellstown Rd, Nagambie. mitchelton.com.au

Come for the shiraz and riesling, stay for the Robin Boyd-design 55m viewing tower, the on-site Ministry of Chocolate factory and cafe full of handmade treats, and the swanky new $16 million hotel and day spa.

JACKALOPE

166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North. jackalopehotels.com

Treat yourself at this luxe boutique hotel at Willow Creek Winery. Enjoy the 30m infinity pool and spa overlooking the vines before settling in with estate wines and excellent eating at fine diner Doot Doot Doot or the more casual Rare Hare.

FOXEY’S HANGOUT

795 White Hill Rd, Red Hill. foxeys-hangout.com.au

Duos can share the love at this peninsula fave over share plates, then make a booking to create their own personalised sparkling wine together.

YARRA VALLEY WINERY NAMED JAMES HALLIDAY’S WINERY OF THE YEAR

Tuck's Ridge, Red Hill Garden swing.

MILLENNIALS

TUCK’S RIDGE

37 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South. tucksridge.com.au

The team behind Montalto Estate have created a new-look Tuck’s Ridge aimed squarely at the Instagram crowd. Covet the oversized swing to pop bottles, grab a bite and enjoy vineyard views.

BRESS

3894 Harmony Way, Harcourt. bress.com.au

It’s trendy being green and sustainability is at the forefront of this biodynamic and organic vineyard and farm, which takes a minimal-intervention approach to winemaking. They also do a cracking weekend lunch in their barrel hall.

PT LEO ESTATE IS A WINE FOOD AND ART PARK LIKE NO OTHER

Oakridge winemaker David Bicknell (right) with general manager Danny Kane. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

FOODIE

OAKRIDGE WINES

864 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream. oakridgewines.com.au

Sample the cellar door then while away an afternoon among the vines with a picnic hamper or head to Oakridge, voted No. 14 in delicious. 100 restaurant rankings. Helmed by Matt Stone and Jo Barrett, the sleek zero-waste restaurant heroes Yarra Valley produce with standout desserts and excellent bread all at value-for-money prices.

LEVANTINE HILL ESTATE

882 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream. levantinehill.com.au

Visit (via chopper is an option) for award-winning wines and euro-leaning food from acclaimed chef Teage Ezard served in an avant-garde steel and glass building, with barrel-shaped wine-tasting booths.

MELBOURNE’S WINE SCENE IS GOING TO THE DOGS — LITERALLY

Point Leo Estate in Merricks boasts a sculpture trail on the 20ha property. Picture: Wayne Taylor

ART LOVERS

PT LEO ESTATE

3649 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Merricks. ptleoestate.com.au

Work off lunch from the fabulous flagship restaurant with a walk around the 20ha property’s sculpture park with 50 pieces set against the vines and Western Port Bay, all explained via an interactive app.

TARRAWARRA ESTATE

311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Yarra Glen. tarrawarra.com.au

Treat the tastebuds with pinot noir and chardonnay tastings, then feast your eyes on modern Australian art at the adjoining TarraWarra Museum of Art.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES SHARES HIT ALL-TIME HIGH

The vineyards at Domaine Chandon.

TRADITIONALISTS

ALL SAINTS ESTATE

All Saints Rd, Rutherglen. allsaintswine.com.au

A historic castle amid landscaped gardens, fine eating at the Terrace Restaurant, and a winemaking pedigree dating back to 1864 — including acclaimed fortifieds — make this an impressive spot for wine lovers.

DOMAINE CHANDON

727 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream www.chandon.com.au

Bubble lovers fizz to this Yarra Valley home of French Champange house Moet & Chandon, which has recently revamped its wine bar and restaurant. A Sunday School masterclass goes behind the scenes and teaching how to taste grape varieties like the pros.

BROWN BROTHERS

239 Milawa Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa. brownbrothers.com.au

One of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries in the lower reaches of the King Valley is the ultimate all-rounder growing 32 types of grapes to make sparkling, reds, whites, rose and fortifieds.