Yarra Valley

YARRA VALLEY

A favourite of local and international travellers alike, one of Victoria’s most accessible wine regions continues to offer an impressive selection of wine and food experiences despite the unpredictability of recent times. From the bustle of Maroondah Highway to the winding roads through Seville and Nillumbik Shire, the valley’s range of large-scale operations and smaller, artisanal cellar door offerings make the region just as approachable for individual visitors as it does for large groups. Stick to the classics or explore a new wave of producers expanding their range, with gamay, sangiovese and nebbiolo quickly becoming champion varieties of this historic area. Christina Kaigg

Image of Yarra Yering.

YARRA YERING

Star Cellar Door

(03) 5964 9267
yarrayering.com

For regular followers of Yarra’s classic winemaking institutions, it may come as no surprise that this year’s Star Cellar Door follows a series of accolades awarded to Yarra Yering, located at the foot of the Warramate Hills, off Madden’s Lane. Established in 1969 by the late Dr Bailey Carrodus and now led by the inspiring and multi-talented Sarah Crowe (Gourmet Traveller WINE’s latest Winemaker of the Year), Yarra Yering’s cellar door offering has adapted to the new climate by introducing curated seated tastings, offering an exploration of their current releases, Museum and Carrodous ranges. The tasting room’s large front window looks over the drive and sprawling vines, which are often accompanied by a winery dog or two bounding along the rows. Seated tastings are led by the highly knowledgeable staff who take their job seriously, inviting those who wish to reflect and engage with the wines ample space and calm to do so.

TOP DROP: 2020 Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 3 Touriga Blend, A$105