It’s closer than the Mornington Peninsula and takes less time to get to than the Yarra Valley. So why aren’t more people flocking to this undiscovered Victorian wine gem?
Food & Wine
5 new wineries to try in Victoria
From Mornington to the Macedon Ranges, take in the stunning views with a glass of vino at these new wineries around Victoria.
Whether a short-day trip or a weekend away, those looking for an afternoon that brings nature, food, wine, and an exotic setting to one place should head to Victoria’s wine regions. While the state boasts over 800 wineries alone, have a try at these new locations for your next wine tasting around the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and High Country.
With these latest wineries having opened or added new features since 2020, these venues are ready to welcome patrons with brand new tasting menus, bold pairings of food and wine, picturesque views, and cellar doors aplenty.
Mornington Peninsula
1. Wynnton Ridge
While the site was home to a dairy 100 years ago, Wynnton Ridge has recently been transformed into a rustic tasting room with a cosy atmosphere, featuring armchairs, wine barrels, and of course, cool-climate wines for tastings. David Jones, Managing Director, says people “love the feeling” of sitting in a former dairy with an intimate setting.
“We’ve left the dairy as it was, such as the stalls where cows put their heads in.”
Jones also says his wine tastings have more of a local focus. “People like the rustic, intimate atmosphere,” he says. “It holds 10-15 people, where I can talk about the local area, the grapes, the wines, it’s a bit different and people enjoy that.” Providing more of a cosy experience to match the décor, visitors can marvel at the exquisite views across Stony Creek Valley, while enjoying a wine-tasting experience specialising in Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Those visiting may wish to make a weekend out of it with a stay at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort a leisurely 20-minute drive away.
Cellar door: Open long weekends or by appointment.
High Country
2. Vin Du Van Estate, Mandurang
While the winery itself has been inviting guests to its rollicking hills since 1999, with new management and a new name translating to ‘van wine,’ the Bendigo-region vineyard is looking to welcome people back into the stunning vineyard.
Featuring a cellar door with a newly renovated restaurant and on-site campervan accommodation, friendly farm animals on-site and function space available, Vin Du Van Estate prides itself on its scenic vineyards, picturesque valleys, and a menu that is locally sourced.
Cellar Door: Weekends and public holidays 11:00am-5:00pm.
3. Place of Changing Winds, Macedon Ranges
Winning Best New Winery Of The Year at the Wine Companion Awards for 2022, the Place of Changing Winds takes its name from the Indigenous population, the Wurundjeri people, translated from ‘Warekilla.’ Owner Robert Walters, who has a long history in wine importation and distribution, says a large point of difference is the “high-density planting” with “vines anywhere from 12,000-33,000 per hectare.”
Located on a 500-metre elevation between Mt Macedon and Mt Bullengarook, this winery has a cooler climate, making it the perfect spot for growing Pino and Chardonnay. Self-contained, sustainable and organic in practice, vino aficionados can enjoy vintages including a 2019 vegan-friendly organic Syrah, High Density Pinot Noir or a Bullengarook Chardonnay.
Open by appointment.
Whether it's a day trip or a weekend away, a day at a winery feels like you're on holiday. Image: Getty.
Yarra Valley
4. Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar, Healesville
Opening at the start of 2021, the Healesville locale features indoor and outdoor dining that is comfortable and inclusive. A brainchild of the co-owner of Melbourne’s Cumulus Inc., foodies heading to the Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar can expect a seasonal organic menu alongside winery staples such as cheese boards, mussels, and local produce.
Tastings are available on the weekends to explore the four ranges of wine from the vineyard, One Block, La Maison de Ong, Moonlit Forest and Jayden Ong.
Dining Thurs – Sun, Wine Experience Fri – Sun. Bookings recommended.
5. Payten & Jones, Healesville
After over a decade of creating their own wine, school friends Behn Peyten and Troy Jones opened their cellar door, Payten & Jones, down the road from the RACV Healesville Resort. The duo offers a wide range from their own grounds, and their winery in Tarragona, Spain.
Jones recently told RACV that their winery is “a bit different from the usual experience.” Focusing on sustainable practice and a smaller setting, the winery is making a splash with its street-art-covered walls, Sunday music sessions, and up to 20 wines available for tasting including the VV Series, Paten & Jones, La Caputxeta, and the Spanish Fot-Li Vermut.
Sun – Thurs 11 am-5.30 pm, Fri – Sat, 11 am – 8.30 pm. Bookings recommended.
