Yarra Valley Cellar Doors

Yarra Valley Cellar Doors

Day trip through Healesville's best wineries, cheese producers and a panoramic balloon ride.

Yarra Valley1h from CBDBest time: Autumn

The Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine region and still punches well above its weight for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot. An hour from the CBD, it's close enough for a no-fuss day trip — but autumn colour makes it worth an overnight.

Highlights

  • Dawn hot-air balloon over the valley, landing at a winery breakfast
  • Domaine Chandon for sparkling flights in a Napa-style setting
  • Yarra Valley Dairy tasting plate — goat's feta and persian fetta
  • TarraWarra Estate combined art museum and cellar door
  • Healesville Sanctuary for a wildlife break between wineries

Suggested itinerary

  1. 6am

    Balloon flight (optional)

    Global Ballooning and Liberty Balloon Flights both pick up from CBD hotels. Book well ahead for weekends.

  2. 10am

    Domaine Chandon

    Start with sparkling. The terrace overlooks vineyards and the tasting flight is $15.

  3. 12pm

    Long lunch

    Oakridge, Levantine Hill, or Ezard at Levantine Hill for the splurge. Book at least two weeks out.

  4. 2:30pm

    Yarra Valley Dairy

    Cheese-only tasting — perfect breather between wineries. Stock up on persian fetta for home.

  5. 3:30pm

    TarraWarra Estate

    Modernist architecture, art museum, and the valley's most photogenic single-vineyard Chardonnays.

  6. 5pm

    Sunset + drive back

    Last tasting at Yering Station, then the M3 home. Arrive CBD by 6:30pm.

Getting there

Eastern Freeway (M3) to the Maroondah Highway. One hour from CBD. Designated driver or the Yarra Valley Wine Bus is essential — police breath-test heavily on the return leg.

Eat & drink

  • Oakridge — valley-grown produce, chef-hatted for ten-plus years
  • Stones of the Yarra Valley for rustic Italian
  • Four Pillars Gin in Healesville for a non-wine detour

Local tips

  • Autumn (April – May) is peak colour; book cellar doors two weeks out
  • Most wineries charge $10–15 for tastings, often refundable with a purchase
  • Do no more than three wineries in a day — four is diminishing returns
  • Napoleone Brewery in the same region is a great non-wine stop for mixed groups

Plan the trip

Stays in Healesville

Rooms, cabins and short stays listed by locals.

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Nearby businesses

Cafes, restaurants and services in the area.

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