Yarra Valley is known for its cool climate wines, but the region is also home to some of the best restaurants in Victoria. From renowned winery restaurants to converted stables and chalets, these eateries serve up meals worth travelling for.
Yarra Valley is the perfect place to go for a romantic lunch or meal with your loved one. You can even take the kids on a zip-lining adventure to see the Yarra Valley from a different angle.
Stones of the Yarra Valley
One of the Yarra Valley’s most stunning and renowned food and wine destinations, Stones of the Yarra Valley is located on one of the region’s most picturesque properties with uninterrupted views across acres of vines to the blue-tinged mountains beyond. This venue offers an unforgettable experience and is the perfect backdrop for weddings of all sizes.
With its stunning Chapel, Dairy, Barn and Stables linked by European-inspired paths, Stones of the Yarra Valley offers the elegance and solitude of a rural place-of-worship. Soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows, coupled with sweeping views across the vineyards, form a truly one-of-a-kind space for your wedding ceremony.
Suitable for both small and large ceremonies, the Chapel is also one of the most weather-proof locations in the state. With seating on hand-crafted timber pews under a rustic chandelier, the Chapel encompasses all of the romance, elegance and solitude that you’d expect from a wedding at the Stones of the Yarra Valley.
The reception in the historic Stones Barn is just a short stroll from The Chapel and can accommodate up to 186 guests. Sumptuous menus, wine lists and unforgettable entertainment are combined with spectacular views from every seat.
In addition to the two Stones of the Yarra Valley restaurants, five dining rooms are available for pre-wedding celebrations. The Barn, The Stables, the Farmhouse and the Pavilion are all situated on the property, ensuring your celebrations are a seamless and unique experience.
Fondata 18724
Located on a vineyard in the Yarra Valley wine region, Fondata 18724 is the perfect place to stay while you explore the area. The property offers comfortable and cozy accommodations that are well-stocked with everything you need. It also has a restaurant that serves delicious meals, making it a great choice for anyone looking to try out the local cuisine.
Guests will love the location of this restaurant, as it is right on the edge of the vineyards, giving you a beautiful view of the entire region. Additionally, the hotel has a bar that will offer you delicious drinks and other snacks to enjoy while you are at the location.
The restaurant itself is not as big as some of the other establishments, but it offers a nice menu with plenty of options for everyone. The staff is friendly and helpful, so you are sure to have an enjoyable experience.
Another thing to note about the restaurant is that they have some great wine options. The chef creates delicious dishes that pair perfectly with the wines, so you can truly enjoy your time here. The restaurant is also known for their brunch options, which are a must-try while in the area.
I really enjoyed my stay at this restaurant and would definitely recommend it to others! It was very easy to find and the views of the surrounding vineyards are stunning! I would definitely go back again.
The property is also a great spot for a wedding or engagement party. Its quaint and cozy design makes it perfect for any event. If you are looking for a place to stay while exploring the Yarra Valley wine region, Fondata 187224 is the place to go.
Quarters at Huberts Estate
Located in the heart of Coldstream, Quarters at Huberts Estate is a new destination winery that’s been given a makeover at the hands of celebrated design studio Cera Stribley. Designed to assimilate with the surrounding undulating landscape, it features an elongated bell curve centrepiece building.
The Yarra Valley’s latest restaurant and cultural experience is set to blow you away. The redevelopment has been overseen by Gerry and Andrew Ryan, (Mitchelton Wines, Nagambie Brewery & Distillery, The Prince) and is a joint venture with Treasury Premium Brands that includes an Indigenous art gallery, family-style restaurant, revamped St Huberts cellar door, event space and boutique wine store.
With a focus on modern Australian food and Euro influence, it’s led by Executive Chef Michael Smith (formerly Head Chef at Coda and Tonka). Highlights include anise myrtle cured Hiramasa Kingfish, warm smoked duck breast and native lemon tart with myrtle meringue.
Its location at the junction of Maroondah Highway and St Huberts Road offers sweeping views over Yarra Valley vineyards and hills. The design responds to the topography with a large copper door punctuating two high concrete walls that rise up from the grass mound.
At the end of the building is a pizza oven sculptured in copper coloured mosaic penny rounds, contrasting green subway tiles and a timber-clad bar concealing the service area. Guests can enjoy the view from the dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the vines.
With a focus on a multi-faceted experience, the new estate – a visionary project from Gerry and Andrew Ryan – now includes an Indigenous art gallery, family-style dinner and lunch restaurant (Quarters), revamped St Huberts cellar door, boutique wine store and event space Harriet. It’s all part of the stunning redevelopment of the site, a Yarra Valley landmark that was established in 1862 by Charles Hubert de Castella and contributed to the first wave of vine planting.
Fergusson Winery
Set among 20 acres of rolling hills and lush greenery, Fergusson Winery is a standout in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. It features classic French grape varieties and a restaurant with a Paris-trained chef. It also offers cooking classes, wine appreciation courses, and overnight stays.
A trip to the Yarra Valley wouldn’t be complete without visiting Fergusson Winery. The estate is home to a winery, cellar door, Australiana shop, and restaurant that serves contemporary Italian cuisine with a fun twist.
While the winery is free to visit, it charges a small fee for dining and activities such as tastings, cooking classes, and wine appreciation courses. It also has a 23-suite accommodation facility next door for guests who want to stay close by.
The Yarra Valley is famous for its premium wines, and Fergusson Winery is no exception. The property is situated 55 km (one hour’s drive) from Melbourne in a unique and beautiful district that features more than 50 wineries and 110 vineyards.
It has been in operation since 1968 and features free wine tastings, a restaurant, and rustic accommodation. The most popular wine in the winery’s collection is a Cabernet Sauvignon named ‘Bordeaux’.
Mark Ferguson is a graduate of UC Davis’ Viticulture and Enology program, and he moved to Visalia where he worked for a law firm before he started his own winery in 2016. He currently produces two wines: ‘The Phoenix’ a Paso Robles Zinfandel, and ‘Boomshakalaka’ a Clarksburg Petite Sirah.
The Yarra Valley’s best wedding venue is Fergusson Winery, a premier destination in Victoria that specializes in making your special day perfect. Its lyrical setting, gourmet delights and stunning wines make it the perfect fit for all kinds of ceremonies.
Healesville Sanctuary
Located within the Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary is world-renowned as one of Australia’s top wildlife experiences. Visitors can spend a day admiring Australia’s iconic species ranging from koalas and wombats to kangaroos, emus and birds of prey.
The 70-acre sanctuary, also known as Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary, offers a distinctly Australian setting for visitors to come face-to-face with many of our country’s iconic animals. From a magical close encounter with a platypus to a bird flight show, there are plenty of activities to make the most of your visit.
You can even catch a picnic lunch in the scenic Yarra Valley and take in the view of the Yarra Valley’s iconic vineyards, or pick your own cherries from their 85 acres of orchards to enjoy on your way back home. Cherry-picking is seasonal, and you can book in online beforehand to guarantee your spot.
After a day of adventure in Healesville, relax with a delicious meal at one of its slick restaurants. You could try No 7 Healesville for a breakfast, lunch or dinner that will keep your tastebuds on high alert. Or try Innocent Bystander for pizza and drinks, or Oakridge for wine tasting.
Healesville is a hub for the Yarra Valley’s culinary culture with a host of award-winning restaurants and wineries right on its doorstep. From chardonnay and pinot noir to shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, there are so many options for you to enjoy a great tasting experience.
The Yarra Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, and you can’t visit without sampling some of its incredible wines. It’s home to some of the country’s most iconic chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as a wide range of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon styles.