Victoria has been blessed with several fantastic wine regions and with wineries gaining in popularity the last few years – we thought we’d write a blog highlighting four of the Yarra Valley regions best as well as some of their illustrious history. Once the quarantine is over you can get a group of friends together and hire a private coach to take you on a tour of these fantastic wineries.
1. De Bortoli
Vittorio De Bortoli arrived in New South Wales in 1925 after leaving Castelcucco in Italy. A year later he was joined by his fiancée Giuseppina. 1928 marked the year De Bortoli began production – being sold to local European workers. Now, over 90 years and four generations later, the De Bortoli winery is well known for their premium and dessert wines – especially the “cool climate” wines that are produced at the Yarra Valley estate.
De Bortoli’s Yarra Valley estate keeps it nice and simple with a cellar door, restaurant (with a range of homemade pasta and sauces) and a vast, serene vineyard for you to take in whilst you sip on the gorgeous nectar. Whilst it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other vineyards – the wine speaks for itself.
2. Chandon
Everyone knows Chandon. It is the only sparkling wine specialist in Australia that has genuine French Heritage. It all started in 1959 when the Chandon founder, Robert-Jean de Vogüé, and his oenologist, Renaud Poirer, collaborated with local winemakers in Mendoza, Argentina.
This started cross-country experimentation for the brand – which sought to combine their unmistakable and iconic techniques and styles with winemakers from all around the world. 1986 was the year that Domaine Chandon began in Australia when it was discovered that the cool climate and great soil would make a fantastic home.
You can enjoy their lush wine bar with several tasting options (including private experiences) as well as their prestigious seasonal restaurant – both of which overlook the breathtaking, rolling vineyard. Domaine Chandon is an absolute must for all wine connoisseurs and casual consumers alike – and what better way is there to visit it than to hire a private coach.
3. Dominique Portet
The Dominique Portet winery may have only started 20 years ago – but the story goes far beyond that with 10 generations of winemaking in the Portet family. Dominique’s story began many years ago where he was first exposed to the magical elixir by his father who served as the manager of a vineyard and winery in one of the world’s most distinguished wine properties – Château Lafite-Rothschild.
After studying Oenology from the Montpellier University, Dominique served as a wine-buying adviser for the military during his compulsory service period and spent several years with Moët et Chandon and other wineries – including his brother’s. After founding Taltarni in the Pyrenees and Clover Hill in Tasmania – he opened his own winery in the Yarra Valley named after himself where his son, Ben, also works with him after working for several wineries around the world. The winery features a bistro and cellar door where you can sample their Australian wines that are sewed with 10 generations of love and passion for the grape.
4. Seville Estate
Seville Estate has claimed the title of bringing the Yarra Valley back into the premium wine region game when Dr Peter McMahon planted the first vines in 1972. Joined by his wife Margaret, the couple released their first vintage four years later and have not stopped producing the finest wines since – becoming a prestigious part of Australian’s wine world as well as gaining international acclaim and awards.
The estate is still in the family with Peter and Margaret’s grandson, Dylan McMahon, joining in 2000 and becoming the chief winemaker only four years later. The amenities of the winery can be just a few steps away with the Seville Homestead or Vineyard Apartments available for a weekend (or week) away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients (and a naturally inspired rustic décor) in the restaurant and award-winning wines paired with superlative views of the vineyards at the cellar door – you’ll be pretty hard-pressed not to find a reason to visit the Seville Estate.
Looking to hire a private coach?
Once the quarantine is over, Melbourne on the Move can offer you premium private coach services for you and your friends to enjoy along the Yarra Valley.
If you’d like to know more about hiring a private coach, then please get in touch with us by calling 1300 558 686 or filling out the contact sheet on our website.