Victoria's Artisan Escape

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The drive from Melbourne to Steels Creek takes you from the city’s hustle to the peaceful Yarra Valley. As you leave the suburbs, the landscape opens up to rolling hills and vineyards. The journey is scenic, with charming country towns and wide-open farmland along the way. The air feels fresher, and the pace slows as you near Steels Creek. By the time you arrive, you're surrounded by serene countryside, a true escape from the city.

The Yarra Valley is the region surrounding the Yarra River in Victoria, less than an hour drive from Melbourne. It is a popular area featuring quality local food and wine, breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures. The area's climate makes it a great place for growing high-quality wine, particularly a production of chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine. Not only wine, the area is also a popular place for micro-breweries and cider-makers. In addition, the region plays an important agricultural role, especially berry and fruit production. It remains Victoria's premier food & wine tourism destination.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Victoria, Australia, Yarra Valley cellar doors beckon to those seeking a taste of indulgence and refinement. Each cellar door is a portal to the region's rich viticultural heritage, offering a sensory journey through the finest wines crafted with passion and precision.

Yarra Yering: Planted in 1969, Yarra Yering's unirrigated vines produce elegant, complex and powerful wines. Approachable as young wines, they have the ability to develop in the bottle for many years. Yarra Yering is one of Australia’s most iconic wineries with an outstanding international reputation. The Tasting Room is now open seven days a week with some of Australia’s most collected wines on tasting.

Tokar Estate: With majestic sweeping views of the Yarra Valleys finest vineyards, surrounding mountain ranges, stunning skylines and set in the picturesque dress circle of the acclaimed Yarra Valley, Tokar Estate is an ideal location in which to relax, soak up the Valleys beauty, taste some exquisite wines, and enjoy delectable cuisine.

Seville Estate: Seville Estate was awarded the Halliday Wine Companion 'Winery of the year' in 2019. From its first vintage, Seville Estate quickly established itself as one of the Yarra Valley's finest producers. Surprisingly in a region more renowned for its Pinot Noir, it was the Seville Estate Shiraz that received the most attention, quickly becoming one of Victoria's most sought after wines. Seville Estate has a picturesque location among rolling hills and pastures of the Upper Yarra Valley with the cellar door and winery nestled within a truly stunning garden of native plants. 

Balgownie Estate: Enjoy relaxed drinks and grazing on the deck immersed in the panorama of the valley. Unwind at endota spa located only footsteps from our restaurant and accommodation. Make Balgownie Estate your go-to destination for celebrating special occasions, romantic getaways, and quality time with family and friends.

Chandon: Established in 1986, Chandon Australia is a premium sparkling winery based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Dedicated to creating exceptional méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, Chandon crafts wines which are complex, expressive and reflective of their origins.

Punch Wine Room: Cellar Door experience for Punch and Friends of Punch wines. Wine tastings, sales by the glass and bottle. Enjoy wines matched with food from one of the wonderful Punch neighbours - wood-fired pizza and sourdough bakery, cheese platters.

Oakridge Wines: A must-visit Yarra Valley destination, Oakridge Wines is an award-winning winery, cellar door and restaurant, located in Coldstream. Regarded as one of Australia and the Yarra Valley’s most pre-eminent producers, Oakridge is renowned for its distinctive and age-worthy wines, especially revered for it's chardonnay and pinot noir.

Discover the best of Melbourne’s wine scene with Grape Explorations’ Perfect Balance tour—a seamless blend of iconic wineries and hidden boutique gems. This thoughtfully curated journey offers wine lovers a diverse tasting experience, showcasing the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Enjoy exclusive access to both prestigious estates and intimate cellar doors, each offering unique flavours and stories. Travel in comfort with private luxury transport and convenient Melbourne CBD pick-up and drop-off. Relish a gourmet winery lunch paired with fine wines, from bold reds to crisp whites. The Perfect Balance tour delivers an unforgettable day of indulgence, discovery, and scenic vineyard charm.

The drive from Steels Creek to Melbourne starts with a scenic route through the Yarra Valley's rolling vineyards and lush greenery. Head south toward Yarra Glen, then join the main roads leading through suburban neighbourhoods as the landscape becomes more urban. Approaching Melbourne, you’ll spot the city’s skyline, guiding you into its vibrant heart.

Embark on the Flavours of Melbourne Night Trail for an unforgettable culinary adventure in one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities. Melbourne, celebrated for its cultural fusion, offers a dynamic food scene where global culinary traditions converge. This evening tour will lead you through Melbourne’s eclectic cuisine and the lively Chinatown. Enjoy a progressive meal of an array of cultural tastes, mouth-watering desserts, and the city's renowned coffee, ideal for a decaf nightcap.

Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!