No Experience Unturned!
Day One
11am: Wine tasting
Kick off your three-day adventure with a tasting at Greenstone Vineyards. This winery prides itself on nurturing its unique and ancient soils – the key to the distinct profiles of its wines. Greenstone viticulturalists take a light-handed approach, letting nature run its course to maintain the vineyard’s biodiversity.
12pm: Lunch
Spoil your senses at the acclaimed restaurant in Zonzo Estate. They proclaim to serve every guest as though they were family – sharing their passion through exceptional food and wine to forge an unforgettable experience.
2pm: Gallery visit
Get set for a cultural encounter unlike anything else. TarraWarra Musem of Art offers a unique expression of Australian art, holding modern and contemporary collections of national significance. A treasure of the Yarra Valley, this gallery is the ideal spot for reflection and immersion between wine tastings.
4pm: Cheese and wine
Enjoy perfect pairings at De Bortoli’s cheese and wine flight. This history-rich winery has been producing renowned varieties for generations – including their famous dessert wine, Noble One.
5pm: Scenic drive to your accommodation
As the afternoon drifts on, you can let your food settle as you soak in the view on your way to check in to your room in Healesville. Yarra Gables is a luxury motel with all the trimmings, including spas, views from the verandas and spacious cottage gardens.
7pm: Dinner at the local
A quick walk into town will put at the doorstep of the Healesville Hotel – a local staple. The Edwardian-style building is home to warm hospitality and rustic, seasonal dishes, fostering fond memories that will live with you long after your trip is over.
Day Two
9:30am: Sanctuary visit
The second day of your trip starts with a walk on the wild side. Visit the Healesville Sanctuary and see Australia’s native fauna in all its unique shapes and sizes. Get up cosy with Australia’s famous tree-huggers with the unforgettable koala close-up experience.
11:30am: Wine tasting
Your first tasting of the day takes place at the stunning Levantine Hill Estate. Rare, exquisite wine varieties are presented alongside beautiful architecture and sweeping panoramas, indulging every sense.
1pm: Lunch
Bring a ready appetite to your lunch destination, because Soumah’s delectable fare never disappoints. Relax in their trattoria-style dining room, where their excellent wine selection and menu of antipasti, pasta, woodfired pizzas (plus more) has something for everybody.
3pm: Village walk and shopping
Walk off lunch with a trip into the village for a spot of shopping. Take the flavours of the Yarra Valley home with you at Kitchen & Butcher’s selection of delicatessen, charcuterie and bakery goods; pick up some local reads at independent outlet, Verso Books; or find an array of excellent gifts at Midnight Flowers & Sharp – which stocks handcrafted knives, seasonal flowers and artisan homeware. Visit YAVA Gallery & Arts Hub to experience an exhibition featuring Yarra Valley Artists and perhaps take home a treasure.
4pm: Wine tasting
Next, get set for a wine tasting experience like no other. Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar is a must visit while in the Yarra Valley. Serving all four ranges of wine made by Jayden Ong, as well as some local legends and a lengthy list of compelling internationals. Plenty of options offered by the glass, as well as refreshing local beer and well made cocktails using unique hand crafted spirits and ingredients.
5pm: Gin cocktails
If you haven’t tasted Four Pillars gin before, you’re in for a treat. This craft distillery has been named world’s leading gin producer for two years in a row – and are showing no signs of slowing down. Famous for their inventive twists on the spirit – including their very moreish shiraz gin – it’s a one-of-a-kind spot for a cocktail or two.
6pm: Dinner
Before returning to your room at Yarra Gables, you can experience the heavenly cuisine at No.7 Healesville. This cutting-edge communal urban winery facilitates the growth of up-and-coming winemakers. Its restaurant reflects this dedication to innovation, serving contemporary Australian dishes from seasonal, local produce, alongside an array of out-of-this-world wines.
Day three
9am: Coffee and pastries
Wake up to the best thing in the world – the smell of fresh baking and roasted coffee. My Little Kitchen is a much-sought breakfast spot in Healesville, serving up the most delicious meals to satisfy any hunger.
10am: Scenic trip
Fed and caffeinated, you’re all set for a scenic drive to Warburton village. This little slice of heaven is your gateway into nature, boasting soaring forests of Californian redwoods, picturesque gardens, and river and forest tracks you can walk or cycle.
1pm: Wine tasting
Finish your adventure with a final sip of paradise. Payne’s Rise is a boutique winery whose varieties are as rich and beautiful as the historical buildings nestled across their property. Enjoy the view, the wine and start planning your next trip to the Yarra Valley.
