IF THERE’S ONE THING that Victorians know how to do well, it’s wine. Not only does the state produce some of the best wine in this country, but year after year, its cool climate reds and Italian-style whites hold their own on the world stage. Plus, with a viticulture landscape that is full of history and culture, there’s no better place to spend a weekend exploring.

And in 2024, Victoria’s vineyards, wineries and cellar door experiences are some of the best you’ll
find anywhere in the world. With many producers found in some of the most picturesque surroundings of the country, this summer, make an itinerary and hit the road to visit these seven leading vineyards for a taste of the best wine in Victoria right now.

The best wineries in Victoria

Mount Towrong

Mount Macedon, VIC

Nestled among the picturesque surroundings of the Macedon Ranges is Mount Towrong Vineyard, a
small but lively family owned-and-operated vineyard and cellar door that aims to “create beautiful wine
and cellar door experiences that bring people together”. Specialising in Italian wine varieties including
Prosecco, Ribolla Gialla, Vermentino, Nebbiolo, Negroamaro and Lagrein—and made under the watchful
eye of winemaker Adam Paleg—the wine, as much as the cellar door menu, is heavily inspired by the
owner’s Italian heritage. With an attention to producing high-quality, limited-release wines—paired
exceptionally with home-style Italian food served out of a converted shed-turned-cellar door—a visit to
Mount Towrong is a wholesome one. If you’re visiting to enjoy the rustic Italian cuisine, bring friends as
dishes are intended to share, and may include salumi platters, peperonata with broad beans, and pasta
with lamb ragu. Paired effortlessly with Mount Towrong’s signature wines, of course.

Hubert Estate

Coldstream, VIC

Among the charming valleys of Coldstream in the Yarra Valley lies Hubert Estate. From humble
beginnings in winemaking dating back to 1966, Hubert Estate has since broadened its table, bringing
together culture in all its forms under one roof. There’s a lot to do here at Hubert Estate, from enjoying
the delicacies of premium Australian produce at its signature restaurant, Quarters, to discovering unique
Indigenous art at The Gallery of Art, or simply enjoying a glass of St Hubert’s wine at the cellar door.

Montalto

Red Hill, VIC

For those keen on exploring all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer, there’s no better starting
point than a visit to Montalto, the award-winning vineyard and restaurant in Red Hill. If you’re visiting
for the wine, you can expect to be wowed by the hospitality that awaits. From rolling vineyards led by an
award-winning winemaking team—Simon Black is at the helm—Montalto produces a range of cool-
climate varieties that boast quality, character and distinction. Equally impressive are the dining
experiences on offer at Montalto. ‘The Restaurant’ is a refined, sit-down experience that presents an ever-changing set menu showcasing seasonal, estate-grown produce alongside the very best ingredients sourced from across the Mornington Peninsula. And then there’s the more casual ‘Piazza’, where woodfired pizzas and sharing dishes are best enjoyed among friends and family.

Mitchelton

Nagambie, VIC

If you’re visiting the Goulburn Valley region, just 90 minutes from central Melbourne, you simply can’t go past Mitchelton Hotel and Winery Estate. This beautiful, picturesque property is perched on the banks of the Goulburn River amonng Victoria’s wine country, and since opening its door in 2018, has become one of Victoria’s most frequented vineyards. The precinct also comprises of 58-stunning rooms with either a ‘river’ or ‘vineyard’ view, making it the perfect retreat for those looking for a little r&r. There’s also no going past the vineyard and wines that make up Mitchelton’s legacy, such as its signature Mitchelton Print Shiraz, or the Single Vineyard Chardonnay. The flagship restaurant, The Muse, is also a genuine delight, showcasing premium, fresh produce of the region.

Jackalope

Merricks North, VIC

Set on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula amid a world-renowned wine region lies Jackalope, the
awarded hotel, restaurant and vineyard that remains a destination of envy six years on from its opening. Located 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, Jackalope encapsulates a luxury stay or visit in a truly
tranquil setting. With design and character at the forefront of the property’s build and extensive layout,
guests will witness a series of unique art commissions—like Emily Floyd’s 7-metre Jackalope Sculpture at
the hotel’s entrance—before finding a seat at Doot Doot Doot or Rare Hare restaurants, all which serve
Jackalope’s own cool-climate wines that have been produced onsite for over 30 years.

Seppelt Wines

Great Western, VIC

For over 160 years, Seppelt Wines has remained at the forefront of Australian winemaking–the property’s remarkable history dates back to Victoria’s gold rush era. So then, visiting this historic site amid the Grampians is well worth the drive. The cellar door at Seppelt is open seven days a week, hosting guests through wine tastings, lunch, tours and more. Explore wines such as the flagship St. Peters Grampians Shiraz and the award-winning Drumborg Vineyard Chardonnay.

Zonzo

Yarra Glen, VIC

If there’s one thing to add to this summer’s to-do list, it’s a visit to Zonzo Estate in the famed wine
region of the Yarra Valley. This Italian-inspired winery and restaurant offers some of the Yarra Valley’s
best wines, made by hand in small batches. Zonzo’s winemakers, led by Caroline Mooney, make wine as
it’s always been done: picked from the vineyard, stomped, shovelled, and plunged by hand (and foot),
resulting in unique wines that vary from season to season. Paired perfectly with Zonzo’s authentic Italian
food made on site, there really is no better way to spend a summer’s afternoon.

Polperro

Red Hill, VIC

While Polperro is first and foremost known for its exceptional wines highlighting regionality, it has since
transformed into a holistic brand offering some of Victoria’s best in dining, wine and luxury experiences.
Nestled among the vines and ancient Angophora trees of Red Hill, Polperro established its single vineyard and estate-grown wines back in 2009, offering a showcase of cool-climate wines from the
Mornington Peninsula. Today, Polperro is renowned for its award-winning wines and cellar door, luxury
boutique hinterland-like accommodation, and a wealth of dining experiences including its onsite
restaurant, as well as its new Sri Lankan-inspired dining experience and wine bar, Many Little. It’s an experience not to be missed.

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