The soft yellow plains and grey blue mountain scenery of the Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region. The first vineyard was planted in the red soil here in 1838 at what is now boutique winery, Yering Station, which has been recently rebuilt into a very modern visitors centre with a sweeping stone wall, mirror pond and faux-rustic tasting rooms.

The cool misty climate specialises in smooth Pinot Noir grapes and the red and sparkling wines they produce. 55 major and boutique wineries, many which welcome visitors interested in tasting their wines have been set up in the valley; some of big name producers in the region are Domaine Chandon, Fergusson, Seville Estate and De Bortoli, who have an restaurant annexed to their winery which serves northern Italian cuisine. In addition to the Pinot Noir grapes, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes also flourish in the Burgundian conditions of the Yarra.

Most of the producers are centred around the towns of Coldstream, Yarra Glen and historic federation style town, Lilydale with it's pale sandstone homesteads with wide verandas (probably the nicest place to base your stay though it is close enough to travel down from Melbourne.). The stunning backdrop of the smoky blue mountains of the Diving Range and the Dandenongs hem the valley in with the Yarra River running through the centre making this a popular area to see by balloon.

Written by  Kat Mackintosh.

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