Hidden Gems: Underrated Wineries in Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is not just about big name wineries and grand cellar doors; it’s also home to lesser known, underrated wine regions that offer unique and personal experiences for wine lovers. While the big names like Yarra Valley Winery get all the visitors, the real magic of the region is in the hidden gems. Buried in the hills and countryside are boutique wineries where passionate winemakers take a common sense approach to their craft, making small batch, artisanal wines. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Victoria’s beautiful region, these hidden gems have something special. Beyond the award winning Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, these wineries offer intimate cellar door experiences that are often overlooked by the crowds that flock to the big estates. Join us as we explore Yarra Valley’s hidden treasures, from family owned wineries like Seville Estate to the artisanal approach of Pimpernel Vineyards.

Why Underrated Wineries?

• Get away from the crowds: The big winery regions can get busy, especially during peak season. Smaller, lesser known wineries are quieter and more personal.
• New Wine Experiences: These boutique wineries experiment with batch wines and limited releases so each visit is new.
• Support Family Owned Businesses: By visiting these wineries you’re supporting the local economy and passionate winemakers who take pride in their craft.

5 Hidden Wineries

Seville Estate

One of Yarra Valley’s top vineyards, Seville Estate, is situated on the beautiful Melba Highway and is known for its cool climate wines. This family owned winery offers award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine, all made with sustainable practices. The cellar door is intimate with knowledgeable staff to guide you through tastings. For a more indulgent experience, pair your wine with a cheese platter or try their seasonal wine and food pairings. And don’t forget to take in the views while you sip on a glass of their best.

Steels Gate

At the top of the Yarra Valley Steels Gate offers an extraordinary cellar door experience with views of the vineyards. The winery makes small batch wines including Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay which pair perfectly with their on site cheese platter. Family owned and operated the winery prides itself on making organic, sustainable wines that reflect the region’s terroir.

Pimpernel Vineyards

Hidden away on 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road Pimpernel Vineyards is a hidden gem that specialises in French inspired winemaking. This small estate focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah made in French barriques. The winery offers a peaceful off the beaten path experience where you can have a personal tasting with the winemaker. If you love cool climate Pinots this is a must visit.

Medhurst Wines

In Dixons Creek, family owned and operated Medhurst Wines combines modern winemaking with a focus on sustainability. The cellar door is set amongst rolling hills with some of the best views in the area. Pinot Noir, Shiraz and sparkling wines are their specialty and they offer food pairings that showcase the best of Yarra Valley produce. Try their winery lunch which matches their wines perfectly.

Helen’s Hill Estate

Just a short drive from Yarra Glen, Helen’s Hill is a small boutique winery that makes small batch wines, including Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The property has stunning vineyard views, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting. Helen’s Hill is also known for its chill vibe and the staff are super friendly so you’ll have a great time. They offer a range of tasting options from private tours to casual tastings on the deck with an antipasto platter.

Special Tasting Experiences

Winemaker Tastings

Some of the smaller wineries, Seville Estate and Pimpernel Vineyards, offer free tastings led by the winemakers themselves. A chance to learn from the people who make the wines.

Food and Wine

Wineries like Levantine Hill and TarraWarra Estate offer food and wine experiences, matching their best wines with locally sourced seasonal produce. A visit wouldn’t be complete without trying their winery lunch with a glass of sparkling and a cheese platter.

Sustainable and Organic

Many of the smaller vineyards in Yarra Valley, Paz Estate and Steels Gate for example, are sustainable and organic. By visiting these wineries you’re supporting environmentally friendly practices that improve the wine and the environment.

Off the beaten path cellar doors

Cozy

The cellar doors of these secret gems, Boat O’Craigo and Elmswood Estate Winery, are cozy and allow for real conversations with the winemakers. No queues, no crowds – just you, your favourite wine and stunning views.

Views

Wineries like Yileena Park, 75 Monbulk-Seville Road and Seville Hill have some of the best winery views in the area. Sit back with a glass of Pinot Noir and take in the vineyard vistas.

How to visit these hidden gems

• Tee Pee Tours: If you want to visit multiple wineries in one day, Tee Pee Tours offer private guided wine tours that visit some of the lesser known wine regions of Yarra Valley.
• Book in Advance: As many cellar doors have limited capacity, it’s a good idea to use the booking form on each winery’s website.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the perfect time to visit, the weather is great and the views are stunning without the crowds.
• Insider Tip: If you’re with a group, wineries like Dominique Portet Winery and Yering Station are great for a bucks party, they offer wine and food experiences in a beautiful setting.

Conclusion

The Yarra Valley has some of the biggest wineries in Australia but the real treasure is the hidden gems. From the family owned wineries like Seville Estate and Medhurst Wines to the artisanal offerings of Pimpernel Vineyards and Boat O’Craigo, these wineries offer a unique, intimate and authentic wine tasting experience. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or explore the flavours of Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, these hidden gems in Yarra Valley will take you on an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions.

FAQs

What’s special about the hidden wineries of Yarra Valley?

These wineries offer a more personal and hands on tasting experience, often with the winemaker themselves, talking you through their approach to winemaking.

Do I need to book in advance for wine tastings at these wineries?

Yes, it’s best to book in advance, especially at smaller wineries with limited capacity.

Are there food options at these hidden wineries?

Many wineries, like Levantine Hill and Yileena Park, offer winery lunches or food pairings, often with local produce like a cheese platter.

Can I visit more than one winery in a day?

Yes! Companies like Tee Pee Tours and private wine tours will take you to multiple wineries in one day and transport you between them.

What kind of wine will I find at these wineries?

These wineries produce Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, sparkling wine and cool climate Pinots. Each winery has its own speciality so each visit will be different.