Are you looking for a weekend break from the daily routine? A Yarra Valley winery has everything from luxurious suites at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley to cozy cottages among the vines. Just 10 minutes from the town centre so you don’t have to venture too far from the city lights. If you love wine, food, and views, here are the top spots for a weekend escape.
Why Yarra Valley is a Weekend Getaway
Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a wine region famous for its cool-climate wines and views of vineyards and scenery. From award-winning wineries like Stefani Estate and Levantine Hill to cultural attractions like the Hubert Gallery of Art, take in the views as you sip a glass of wine and visit the best cellar doors.
Top Winery Stays in the Yarra Valley
Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley
- In the heart of Yarra Glen, Balgownie Estate is one of the valley’s most luxurious. Upscale ambience, private gardens and vineyard views. Each morning, a continental breakfast hamper with local produce and treats is delivered to your room to start your day. Later, head to the on-site Endota Spa for a range of treatments, from facials to massages, to help you unwind. Wine lovers can visit the cellar door to taste Balgownie’s wines or book a tasting experience to learn about the art of winemaking. Gourmet meals with cool climate wines are also available in the elegant dining room.
Chateau Yering Hotel
- A heritage property with old-world charm, Chateau Yering Hotel is elegance and history in one. The suites have vineyard views and a peaceful atmosphere. Each suite is beautifully appointed with antique furnishings and is sophisticated and comfortable. The fine-dining restaurant is famous for its dinner menu, which features locally sourced produce and some of the Yarra Valley’s best cool-climate wines. After a day of exploring, relax in the lounge or take a quiet evening stroll around the gardens.
Yering Gorge Cottages
- Nestled in the beautiful Yering Gorge nature reserve, these cottages offer rustic charm and modern comfort. Perfect for a relaxing and scenic stay, each cottage has a private deck that opens up to bushland and vineyard views. Yering Gorge Cottages is ideal for those who want seclusion and access to the best of Yarra Valley. In the morning, you might see kangaroos or native birds outside your window. Beyond the vineyards, drive to the Dandenong Ranges for a hike or stay closer to visit nearby cellar doors and tasting rooms.
Valley Farm Vineyard Cottages
- In the heart of Dixons Creek Valley, Valley Farm Vineyard Cottages are a rustic delight and a peaceful escape from city life. Each cottage is designed with comfort in mind, with a double spa bath and private gardens where you can unwind in beautiful surroundings. A highlight of your stay is the chance to taste wines from the estate’s own vines and enjoy fresh, local produce. Perfect for a slower-paced, authentic Yarra Valley experience, with boutique wineries and charming villages like Healesville just a short drive away.
Each of these Yarra Valley winery stays offers something different, luxury and scenery, a perfect destination for a luxe experience or a peaceful escape into views and great food.
Activities to Add to Your Weekend
- Wine Tasting Tours: Yarra Valley Touring Company and Australian Wine Tour Company offer guided Yarra Valley wine tours to award-winning wineries such as Soumah Wines and Rochford Wines. At Coombe Yarra Valley, wine tastings are in a beautiful setting.
- Walk through Alowyn Gardens: These gardens are perfect for an afternoon meander, surrounded by greenery and beautiful gardens showcasing Yarra Valley’s flora.
- Stay at Hubert Gallery of Art: Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Hubert Gallery, where you can view local artworks that reflect the valley’s landscape.
Sample Itinerary for a Weekend
- Day 1: Check in to Balgownie Estate and have breakfast or a continental breakfast hamper—afternoon Chauffeur Drive wine tour of Joey Estate and Domaine Chandon for packages.
- Day 2: Breakfast at Yarra Valley Lodge, then walk through Alowyn Gardens and drive to Coombe Yarra Valley for lunch with their cool climate wines—dinner at Healesville Garden Accommodation.
Tips for Planning Your Yarra Valley Getaway
To make the most of your trip, consider booking an overnight getaway at Dalblair Bed & Breakfast for an authentic country hotel experience, or choose Healesville Apartments for a studio apartment near Badger Creek. Each option offers a unique experience, from tranquil settings to breakfast bars serving up a foodie experience.
Final Thoughts: Yarra Valley Awaits
Whether you’re drawn by the spectacular views, the amazing food, or simply the chance to unwind away from the bustle of city life, Yarra Valley is packed with getaway ideas for couples, friends, and families. Ready to book your wonderful weekend with Wine Tours Yarra Valley? Embrace the Yarra Valley – View as you plan a memorable trip filled with amazing experiences!
FAQ
What is the best time of year to plan a weekend getaway to Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) when the weather is mild, and the vineyards are particularly scenic. These seasons also offer opportunities for outdoor activities like wine tasting, garden visits, and hiking in the nearby Dandenong Ranges.
Which Yarra Valley winery stay offers spa facilities?
Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley has an on-site Endota Spa, offering a range of treatments, including massages and facials, to help guests relax and unwind. The spa experience is perfect for couples looking to add a touch of luxury to their getaway.
Are there any winery stays suitable for families?
Yes! Yering Gorge Cottages and Valley Farm Vineyard Cottages both provide family-friendly accommodations with plenty of space and outdoor areas. The cottages are set in scenic locations where families can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, and access to nearby wineries and attractions.
Can I visit other attractions near the wineries?
Absolutely. Many winery stays in Yarra Valley are close to popular attractions. For example, the Chateau Yering Hotel is near Alowyn Gardens and the Hubert Gallery of Art. The Dandenong Ranges and Healesville Sanctuary are also a short drive away, offering additional activities for nature and animal lovers.
Do Yarra Valley winery stays include breakfast?
Yes, most of the featured wineries offer breakfast options. Balgownie Estate provides a continental breakfast hamper, while Yarra Valley Lodge serves a buffet breakfast. Some locations, like Chateau Yering Hotel, have an on-site restaurant offering a delicious breakfast to start the day.