Five winery restaurants near Melbourne worth the drive
The sun is shining, the views are never-ending, and there's a dedicated driver (or transport arranged), so what could be better than enjoying a long lunch at a winery near Melbourne?Well, a wine-tasting beforehand to make choosing that all-important wine match so much easier. Here are some of our favourite winery restaurants.
The Cups Estate, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is full of big name winery restaurants, but for a hidden small gem with an extraordinary menu and views to match, check out The Cups Estate. It's next door to the Moonah Links golf course, Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs, so there is heaps to do. But the drawcard is the winery restaurant itself featuring views of rolling hills and the estate's vineyards and olive trees; a wonderful chef's set menu of around seven tasty share dishes and a succinct estate wine list.
TarraWarra Estate, Yarra Glen, Yarra Valley
TarraWarra Estate is the quintessential destination winery estate. One that takes advantage of its wine heritage, the amazing local produce and the sublime views to create a drive-worthy Yarra Valley destination of eating and dining. But that’s not all: a well as the light-filled restaurant space, there is the extraordinary TarraWarra Museum of Art, with its ever-changing exhibitions. So give yourself plenty of time for a museum visit and a considered wine tasting before your one-hatted dining experience.
Jack Rabbit, Bellarine, Bellarine Peninsula
If you're after the most incredible views over Port Phillip bay, then Jack Rabbit is the place to go. Of course, man (or woman) cannot live on views alone, so thankfully the wines (go for the pinot or the cabernet) plus the dishes on the modern Australian menu easily match those extraordinary views. Go for a seat on the deck on a warm day, though the vistas from the restaurant through the floor-to-ceiling windows make an inside table a year-round option. Plus there’s a café and a summertime pop-up market.
Mitchelton Winery, Nagambie
Just off the Hume at Nagambie, Mitchelton winery is a destination in itself with incredible hotel accommodation, a day spa, Aboriginal art gallery and restaurant. Of course, this iconic winery produces some of the region's best wines, which are the perfect accompaniment to lunch or dinner at the Muse restaurant, which sits prettily by the Goulburn River. Make it a destination, or stop by on your way to or from Sydney (it's just off the Hume).
Chrismont, Cheshunt, King Valley
The drive to and through the King Valley should be on everyone's must-do list - the roads and the views are fabulous. But to make it a destination worth seeking out, your reward is lunch at Chrismont - a striking contemporary cellar door, provedore and restaurant floating over the estate's vineyards with views to the hills beyond. There are some unusual wines (Arneis, Fiano, Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo) alongside the classics (Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, etc) plus a modern Australian menu with some Italian twists. The result is a memorable winery restaurant combo.
Related: Top tips for a weekend drive to the King Valley
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