The best Yarra Valley winery accommodation for a romantic escape

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A romantic winery stay is the perfect way to enjoy one of Victoria’s most famous wine regions, the Yarra Valley.

As one of the world’s premier wine growing regions, the Yarra Valley is perfect for oenophiles and foodies. And where better to stay than at one of the wineries that boasts accommodation?

If you’re planning on visiting the lush region, you can wake up to views of the vineyards, and enjoy afternoons sipping vino. Here’s our pick of the best Yarra Valley winery accommodation for a stay laced with romance.

Re’em Yarra Valley

Best for: Modern luxury

Re’em Yarra Valley is a luxury boutique hotel on Helen and Joey Estate, with just 16 rooms. Choose from a Garden Patio Suite, Re’em Balcony Suite or Alicorn Mountain View Suite and enjoy views across the vineyards, which stretch over 200 acres, a small lake, and the distant mountains from your verandah or patio. The contemporary design is inspired by the Yarra Valley itself, with a neutral colour palette and floor-to-ceiling windows, and a pond on the lower floor calms the common space with the soft sound of trickling water.

Re'em Hotel Yarra Valley
Relax on your private balcony with snacks and the estate’s wines. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

The Helen and Joey cellar door is the place to enjoy the property’s estate-grown and made wines, and offers a range of gourmet snacks (think oysters, lamb skewers and charcuterie boards) and picnic options. For a more intimate experience, you can retreat to the underground cellar to taste a premium wine selection, looking out over the oak barrels.

The Helen and Joey cellar door, Yarra Valley
Sample premium drops at the Helen and Joey cellar door.

The 110-seat Asian-inspired Re’em restaurant offers lunch and dinner, under the stewardship of head chef Abe Yang and culinary consultant Mark Ebbels.

a Stay and Graze Package meal with overnight accommodation at Re’em Yarra Valley
Indulge in the Stay and Graze Package. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

Address: 12–14 Spring Lane, Gruyere, VIC 3770

Shaws Road Bed and Breakfast

Best for: A chill country escape

Shaws Road B&B lets you escape the city hustle with a comfortable rural stay. To reach the accommodation, you’ll drive along narrow roads through the forest, then pop out on top of a hill with views across rolling green valleys grazed by cattle.

the vineyard landscape at Shaws Road Bed and Breakfast, Yarra Valley
Spend a relaxing, romantic weekend in the Yarra Valley.

Though the brick accommodation block doesn’t look like much from the outside (it’s located within a farmhouse on a working winery), the two self-contained one-bedroom apartments (which can be booked together if you want to holiday with friends) are decorated with pops of colour and homely finishes, and are perfect for a couples’ weekend in the Yarra Valley.

the bedroom at Shaws Road Bed and Breakfast, Yarra Valley
Escape the city hustle with a comfortable rural stay at Shaws Road Bed and Breakfast.

The room includes a clawfoot bath, private balcony and library, plus a breakfast hamper and bottle of wine on arrival, so you can relax in the vintage leather chairs with a good book and a glass of wine. Warm yourself by the cosy fireplace in winter, or fire up the BBQ in summer. If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, you can dine at the modern Shaws Road Winery restaurant – literally just across the driveway – on Saturdays and Sundays.

the bathtub at Shaws Road Bed and Breakfast, Yarra Valley
Soak in the tub with a vino in hand.

Address: 225 Shaws Road, Arthurs Creek, VIC 3099

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SOUMAH of Yarra Valley 

Best for: Italophiles

SOUMAH is an Italian-inspired property that specialises in the wines and food of Northern Italy – which is obvious when you enter and are hit with the smokey scent of the colourful mosaic wood-fired oven. Accommodation is offered in detached country-style rooms with pale blue, white and sandstone exteriors. Giant windows flood the spaces with natural light and afford views across the Hexham vineyards and rolling green hills (are you spotting an ‘epic views’ theme in this region?).

scenic vineyard views from the restaurant at SOUMAH of Yarra Valley
Soak up epic vineyard views at SOUMAH. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Choose from the three ‘studio villete’, which have basic kitchen facilities, a freestanding tub and a deck overlooking the vines, or upgrade to the ‘grande-villetta’, which has a more substantial kitchen, plus a lounge and dining area that can be used as a second room if needed. Bringing a crowd? You can also book the four-bedroom, three-bathroom ‘Villa Sophia’, with all the comforts of a fully equipped home.

al fresco dining among the vines at SOUMAH of Yarra Valley
Dine next to the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Receive an antipasto board and bottle of wine on arrival to help you kick into relaxation mode, then join a wine tasting at the cellar door. Dinner and lunch are served at Ai Fiori Trattoria, where the menu includes wood-fired pizza, made with housemade sourdough, and other Italian dishes. In spring and summer you can partake in Italy’s ‘merenda’ tradition, which involves an afternoon snack, in this case, a spread of sweet and savoury bites, paired with prosecco.

Address: 18 Hexham Rd, Gruyere, VIC 3770

Carl’s Hut at Solitude

Best for: Feeling immersed in nature

The one-bedroom Carl’s Hut sits on Solitude Estate and is snuggled into a 1940s log cabin, surrounded by thick forest and rows of chardonnay vines.

The space once had dirt floors and dilapidated walls but is now beautifully decorated luxury accommodation, with high ceilings crossed by exposed timber beams, a stone fireplace and a modern kitchenette.

the living area at Carl’s Hut at Solitude, Yarra Valley
Stay in a rustic, humble abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)

In the late afternoon, you can often see kangaroos grazing on the property, by night the sky glitters with a million stars, and come morning you may find yourself enveloped in a rolling fog.

the exterior of Carl’s Hut at Solitude, Yarra Valley
The 1940s log cabin is surrounded by lush forest. (Image: Nick Skinner)

There’s aircon for the summer and heated polished concrete floors for the winter. Stay in and cook a simple meal (with a glass of wine, of course – a range of Solitude Estate’s own wines are available to purchase), or dine at restaurants nearby.

the whitewashed bedroom at Carl’s Hut at Solitude, Yarra Valley
Sleep in comfort at Carl’s Hut. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Address: 435 Beenak Road, Yellingbo, VIC 3139

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Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage

Best for: A group of friends or family

Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage is a fully furnished cottage with timber floors and a spacious kitchen and dining space. The three bedrooms (with one room with a semi-detached sunroom) sleep up to five people, and a large verandah catches the afternoon sun – the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of vino. You can take a bath in the outdoor tub, looking out to the vines and herb and flower gardens.

The surrounding family-owned vineyard specialises in cool climate chardonnay and pinot noir, and the working farm is home to 300 Black Angus cattle. You may spot Yarrawalla beef on the menu at local Yarra Valley restaurants, and, on that note, the cottage is conveniently within walking distance of a number of Yarra Valley wineries and restaurants.

Address: 13/15 Maddens Lane, Gruyere, VIC 3770

Farmhouse at Meletos

Best for: A Tuscan-inspired escape

Though Meletos doesn’t own its surrounding vineyard or have a cellar door as such, the property is tucked right in amongst the vineyards and apple orchards of its neighbours, so the Farmhouse has all the feels of a winery stay.

the bedroom at Farmhouse at Meletos with scenic views from the window
Wake up to scenic vineyard views.

The whole precinct, which includes an excellent restaurant, brewery and adjoining Ernie’s Bar (where you can do tastings of local wines), makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to Tuscany.

the living area with a fireplace at Farmhouse at Meletos
Get cosy by the fireplace.

Thick vines creep up the walls of the 23-room Farmhouse, which feels warm and homely from the moment you enter, with a plastered fireplace that stretches to the double-height ceiling and brown, studded leather couches in the reception. North-facing rooms overlook the vines – so book one of those on the second floor for the best views.

lush greenery surrounding Farmhouse at Meletos
Be surrounded by greenery at the Meletos Farmhouse.

Address: 12 St Huberts Road, Coldstream VIC 3770

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Emily McAuliffe
Emily McAuliffe is a Melbourne-based freelance travel writer. She is on the board of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and her writing and photography has featured in many titles in Australia and abroad. She loves nothing more than touching down in a new destination or approaching a familiar place with fresh eyes.
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Heathcote has evolved into the ultimate eco-escape for foodies

    Margaret Barca Margaret Barca
    From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly. 

    Heathcote, on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability. 

    Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve
    The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

    The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote 

    Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents
    Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

    Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood, two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof.  No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course.  On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

    Mt Ida Eco Cabin
    Mt Ida Eco Cabin is rustic and simple but oozes comfort. (Image: Graham Hosking)

    If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views.   Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.  

    A taste of Spain in Central Victoria 

    Three Dams Estate
    Three Dams Estate make Spanish-style wine.

    Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more. 

    The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking 

    Silver Spoon winery
    The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

    On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do.  The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter.  The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.   

    Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant
    Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

    Heathcote’s other hidden gems 

    Heathcote Wine Hub
    Heathcote Wine Hub is housed in a 1855-built timber church.

    Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub, a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff.  “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.  

    Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.   

    Envy gins
    Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

    A traveller’s checklist 

    Getting there

    It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road! 

    Staying there

    Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway. 

    Eating there

    French dishes at Chauncy
    Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

    At award-winning Chauncy, French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.  

    Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through. 

    Playing there

    Sanguine Estate
    Sip on wines among the vines at Sanguine Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Sanguine Estate’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.  

    At Bridgeward Grove, learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.