Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries

Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries As you drive through the sweeping vineyards and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, you can not help but feel a sense of growing curiosity.

Then you find yourself driving towards a cellar door or vineyard that you have never visited, but instinct tells you it was well worth the diversion from your usual wine-tour route. It is here you discover for yourself the hidden secrets and pure delight of the smaller wineries of the Yarra Valley region. Family-owned and run, these unassuming wineries offer a very different experience and it’s no

t uncommon for the smile who greets you at the door to be that of the winemaker or vigneron whose creation you are about to savour. Only at these smaller wineries can casual visitors get such a personal insight into the vintage - its challenges, nuances and accomplishments. Over the years, the reputation and popularity of the Yarra Valley has grown deservedly. Determined not to be overshadowed, a group of smaller wineries banded together a number of years ago to create the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association – a group whose combined range extends to a number of different styles, from the handcrafted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Shiraz for which the Yarra Valley is celebrated, to other styles such as Sparkling, Rose and Fortified wines. All the wineries in the group are open on weekends and public holidays with some open 7 days. They are host to or support various events throughout the year including the group’s ‘Shortest Lunch’ held in June over the year’s shortest weekend.

ON THE PALATE 2026 WAS AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! 18 years in the making, and worth every single one of them. The Yarra Valley s...
02/04/2026

ON THE PALATE 2026 WAS AN ABSOLUTE BLAST!
18 years in the making, and worth every single one of them. The Yarra Valley showed up in the most beautiful way, and we are still buzzing.

The biggest thank you to everyone who made it happen: our incredible winemakers and producers who poured their hearts (and their best bottles) all day long, our artisan food vendors, the musicians who kept the energy alive, the puppet shows, pony rides, petting zoos that made the little ones' days, our groundskeepers, our volunteers, designers, photo and videographers, and every single person who hopped on a shuttle bus or made the drive out to Healesville.

A massive thank you to the Healesville Amateur Racing Club for hosting- their support was second to none.

To everyone who came with their commemorative glass and stayed until the last drop, you are why we do this.
We cannot wait to see you all again next year, with lots of learning to make it bigger and better for next year.

Our next event is in June for the Shortest Lunch- keep your eyes peeled as tickets go on sale shortly!

The Yarra Valley is throwing the biggest party it's seen in nearly two decades. 🍷🔥100+ wines on pour. Smoked BBQ. Wood-f...
20/03/2026

The Yarra Valley is throwing the biggest party it's seen in nearly two decades. 🍷🔥
100+ wines on pour. Smoked BBQ. Wood-fired pizza. Four live acts. Pony rides, puppet shows and the world's cutest Valais Blacknose Sheep. All of it, this Saturday, at Healesville Racecourse, as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and your $50 ticket covers every single tasting, plus a commemorative glass and tote to take home.

Under 18s? Completely free. This is the Yarra Valley at its absolute finest, and it's been 18 years in the making.

Tickets at onthepalate.com.au This is not the Saturday to stay on the couch. 👇

Little ones, this one's for YOU. 🐑✨While the grown-ups are swirling and sipping, the kids will be having the time of the...
20/03/2026

Little ones, this one's for YOU. 🐑✨
While the grown-ups are swirling and sipping, the kids will be having the time of their lives at the On The Palate Kids Zone, and honestly? The adults might be jealous.
🐴 Pony Rides with Cora Lea Performance Horses: 12–3pm
🐾 Petting Zoo with Truganini Animal Farm: 12–4pm
🎭 Elk Puppets: 1:30pm
🪃 Wanyara: Traditional Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Games — 2:30pm
Oh, and did we mention? The world's cutest Valais Blacknose Sheep from Yarra Valley will be there to steal your heart (and your camera roll). 🐑🖤

Under 18s are FREE so bring the whole crew!
📍 Healesville Racecourse
📅 Saturday 21 March, 11am–5pm

onthepalate.com.au

No designated driver needed. We've got shuttle buses running straight to On The Palate this Saturday, so you can sip fre...
20/03/2026

No designated driver needed. We've got shuttle buses running straight to On The Palate this Saturday, so you can sip freely and stress less with a return bus ticket for only $40.

Buses depart from two convenient locations:
🚉 Lilydale Station (Lilydale Football Club Side)
⏰ Departing: 10:25am | 11:45am | 1:10pm
🚉 Eltham Modal Interchange
⏰ Departing: 10:10am | 11:10am | 11:55am | 1:00pm | 1:40pm
📌 Please note: Buses are replacing trains on the Eltham route — plan accordingly!
Return services run throughout the afternoon from the Racecourse: last buses departing at 5:20pm (Lilydale) and 5:55pm (Eltham).
⚠️ Spaces are limited: arrive at your departure point ahead of time and check with staff on the day. Don't miss your ride!
🎟️ Shuttle tickets $40 per person — grab yours at onthepalate.com.au before they're gone.

Your stomach will be set for tomorrow's plans. 🤤🔥The Yarra Valley wines are pouring, the music is playing... and the foo...
19/03/2026

Your stomach will be set for tomorrow's plans. 🤤🔥
The Yarra Valley wines are pouring, the music is playing... and the food? The food is going to be GOOD.
Meet the flavour makers joining us at On The Palate this Saturday:
🔥 Blue Smoke Craft BBQ: slow cooked Texan BBQ, done right
🥢 Just Char Kway Teow: wok-tossed, smoky and full of flavour
🍕 Pizza Deliziosa: wood-fired and taste of Italia
🥙 Souvlaki Truck: Mediterranean fresh flavours
🌿 The Wattle Tree Co: your perfect cup to keep the day going- awarded Triple M's Melbourne's Best Coffee Awards in 2024- try their Chilli Coffee for something different
From the grill to the wok to the wood fire, there's something for every craving, every palate.

Onthepalate.com.au

🍽️ Good wine deserves great food to pair with and we've got both sorted.On The Palate isn't just about what's in your gl...
19/03/2026

🍽️ Good wine deserves great food to pair with and we've got both sorted.

On The Palate isn't just about what's in your glass. This year we're celebrating the incredible food artisans who make the Yarra Valley one of Australia's great foodie destinations.
🍒 Cherry Hill Orchards: Serving up cherry juice, ice cream and more
🦪 Holy Shuck Oysters: freshly shucked and absolutely unmissable with a sparkling
🍪 Dunk Cookies: the kind of cookies you'll be talking about on the drive home
🍞 Giddy Up Sourdough: slow-fermented, valley-baked, deeply satisfying
🧀 Stone and Crow: absolute knock out Victorian cheese to pair with your glass
🍫 Yarra Valley Chocolaterie: because chocolate and wine is always a good idea
🍓Fresh-picked strawberries, raspberries and award-winning jams, grown with love right here in the Yarra Valley.

The story of spans from Oxford to the MCG, and finally to the Yarra Valley. Owner Mike Fitzpatrick’s vision was to esta...
19/03/2026

The story of spans from Oxford to the MCG, and finally to the Yarra Valley. Owner Mike Fitzpatrick’s vision was to establish a boutique winery where he could be hands-on across every aspect of the winemaking process.

Named after the lane in Oxford where Mike’s interest in wine began, the vineyard is situated in the heart of the Valley. Over two decades, the site has weathered bushfires, frost, and drought. Today, Mike stands by a portfolio that competes with the region's best.

Squitchy Lane is recognized for an innovative range—including Fumé Blanc and Cabernet Franc—alongside classic Pinot Noir. Each bottle is hand-made, focusing on discipline and the specific characteristics of the vintage.

You'll get to try some of this wonderful range at On The Palate.

PART 2/2 This Saturday, 15 of the region's most beloved wineries are pouring alongside local food producers as part of t...
18/03/2026

PART 2/2 This Saturday, 15 of the region's most beloved wineries are pouring alongside local food producers as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and trust us, this one's been worth the wait.⁠
📍 Healesville Racecourse⁠
📅 Saturday, 21 March: 11am to 5pm⁠
⁠
Swirl, sip and discover your next favourite drop, then graze on artisan cheese, fresh produce, baked goods and food trucks. Add in live music, a petting zoo, valais blacksheep, puppet shows and free entry for the little ones, this is a day out for absolutely everyone. 🧀🎵⁠
⁠
And when the sun goes down? Wine dinners, masterclasses and list takeovers across the valley keep the magic going after dark. 🌙⁠
⁠
🎟️ Adult tickets $50: includes all tastings, a commemorative glass and a tote to keep. Shuttle buses running from Lilydale & Eltham stations too.

PART 1/2 This Saturday, 15 of the region's most beloved wineries are pouring alongside local food producers as part of t...
18/03/2026

PART 1/2 This Saturday, 15 of the region's most beloved wineries are pouring alongside local food producers as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and trust us, this one's been worth the wait.
📍 Healesville Racecourse
📅 Saturday, 21 March — 11am to 5pm

Swirl, sip and discover your next favourite drop, then graze on artisan cheese, fresh produce, baked goods and food trucks. Add in live music, classic cars, a petting zoo and free entry for the little ones — this is a day out for absolutely everyone. 🧀🎵

And when the sun goes down? Wine dinners, masterclasses and list takeovers across the valley keep the magic going after dark. 🌙

🎟️ Adult tickets $50: includes all tastings, a commemorative glass AND a tote to keep. Shuttle buses running from Lilydale & Eltham stations too.

Boat O'Craigo
Copperhead Wines
Helens Hill
Kellybrook
Mac Forbes
Mandala Wines
Seville Hill
Six Acres
Soumah
Squitchy Lane
Steels Gate
Sutherland Estate
Tokar Estate
Yering Farm
Yileena Park

A feast for ALL senses- we hope you've got your dancing shoes on because we have an epic lineup of music for you at On T...
17/03/2026

A feast for ALL senses- we hope you've got your dancing shoes on because we have an epic lineup of music for you at On The Palate!

From classic covers of your favourite rock songs to Italo-Disco, you'll have toes tapping all day!

Few producers have done as much to champion the nuances of Yarra Valley as . Since establishing his label in 2004, Mac h...
17/03/2026

Few producers have done as much to champion the nuances of Yarra Valley as . Since establishing his label in 2004, Mac has been on a mission to understand the region’s diverse sub-regions—from the volcanic soils of Hoddles Creek to the ancient siltstones of Woori Yallock.

His winemaking philosophy is one of transparency and "honest" intervention. By utilising regenerative farming and a minimalist approach in the cellar, Mac ensures that each bottle serves as a pure lens through which to view the specific site and vintage. The result is a collection of wines—spanning the vibrant Village range to the cutting-edge Experimental Batches (EB)—that are defined by their poise, energy, and sense of place.

We are thrilled to have Mac Forbes join the On The Palate lineup, bringing a world-class perspective on what makes our valley truly unique.

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Yarra Glen
Yarra Glen, VIC

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