Steel yourself for a day of tasting with breakfast at Round Bird Can’t Fly (170 Main St, Lilydale), on the edge of the Yarra Valley. “This is a lovely little cafe,” says Stone. “It’s the perfect spot to grab a good coffee.” In their bright, buzzy space, Laura Webb-James and Evan James offer an all-day menu that’s a cut above standard cafe fare. Order ricotta dumplings with lemon curd, a delicate crab omelette, or a fortifying cast-iron pot of confit potato, romesco salsa and Taleggio with poached eggs.

Set in a 100-year-old milking shed, Yarra Valley Dairy (70-80 McMeikans Road, Bering) is a must for fans of forage. “We have a very close relationship with the dairy,” says Stone. “In my opinion, Jack Holman is the best cheesemaker in the country and the shop is full of great produce from the region.” You can also settle into the cafe for a cheese platter or coffee, and there’s a wine counter pouring 60 local examples.

Since joining the team in August last year, Stone and his pastry chef partner, Jo Barrett, have brought renewed vitality to the restaurant at Oakridge Wines (864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream). Owners Tony D’Aloisio and Ilana Atlas’ Coldstream complex features a striking cellar door and dining room, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the impressive valley views. Kickstart your visit by working your way through David Bicknell’s exceptional range of single-block chardonnays, pinot noirs and syrahs, before taking a seat for lunch, peppered with foraged greens and freshly picked mushrooms. “Our vegie garden informs and drives the menu,” says Stone. “It’s like, holy shit, I’ve got so much of this I have to use it!” In her desserts, Barrett also draws inspiration from her surroundings, crafting red wine jellies from left over Oakridge musts and ice cream from fragrant chardonnay lees.

When Stone’s not shaking the pans at Oakridge, he heads to Meletos (12 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream, pictured). “This joint is cool,” says Stone. “It’s a big open space with a view of the huge wood-burning oven. They serve great casual food, beer and cider.” Order share plates of hand-cut cacciatore salami, chicken liver parfait (left), chargrilled octopus and barbecued quail or woodfired pizzas topped with pumpkin and gorgonzola. The wine list celebrates the best of the Valley, plus a smattering of French and Italians for good measure. Another lunch option is The Independent (79 Main St, Gembrook). In a revamped hardware store near the Puffing Billy railway station, chef Mauro Callegari dishes out punchy Argentinian fare. “I love the short rib and the ceviche,” says Stone. “It’s modern Argentinian with Australian flair.”

Oakridge keeps good company on the ‘golden mile’ in Coldstream. Next door, Dominique Portet (870 Maroondah Hwy) o ers a French-style experience, with a vine-shrouded cellar door and a pétanque court. Nearby, Levantine Hill (882 Maroondah Hwy) has partnered with chef Teage Ezard to o er degustations and casual dining. Look out for open days at Yeringberg (810 Maroondah Hwy); “They produce amazing wine and the estate’s well worth a look,” says Stone of the 150-year-old winery.

Four Pillars Gin.

Healesville, an hour out of Melbourne, is home to a handful of cellar doors so it’s perfect for a day trip. Innocent Bystander is easygoing as it is huge. On weekends, people line up for the wine on tap and the antipasto platters and woodfired pizzas, so get there before the lunch rush. Try the prosecco, pinot noir, syrah, tempranillo, rosé, moscato and more, either with a sommelier or choose a self-guided tasting via paddles. 316-334 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville innocentbystander.com.au

For an intimate tasting, call into Yarra Yering, the home of visionary winemaker, the late Bailey Carrodus. “It’s a beautiful setting, and the wines are delicious, “says Stone, of the Bordeaux-and-Rhone-inpsired reds. Next, pop to Coldstream Hills, the winery established by wine writer, James Halliday. Try the reserve pinot noir, crafted from grapes grown on the steep amphitheater block in front of the winery, and the flinty deer farm chardonnay. In Dixons Creek, visit the De Bortoli Cellar Door, home to Steve Webber’s Stellar Wines.

Time your visit for the third Sunday of the month when the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group Farmer’s Market sets up shop in Yering Station (38 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen). Trawl the stalls for farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, rows of Jam Lady and Cunliffe & Waters preserves, plus stands selling paella and piping-hot poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes). Afterwards, visit the historic cellar door for a tasting of Willy Lunn’s refined chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz, enjoy a snack in Matt’s Bar, or linger over lunch in the view-blessed Yering Station dining room, which boasts top-notch fare.

Join local winemakers for knock-off drinks at the Healesville Hotel (256 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville) – you might even catch some of the vignerons rocking out in the band room under the guise of The Yeastie Boys or Harvest Goon. Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company (25 Bell St, Yarra Glen) is another favourite, helping winemakers reset their palates with a handcrafted ale.

If you’re after a self-catered stay, try Yering Gorge Cottages (215 Victoria Rd, Yering), set on a 49-hectare nature reserve. “I recently spent a night there and it was stunning,” says Stone. “The cottages are comfortable and luxurious, and I’ve never seen so many kangaroos and deer wandering around.” The 11 free-standing abodes (and two adjoining) promise spa baths, kitchenettes, wood res and balconies with bush views.

To round out your Yarra Valley escape, catch the latest exhibition at Tarrawarra Museum of Art (311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville). Or stroll through the pretty gardens at Coombe Farm (picture- 673-675 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream), Dame Nellie Melba’s beautifully revitalised estate.