The sparkling jewel in the Yarra Valley’s crown, Chandon is arguably the country’s finest producer of sparkling wine. This month, the experts in all things bubbly opened a new luxury Homestead, offering an exclusive space for refined food and wine experiences and events for up to 50 guests. Honouring its winemaking legacy and the Homestead’s 100 year-plus history, the former farmhouse has been lavishly reimagined by Melbourne interior designer Melanie Beynon, who has used soft pinks and earthy tones to echo the hues of Chandon’s sparkling wines, along with organic materials to celebrate the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley and works from more than twenty Australian artists. Comprising a spacious lobby, a lounge and dining room (The Greenpoint Lounge), a further wine tasting and intimate dining room (The Vintage Room), plus a wrap-around verandah that overlooks the Chandon lawn with views of the vineyard and Oak Garden, The Homestead will also be home to Chandon’s premium private Étoile tasting. Set within the vineyard’s verdant grounds, the Homestead joins the winery’s existing restaurant, lounge bar and cellar door, all of which are suitably effervescent. chandon.com.au

Renowned for its arty aptitude, you’ll find no better expression of the region’s art scene than at TarraWarra Museum of Art. Adjacent to the impeccable winery and dining room, this intimate museum showcases impressive modern and contemporary works against the backdrop of breathtaking vines. Feed your imagination before going on to feed your stomach at the hatted restaurant, or simply stop for a Pinot Noir at the super chic, subterranean Cellar Door. twma.com.au

If you consider yourself more of a sweet tooth than wine connoisseur, don’t miss a stop at this saccharine gem. An icon in the Yarra Valley, expect a delicious showroom filled with thousands of chocolates, an ever-changing array of freshly made pastries, desserts and artisan ice creams. Or, channel your inner Willy Wonka and try a workshop, which runs daily (along with tastings for those who’d rather just eat their chocolate rather than make it). yvci.com.au

This sprawling, architecturally-feted estate is much more than a winery and cellar door. Recently revamped, it features a modern, Euro-inspired restaurant, Quarters, a boutique wine store, Notes, and an event space, Harriett — all of which are sleek and chic. With prestigious pedigree (Mitchelton Winery and The Prince) and one of the Yarra Valley’s oldest wine producers, this dual-level temple is as impressive as they come. hubertestate.com.au

While some of its wine is made in other parts of regional Victoria, Healesville is Innocent Bystander’s spiritual home. This funky cellar door, vineyard, restaurant and bar reflects the beloved Aussie brand’s ethos: approachable, perky and delicious. Share moreish woodfired pizzas and fantastic share plates and order a carafe — or rather beaker — of their flagship Pinot Noir. Or try their Watermelon Spritz, juicy watermelon with just the right amount of fizz. innocentbystander.com.au

A haven for cheese lovers, Yarra Valley Dairy is one of the country’s most beloved cheese makers. Producing everything from traditional Australian blocks to softer French styles to feta, they use both goat and cow’s milk from the surrounding farms. Sample their selection of handmade cheeses in a tasting, or, try something from the menu, like an oozy toastie — and don’t forget to take some home. yvd.com.au

One of the most lauded wineries in the Yarra Valley, not only does Oakridge boast some of the finest, award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but its hatted restaurant is also impeccable; using select, small producers to bring the best to every plate. At the forefront of reviving the Yarra Valley as a wine region in the early 1980s, today it stands as one of the leading producers of perfect cool-climate drops, blending innovation with tradition and a discernible sense of spirit. oakridgewines.com.au

One for the natty wine lovers, Fin is where the best funky drops in the Yarra Valley live. A fermentation collective which launched in 2020, it produces young, fresh and super fun drinks with plenty of attitude and drinkability. With a range of wines and cider, there’s minimal additions, no filtering, spontaneous fermentation and minimal faffing in the winery, meaning it’s clean drinking all round. Its cute cellar door is open for tastings and bites like white anchovies, smoked almonds and LP’s Saucisson Sec. finwines.com.au

A taste of Northern Italy in the Yarra Valley, this award-winning winery offers unique Italian varietals like Brachetto, Nebbiolo, Marzemino and Savarro alongside regional favourites in a stunning setting. Enjoy at their Cellar Door, or, drink (and eat) like an Italian at their beautiful, light-filled restaurant, Ai Fiori Trattoria, which specialises in northern Italian-inspired cuisine to match the wine. Think rustic wood fired pizzas and hearty pastas all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can even stay on-site at Villa Sophia, a spacious country-style property located amongst the vines. soumah.com.au

Tuscany, is that you? This charming, old-world winery feels like you’re at the foothills of Montepulciano rather than the Yarra Valley. Family-founded and run, Panton Hill produces a range of dry, sweet, sparkling and fortified wines, which are best enjoyed with its homestyle, Mediterranean food, dished up every Saturday. In winter, cosy up to its roaring, open fire with a glass of Pinot Noir. pantonhillwinery.com.au

This beautiful butcher meets delicatessen is a foodie wonderland, offering exceptional small goods, cheeses, bread and small-batch produce. Sourcing both the best of the season and the region, it exceeds any expectations of the local country butcher with artisan meats and a fromagerie to make cheese lovers weak at the knees. kitchenandbutcher.com.au

This small cellar door has a big personality, and that’s thanks to its charismatic winemaker, Rob Dolan. A Yarra Valley legend, after 25 years of making wine for some of Australia’s most iconic wineries, Rob ventured out on his own to create bold, generous and beautiful cold-climate wines. Book a table or better still, a beanbag, and order a bottle of his bougie barrel-select Chardonnay and cheese platter, which is sourced with locally made produce, including Stone & Crow cheese made on-site. robdolanwines.com.au

The latest venture from Yarra Valley hospo royalty, Stones and Meletos, this adventurous, hatted restaurant is a must for foodies. Between the barrels and chandeliers, Head Chef Joel Bowers’ ever-changing, share-style plates star, while guest chefs, like Trisha Greentree from Fratelli Paradiso, also share the stage (or kitchen) with specially curated menus. no7healesville.com

Like a tranquil hideaway, Olinda offers a truly unique experience in the Yarra Valley. Its signature High Tea features a mix of sweet and savoury snacks, including Asian-inspired petit fours, all served with tea under wooden gazebos and surrounded by nature. olindateahouse.com.au

For those who prefer a little G with their T, don’t miss a visit to local gin gurus, Four Pillars. This iconic Australian gin producer offers traditional blends like its Rare Dry and Navy Strength to its more experimental mixes like Olive Leaf, Fresh Yuzu, Spiced Negroni and Bloody Shiraz (a now-cult classic using local Yarra Valley grapes). Grab a bite at the distillery Tuck Shop, which offers Made From Gin snacks like Hot Chips with Rare Dry Gin Salt and Dip and Bloody Shiraz Gin Caviar, alongside a G&T paddle in Jude’s Garden. fourpillarsgin.com