In the heart of Victoria lies the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, famous for its vineyards and gastronomy. Gourmet food including artisan cheeses and world class wines make for an experience like no other. Cheese platters and wine tastings, rolling hills and views for days.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for a day of indulgence, the Yarra Valley has cool climate wines to premium wines paired with handcrafted cheeses. In this guide we’ll take you to the top spots for cheese and wine pairings, introduce you to local cheesemakers and give you tips to create your own perfect pairing.

Yarra Valley – A Foodie’s Paradise

One of Australia’s most famous wine regions, the Yarra Valley is home to over 80 wineries, each with something special to offer. From sparkling to bold reds, the cool climate is perfect for growing a wide range of varieties. But the region doesn’t stop at wine – it’s also home to some of the country’s best artisan cheeses.

Thanks to its rich soil and fresh air, the Yarra Valley is ideal for dairy farming and the region’s cheesemakers produce everything from soft goat cheeses to robust aged cheddars. Visitors can go on a journey of discovery, sampling local delicious cheeses while sipping on the best wines. This combination of gourmet and scenery makes the Yarra Valley the ultimate destination for foodies.

Domaine Chandon and others offer cheese and wine pairings. Pair with a wine expert and learn the art of food and wine matching while tasting the best of the region.

Wine and Cheese Pairing

Wine and cheese pairing is more than just matching flavours. It’s about balancing the textures, intensities and aromas of the cheese and wine to create a harmonious taste experience. In Yarra Valley, this art is mastered by our wine experts who will guide you through the process.

For example, a rich creamy Brie pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, an aged cheddar with a full bodied Shiraz. Some wineries like Yering Station offer pairings with freshly baked local bread, seasonal fruit and handmade cheese to enhance the flavours of both the food and wine.

Wine tasting itself is part of the experience and Yarra Valley wineries are welcoming to both beginners and seasoned tasters. With a focus on cool climate wines you’ll find the iconic varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside some of the lesser known drops like blueberry wine which can be paired with adventurous cheese for a unique tasting experience.

Yarra Valley Wineries for Cheese and Wine

• De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate: Rich history and Leanne De Bortoli’s family legacy. Sparkling wines and wine paired with local and imported cheese. Cheese room with gourmet food and handmade cheese.
• Domaine Chandon: Private Gourmet Tasting with champagne brunch options. Cool climate sparkling wines perfect with cheese plates.
• Yering Station: Casual meal with a selection of their amazing wines and fresh bread and cheese. Chardonnay pairs beautifully with local goat cheese.
• Levantine Hill Estate: Near Dixons Creek, single vineyard wines and batch wines. Romantic getaway or day of indulgence with decadent tastings.

Local Cheesemakers

Outside of the wineries Yarra Valley is home to talented cheesemakers who make artisanal cheese from the region’s finest milk. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy or Coldstream Dairy for a true farm to table experience:

• Yarra Valley Dairy: Soft cheeses, famous for their Persian fetta which pairs beautifully with a light Sauvignon Blanc. Their cheeses can be enjoyed with a range of the valley’s iconic wine varietals.
• Coldstream Dairy: Handmade cheeses, mild and strong. Can be paired with Yarra Valley’s iconic Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

Tips for the Perfect Pairing

• Intensity: Match bold wines with strong cheeses like cheddar or blue and light wines with milder, creamy cheeses.
• Texture: High-acid wines like Riesling work with soft, creamy cheeses and tannic reds with harder cheeses.
• Try something new: Don’t forget to try blueberry wine for a new take on the classics.

Where to Stay for a Cheese and Wine Getaway

After a day of indulgence, stay at one of Yarra Valley’s boutique hotels like Coombe Yarra Valley or Levantine Hill Estate where you can kick back with a glass of wine and a casual meal. Many have gourmet cheese platters as part of their room service so you can keep the Yarra Valley goodness going.

For a romantic escape book Tokar Estate where you can stay in luxury amidst the vineyard views. Coombe Cottage is another great option with historical charm and modern comforts to base yourself to explore the region’s foodie delights.

Book Your Experience

Make sure to book in advance at popular wineries like Oakridge Wines, Yering Farm Winery and Yarra Valley wine tours. Be aware of cancellation policies as wineries like Tokar Estate have policies that require cancellation hours before the booking date.

Conclusion

The Yarra Valley is a foodies heaven. From the views to the wine to the cheese, every visit is a winner. Whether you’re treating yourself to a tasting at De Bortoli, lunch at Yering Station or pairing local handmade cheese with your own wines, the Yarra Valley will leave you wanting more.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Yarra Valley for wine and cheese pairing?

Yarra Valley is a year round destination but spring and autumn are the most popular times due to the mild weather and views. During these seasons you can enjoy outdoor tastings and take in the scenery.

Do I need to book a cheese and wine pairing?

Yes, it’s recommended to book especially at popular wineries like De Bortoli, Domaine Chandon and Levantine Hill Estate. Many wineries require bookings in advance and some have cancellation fees if you need to change your plans. 

Can I bring my own cheese to a winery for a tasting?

Some wineries in Yarra Valley allow you to bring your own cheese but best to check with the winery first. Many prefer you to enjoy their curated cheese platters featuring local and imported artisan cheeses designed to match their wines. 

Are there vegetarian or gluten free options for cheese and wine pairing?

Most wineries offer dietary options including vegetarian and gluten free for cheese platters and side accompaniments like bread. 

How do I choose the right wine and cheese?

A wine expert at the winery can guide you through the process. Strong cheeses like cheddar pair well with bold reds and soft cheeses like Brie with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc.