Levantine Hill

Levantine Hill sits in Coldstream at the heart of the Yarra Valley, around 50 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. Established in 2010, it arrived during a period of genuine momentum for the region, and has since become a well-regarded destination for both wine tasting and a longer day out in the valley.

The winery focuses on the cool-climate varieties that define the Yarra Valley's reputation — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz — and combines that with a cellar door and restaurant experience designed to make the most of its vineyard setting.

The Wines

Levantine Hill's range centres on the three varieties that thrive in the Yarra Valley's cooler growing conditions. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are particularly well-suited to the region, where the extended ripening season — shaped by elevation, maritime influence, and well-drained soils — allows for wines with complexity and a restrained style rather than obvious fruit weight.

The Shiraz here is a cooler-climate expression, distinct from warmer-region styles, with more structural precision and a savoury edge. Together, the three varieties give you a clear picture of what the Yarra Valley does well.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door at Levantine Hill is modern and contemporary in fit-out, with a relaxed atmosphere that suits both a casual drop-in and a more considered tasting visit. Staff guide visitors through the portfolio with a focus on the winery's cool-climate wines, so you'll come away with a good sense of both the wines themselves and the broader Yarra Valley context.

Tastings are available during opening hours, though fees, the number of wines poured, and any booking requirements can vary depending on the season. It's worth checking the website or contacting the winery directly before you visit to confirm current arrangements.

The cellar door is family-friendly during daytime hours, and there's a wine shop on-site where you can purchase bottles at cellar door pricing — generally better value than retail.

Food and Dining

An on-site restaurant offers dining with views across the vineyard, which makes for a natural pairing with a tasting session. The food offering is designed to complement the wine range, though the specific menu changes, so checking the website ahead of your visit is the best way to know what's currently available.

Booking ahead for the restaurant is recommended, particularly on weekends and during the busy autumn harvest period when visitor numbers across the Yarra Valley increase significantly.

History

Founded in 2010, Levantine Hill came to the Yarra Valley with a distinctly contemporary outlook — both in its approach to winemaking and in the way it presents itself to visitors. Its establishment coincided with a broader evolution in Yarra Valley wine tourism, as the region built on its established winemaking credentials with a new generation of destination cellar doors.

Getting There

Levantine Hill is located in Coldstream and is accessible via the Maroondah Highway (A1) or the Melba Highway. From Melbourne's CBD, the drive takes roughly an hour depending on traffic, covering around 50 kilometres to the northeast.

Driving is the practical choice — public transport options to this part of the Yarra Valley are limited. On-site parking is available and suitable for general visitor traffic. Coaches and tour groups should notify the winery in advance, and caravans or campervans should confirm access before arrival, though the facility is generally accommodating.

Visitor Tips

• Allow time: A cellar door tasting followed by lunch can comfortably fill two to three hours, so plan your day accordingly.
• Book the restaurant: Walk-ins may be possible, but reservations are recommended on weekends and during autumn harvest events.
• Confirm tours: The winery offers tours into the winemaking operation — worth doing if you're interested in the process — but availability should be checked in advance.
• Best seasons: Autumn (March–April) brings vintage activity and harvest events, making it a particularly engaging time to visit. Spring (September–November) offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Summer visits are manageable but aim to arrive earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• Wine shop: If you find something you like during the tasting, the cellar door shop offers better pricing than you're likely to find at retail.