Oakridge Wines

Oakridge Wines sits in Coldstream at the heart of the Yarra Valley, about 50 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Established in 1978, it's one of the region's longer-standing producers, and it has built a solid reputation around the cool-climate varieties that made the Yarra Valley famous — Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in particular.

The Wines

The focus here is on the three varieties that suit the Yarra Valley's cool conditions best: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The valley's maritime influence and elevation encourage slow, even ripening, which tends to produce wines with natural acidity and good structure — characteristics that allow them to develop well in the bottle.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the main event, as they are across much of the Yarra Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon also features in the range, performing particularly well in warmer vintage years when the fruit has time to ripen fully.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is open for tastings and offers a structured way to work through the Oakridge range. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for both families and groups, with a wine education element built into the tasting format. A wine shop stocks the full range if you find something you'd like to take home.

Winery tours are also available, which is worth keeping in mind if you'd like a closer look at the production side of things. Booking ahead for tours is advisable.

Current tasting fees, the number of wines included, and booking requirements aren't detailed here — check the website or contact the winery directly before your visit, particularly if you're coming with a larger group.

Food and Dining

There's an on-site restaurant, so a full lunch or dinner can be combined with your cellar door visit. For current menu details and to secure a table, it's worth booking ahead through the website.

The Vineyard

The Yarra Valley's cool-climate terroir is well suited to the varieties Oakridge focuses on. The combination of elevation and maritime influence keeps temperatures moderate throughout the growing season, encouraging the kind of restrained fruit character and natural acidity associated with elegant, age-worthy wines. In the right vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon also finds a place alongside the white and light red varieties more commonly associated with the region.

Getting There

Oakridge is located in Coldstream and is most easily reached by car via the Maroondah Highway. The drive from Melbourne takes roughly an hour depending on traffic. There is dedicated on-site parking, though capacity and coach or caravan access aren't confirmed — contact the winery ahead of time if you're travelling in a larger vehicle or caravan.

There is no direct public transport to the cellar door, so a car is the practical option for most visitors.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead for the restaurant — particularly on weekends and during peak season.
• Tours require a booking, so organise this in advance if it's part of your plan.
• Autumn (March–May) is a particularly good time to visit, coinciding with harvest season and generally pleasant driving weather through the valley. Spring (September–November) is also a good option with fewer crowds than summer.
• Yarra Valley has a high density of cellar doors — Oakridge is well placed to be part of a broader tasting route through Coldstream and the surrounding area.
• Check the website for current tasting fees and any booking requirements before you arrive.