Soumah

Soumah is a boutique, family-owned winery tucked into the cool hills of the Yarra Valley, around 50 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. With a tight focus on just two varieties — Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — it's a place built around conviction rather than breadth, and that clarity of purpose carries through from the vineyard to the glass.

The Wines

Soumah's attention is firmly fixed on the cool-climate classics that have come to define the Yarra Valley. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the sole focus here, shaped by the site's volcanic soils, morning mists, and steep hillside plantings. The elevation and aspect slow ripening, which the winemaking team sees as an asset — contributing structure, tension, and the kind of detail that rewards patience in the cellar. The wines are made with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's character to do the talking. Expect elegant, age-worthy styles rather than anything immediately showy.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door reflects the winery itself — intimate, unhurried, and family-run. Tastings are available by appointment, which is the preferred approach, though walk-ins are accommodated when space allows. Small group tastings mean you're likely to spend time with someone directly involved in making the wines, which gives the conversation a depth you don't always get at larger operations.

A typical tasting covers four to six wines, often including back vintages alongside current releases — a useful way to understand how the wines develop over time. Tasting fees may apply, so it's worth confirming when you book.

Plan on spending an hour and a half to two hours if you want to explore the range properly.

Food and Dining

There's no on-site restaurant, but the cellar door offers platters of local produce and cheese to accompany your tasting. The grounds are also picnic-friendly, so bringing your own spread is encouraged. For a sit-down meal, the nearby Yarra Glen precinct has dining options within easy reach.

The Vineyard

The Soumah vineyard sits in a part of the Yarra Valley where the combination of rich volcanic soils, cool morning mists, and hillside terrain creates growing conditions well-matched to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The mists help moderate temperature, slowing the ripening window and giving the fruit time to develop complexity without losing freshness. The steep site also plays a role in concentrating the vines' energy, contributing structure to the finished wines.

Getting There

Soumah is located in the Yarra Valley, accessible via the Maroondah Highway heading towards Healesville and Yarra Glen. The drive from Melbourne takes roughly an hour depending on traffic and your starting point. There's on-site car parking for visitors; if you're travelling by caravan or coach, it's worth contacting the winery directly to confirm access and capacity before you arrive.

There's no direct public transport to the cellar door, so self-driving or booking through a tour operator are your best options.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead, particularly on weekends — a reservation guarantees your tasting time and means the team can give you proper attention.
• Visit during vintage (March–April) if you want to see the winery in full swing. Note that cellar door hours may be reduced during harvest due to the demands of winemaking.
• Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are the most comfortable times to visit. Spring tends to be quieter, while autumn offers the energy of harvest season.
• January and February can bring significant heat to the valley — worth keeping in mind when planning.
• Combine your visit with other Yarra Valley cellar doors along the scenic drives through Healesville and Yarra Glen to make the most of the trip.
• Bring a picnic — the grounds are set up for it, and there's something to be said for eating on a working vineyard.