Yering Station

Yering Station sits at the heart of the Yarra Valley, and with origins dating to 1838, it holds the distinction of being one of the region's oldest continuously operating wineries. Located in Yering, roughly 50 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, the property offers visitors a chance to experience cool-climate winemaking within a setting that carries genuine historical weight — heritage buildings, working vineyards, and nearly two centuries of winemaking history all in one place.

The Wines

The estate focuses on varieties well suited to the Yarra Valley's cool, elevated conditions: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. The region's moderate growing season, morning fog influence, and well-draining soils are particularly kind to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, producing wines that tend toward elegance and structure rather than weight. Shiraz, which can struggle in cooler climates, finds its footing in warmer microclimates within the property, yielding a style distinct from warmer Australian growing regions.

If you're visiting to taste, expect to work across the estate's range of all three varieties. Current tasting fees and formats are best confirmed on the Yering Station website before you go, as these can change seasonally.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is housed in a heritage-listed building, lending the tasting experience a sense of place that newer facilities can't replicate. The atmosphere is relaxed and the focus is on the wines themselves — you're tasting in a working vineyard environment, not a purpose-built tourist centre. A wine shop on-site stocks estate and regional wines, so there's ample opportunity to take something home after a tasting.

Bookings are recommended if you're visiting in a group. Individual visitors can generally walk in, but checking ahead is worthwhile, particularly on weekends and during peak season.

Food and Dining

The on-site restaurant serves seasonal menus built around local produce, with estate wines available to accompany your meal. It's a practical and enjoyable stop for lunch mid-way through a Yarra Valley touring day, and the setting is suitable for families and groups alike. That said, bookings are strongly advised for weekend dining — it fills up. Weekday visits offer a more relaxed pace.

The Vineyard

The Yarra Valley's growing conditions are defined by elevation, cool temperatures, and a long, moderate ripening season — characteristics that encourage finesse in the bottle rather than fruit-forward richness. At Yering Station, the soils are well-draining, which helps manage vine vigour and concentrate flavour in the fruit. The property's scale means there are microclimatic variations across the site, giving the winemaking team flexibility to grow varieties like Shiraz that might struggle on a cooler block.

History

Established in 1838, Yering Station predates Victoria's formal separation from New South Wales and sits among the earliest vineyards planted in the Yarra Valley. The historic buildings on the property reflect 19th-century colonial-era winemaking, and walking the grounds gives you a tangible sense of that continuity. The winery has remained a significant presence in the region's wine identity through periods of expansion, decline, and revival that have shaped the Yarra Valley more broadly.

Getting There

From Melbourne, head north-east via the Maroondah Highway — the drive takes around an hour depending on traffic. The property accommodates standard vehicles and caravans, with on-site parking suited to typical visitor numbers. Coach and bus groups are catered for, though it's worth notifying the winery ahead of arrival for larger groups. Public transport to this part of the Yarra Valley is limited, so a self-drive is the practical choice for most visitors.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead for the restaurant, particularly on weekends and during the March–April vintage period when visitor numbers are higher.
• Allow extra time to explore the grounds — the heritage buildings and vineyard setting are worth more than a quick in-and-out tasting stop.
• Timing your visit can make a difference: autumn (March–April) brings harvest activity and a lively vineyard atmosphere, while spring (September–October) offers fresh growth and quieter crowds. The cooler months of May through August tend to be the least busy.
• Combine with other cellar doors in the valley for a full day trip from Melbourne — Yering is well positioned as a starting or finishing point on a regional loop.
• The wine shop stocks both estate and regional wines, which is handy if you want to explore the broader Yarra Valley range without additional stops.