Yeringberg

Yeringberg sits on Maroondah Highway in Coldstream, about 55 kilometres east of Melbourne, on land with a viticultural history stretching back to 1859. Today's winery was established in 1969 by Guill and Maree de Pury on that original estate, and four generations of family involvement have shaped its quiet, unwavering focus on cool-climate Bordeaux varieties and Chardonnay. It's the kind of place that has built its reputation entirely on what's in the bottle rather than on fanfare.

History

The de Pury family revived the Yeringberg name in 1969, reclaiming the site of a nineteenth-century estate and planting varieties suited to the Yarra Valley's cool conditions. That continuity — from the 1859 origins through to the present generation — is visible in the heritage stone buildings still standing on the property, and in the deliberate, unhurried approach to winemaking that has remained consistent across decades. Yeringberg represents one of the older family wine legacies in Victoria, with a philosophy built around longevity rather than volume.

The Wines

Yeringberg's focus is firmly on Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among them — alongside Chardonnay. The cool Yarra Valley climate produces wines with fine tannins, restrained fruit and the kind of natural acidity that supports extended cellaring. These are not wines built for immediate impact; they reward patience and repay attention. At the cellar door, you can expect to taste a curated selection of current releases alongside premium back vintages, which gives a useful sense of how the wines develop over time.

The Vineyard

The vineyard occupies an elevated site in the Yarra Valley with well-draining, complex soils. The elevation assists with natural air drainage and thermal moderation, both of which extend the ripening period and allow for gradual flavour development. The Yarra Valley's cool-climate signature — lower temperatures relative to many other Victorian wine regions — is central to the style here. The result is wines that tend toward elegance and restraint rather than richness or weight.

Cellar Door Experience

Tastings at Yeringberg are strictly by appointment, and visitor numbers are kept deliberately small. The setting is a heritage-listed property with stone buildings that reflect the estate's nineteenth-century origins. The tasting format is conversational rather than scripted — expect genuine discussion about the wines, the vintages, and the vineyard rather than a rehearsed presentation. If you're interested in how the wines evolve with age, it's worth asking about vertical tasting options when you book.

Allow around 90 minutes to two hours for your visit. The pace here suits those who want to explore wines carefully rather than move through a tasting quickly.

Food and Dining

Yeringberg keeps its focus on wine appreciation rather than dining. Food options at the cellar door are limited, though seasonal platters may be available during busier periods. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged, and tables are available on the grounds — a reasonable option when the weather is cooperative.

Getting There

Yeringberg is located at 810 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream — approximately five kilometres east of Lilydale and 55 kilometres from central Melbourne. The property is accessible by regular vehicle directly from the highway. If you're travelling with a caravan or larger vehicle, confirm access and parking arrangements when you make your booking, as facilities are sized for the winery's small-scale, appointment-only operation. There is no public transport to the cellar door, so driving is the only practical option.

On-site parking is available but limited, consistent with the appointment-only model. Coach parking is not available.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead — appointments are essential and visitor numbers are limited
• Allow 90 minutes to two hours for a relaxed tasting experience
• Ask about vertical tastings when booking if you want to explore how the wines age
• Bring a picnic to make the most of the grounds, particularly in good weather
• Mid-week visits are easier to book and tend to be quieter
• Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) offer the most comfortable visiting conditions; mid-summer heat is best avoided
• If visiting during vintage (February–March), book well ahead — it's an active period on the property