Staff are knowledgeable but never overbearing, making it comfortable for first-time tasters and experienced wine lovers alike.
What to expect during your Yarra Valley tour at Balgownie Estate
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With a winemaking history dating back to 1969, Balgownie Estate offers premium cool-climate wines from the Balgownie Estate vineyard, a five-star Halliday-rated cellar door, fine dining at Restaurant 1309, and an on-site day spa, all set along the Melba Highway in Yarra Glen, about an hour from Melbourne. The estate's 17 acres of vineyards are planted predominantly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the cellar door and restaurant open seven days a week.
An expert team walks you through a selection of wines from Balgownie's Yarra Valley and Bendigo vineyards, covering current releases, single-block wines, and aged collections — no prior wine knowledge needed.
Step into a modern, comfortable space where indoor and outdoor areas flow seamlessly, inviting you to slow down and enjoy your visit. Here, you can enjoy a guided wine tasting with quick insights from staff, and time to relax between pours.
Enjoy cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley estate, alongside Bendigo Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling wines, and approachable Black Label favourites.
Choose to settle in at the bar, take a glass out to the deck, or find a spot outdoors with views stretching across the valley and surrounding ranges.
The estate looks out over its own vineyards and the wider Yarra Valley countryside, making it one of the more scenic stops on any tour itinerary.
Guided tours include return transfers from Melbourne, so every member of the group can drink freely without anyone drawing the short straw on the drive home.
This stop is ideal if you are looking for:
Staff are knowledgeable but never overbearing, making it comfortable for first-time tasters and experienced wine lovers alike.
A 5-star Halliday rating and three tasting tiers, from accessible Black Label varieties to premium single-block and aged museum releases.
Wine, modern-Australian dining at Restaurant 1309, an Endota day spa, and luxury accommodation, all on one estate.
Pre-arranged tastings and a well-paced schedule make this one of the most stress-free stops on a guided tour.
Works equally well for couples, small groups, first-time visitors, and international travellers wanting a premium but approachable introduction to the Yarra Valley.
Skip the bottle shop and go straight to the source. At Balgownie's cellar door, you taste the wines where they were made, guided by staff who know every vintage, every vineyard block, and exactly which bottle you should be taking home.
The cellar door team guides visitors through a curated wine selection, sharing insight into the estate's history and winemaking style. Winemaker Tony Winspear has worked the vines from bud to bottle since 1994, using traditional techniques including hand harvesting and basket pressing.
A modern cellar door blending indoor and outdoor spaces with vineyard-facing windows. The current building opened in late 2021 following a rebuild after the original was destroyed by fire.
Three formats available: Black Label and Nouveau (five wines, 30 minutes); Premium Estate Label across Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon (five wines, 30 minutes); and an Estate Label, limited release, and museum collection tasting across six wines.
Tastings can be paired with chocolate samplers or artisanal cheeses. Private tastings available by appointment.
A five-star Halliday-rated cellar door with three tasting formats suited to all levels of wine knowledge.
Modern, group-friendly facilities that integrate seamlessly into a full-day tour itinerary.
A wine range spanning easy-drinking Black Label varietals to premium single-block and museum releases.
Knowledgeable staff who guide guests through the wines with warmth and without pretension.
Wine, fine dining, a day spa, and luxury accommodation combined on one estate.
Address: Balgownie, Estate Yarra Valley, 1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, VIC 3775 | Find on map
Opening hours
Time needed at the winery: 45 minutes to 1 hour for a standard cellar door tasting. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours if including lunch at Restaurant 1309 or a more relaxed visit across the deck and grounds.
Balgownie Estate is an award-winning vineyard, accommodation, restaurant and bar, cellar door, and spa property. On-site facilities include:
Yes, particularly for groups and weekends. On guided tours, tastings are pre-booked so guests arrive at an organised session.
Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley estate, alongside Bendigo Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a limited-edition Macedon Sparkling.
Not in a standard tasting. Some premium tour options include lunch at Restaurant 1309. The set menu runs at $85 for two courses and $105 for three, with a casual grazing menu also available at the bar.
Yes. The cellar door is open daily and accepts walk-ins, though bookings are recommended for weekends and groups.
45 to 60 minutes for a cellar door tasting. Up to two hours if lunch at Restaurant 1309 is included.
Yes. The three tasting formats range from an accessible Black Label introduction to an in-depth museum collection experience — staff tailor the session to the group's level of interest.
Smart casual is recommended. The restaurant has a relaxed but polished atmosphere; think neat, comfortable clothing rather than formal attire.
Yes. The cellar door retail shop stocks the full Balgownie range, including limited releases and back vintages not available in retail stores.
Yes. Balgownie offers private dining, endota spa packages, and luxury accommodation, making it well-suited to birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events.
Children are welcome in the restaurant and on the estate grounds. The cellar door tasting experience is adult-focused, but families are accommodated comfortably.
From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine Tour with 4 Wineries Visits and Gourmet Lunch at Balgownie Estate