Tastings are thoughtfully hosted and feel more personal than large, high-volume cellar doors, with a focus on guided conversation rather than rushed sessions.
What to expect during your tour of Yarra Yering
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Established in 1969 by Dr Bailey Carrodus, Yarra Yering is one of the Yarra Valley’s oldest and most celebrated estates. Located at the foot of the Warramate Hills near Gruyere, the vineyard spans around 28 hectares and lies about 65 km east of Melbourne. The winery was named Winery of the Year by the Halliday Wine Companion (2022) and The Real Review (2021), cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s leading producers. Nearby attractions such as Healesville Sanctuary, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, and the Dandenong Ranges are all within a short drive.
Your host takes you through a selection of Yarra Yering's current releases and seasonal highlights, with the full story behind each wine, the vineyard block, the vintage, and the thinking behind it.
The cellar door is set inside the house where Dr Bailey Carrodus first made these wines. It is small, personal, and unlike anything else in the valley, more like visiting a collector than a commercial winery.
The Bordeaux-inspired Dry Red No. 1, Rhône-style Dry Red No. 2, Portuguese-varietal Dry Red No. 3, Underhill Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay — a range with no equivalent in Australia.
Every booking at Yarra Yering is exclusive. You are not sharing a tasting room with strangers or being moved through with a crowd — it is a private session, every time.
The estate sits among its own dry-grown vines at the foot of the Warramate Hills, unhurried, uncluttered, and a world away from the busier estates closer to the highway.
Guided tours include return transfers from Melbourne, so everyone in the group can drink freely without anyone sitting out.
This stop is ideal if you are looking for:
Tastings are thoughtfully hosted and feel more personal than large, high-volume cellar doors, with a focus on guided conversation rather than rushed sessions.
Named Winery of the Year by the Halliday Wine Companion (2022) and The Real Review (2021), Yarra Yering consistently produces wines ranked among Australia’s finest.
As one of the founding wineries of the modern Yarra Valley, Dr Bailey Carrodus’s Bordeaux-inspired blends helped shape the region’s reputation for refined, cool-climate wines.
The iconic Dry Red Nos. 1, 2, and 3 are unique to Yarra Yering and have become benchmarks for the estate’s winemaking style.
Best suited to guests who want a focused, guided tasting experience rather than a casual drop-in, and often one of the most memorable stops in the valley.
At Yarra Yering's cellar door, you are sitting in the house where these wines were first made; tasting bottles that rarely leave the valley, guided by staff who know every vintage and every block on the property.
Each tasting is led by knowledgeable staff who share the stories behind the wines. A typical session includes a selection of 8 to 10 wines, offering a well-paced, informative experience without feeling rushed.
The cellar door is set within the former home of founder Dr Bailey Carrodus, a cosy, intimate space steeped in Australian wine history, and a contrast to the region’s larger, purpose-built venues.
The Portfolio Tasting showcases a rotating selection from the estate’s range, with wines changing regularly. Allow around an hour for the full experience. The current tasting fee is approximately $50 per person for seasonal releases.
Bookings are essential, with a maximum group size of 6 guests. Large groups and tour buses are not accommodated. If you have a designated driver or accompanying children, it’s best to mention this when booking so seating can be arranged.
One of Australia’s most awarded small producers, named Winery of the Year by the Halliday Wine Companion (2022) and The Real Review (2021).
A more intimate experience, with small-group guided tastings that feel quieter and more considered than high-volume cellar doors.
An estate-defined wine range featuring the iconic Dry Red Nos. 1, 2, and 3, signature blends that reflect the winery’s style.
A historic cellar door set within the founder’s original home, offering a strong sense of place and connection to the early Yarra Valley.
A natural highlight for wine-focused itineraries that prioritise quality, character, and depth over convenience.
Address: Yarra Yering Winery, 4 Briarty Road, Gruyere, VIC 3770 (just off Maddens Lane) | Find on map
Opening hours:
Time needed at the winery: One hour for the Portfolio Tasting. Allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes to browse wines available for purchase or explore the estate grounds.
*Note: If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your booking may need to be rescheduled to accommodate the next session.*
Yes. Bookings are required for all tastings, and the maximum group size is 6 guests. Walk-ins are not guaranteed. Book as early as possible, especially for weekends.
The estate is best known for its Dry Red Wine No. 1 (Bordeaux-style blend), Dry Red Wine No. 2 (Rhône-style blend), and Dry Red Wine No. 3 (Portuguese varietals), first produced in 1973. The range also includes Underhill Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
You will need to allow one hour for the Portfolio Tasting. Add 15 to 20 minutes if you want to browse wines for purchase after your session.
The current tasting fee is around $50 per person for seasonal releases. Confirm pricing when booking, as this may change with each new seasonal release.
Yarra Yering cannot accommodate tour groups or large group requests. The maximum booking size is 6 guests. Premium and small-group tour operators with pre-arranged access can include Yarra Yering as a stop, but standard large-coach tours are not catered for.
Yes, with a caveat. The experience is guided and educational, and the staff are welcoming to all levels of wine knowledge. That said, the wines are serious, and the format is focused — guests who come with at least a passing interest in wine will get far more out of it than those looking for a casual pour.
Yes. The cellar door stocks the full Yarra Yering range, including limited releases and back vintages not available through retail channels. This is the best place to access rarer bottles and large formats.
Children may be permitted, but the experience is primarily designed for adults. It’s best to check in advance and ensure children remain supervised during tastings.
There is no formal dress code. Smart casual is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are recommended if you plan to explore the grounds before or after your tasting.
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