Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

Feature Experience: Unique De Bortoli

The first thing that will strike you as you appropach the De Bortoli Yarra Valley cellar door is the stunningly pretty setting among beautifully manicured gardens with views across the impossibly photogenic Yarra Valley.  It is hard to believe the Yarra Valley is so close to the buzzing centre of Melbourne, a picturesque 60 minute drive is all it takes to feel blissfully removed from urban life.

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Entering the cellar door is a sensory overload.  To the left you'll glimpse the very tempting Cheese Shop sitting alongside the tasting bar which showcases De Bortoli's wide range of cool climate Yarra Valley wines.  Ahead of you, the highly intriguing cheese maturation room, where cheese can rest for a few months to continue ageing peacefully, and a host of local gifts and treats available for purchase.  

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Your Unique De Bortoli Experience begins in the vineyard where you'll learn about the viticultural practices in use before touring the wine making facilities (where you may be lucky enough to sample some wines straight from the barrels and tanks).

Next you'll head to the De Bortoli Trophy Room.  Your knowledgeable guide will spoil you with a decadent gourmet cheese and wine tasting. The marriage of cheese and wine has never been better demonstrated than with the carefully selected range of local and imported cheese chosen specifically for the qualities that work so well in combination with the wines of the Yarra Valley.

The cheese is only released from the maturation room when it is at its very best. Cheese, much like wine is the product of its history and environment.  De Bortoli's team of specialised staff are well-equipped to take you on a journey of discovery (top tip: blue cheese with the iconic Noble One Botrytis Semillon is not to be missed).

Afterwards, a 3-course Italian-inspired lunch at the onsite restaurant, Locale, with matched wines, tea, coffee and house made biscotti is the ideal way to wrap up a highly indulgent but (no doubt) well-deserved experience.  

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Locale’s seasonal menu, created by head chef Adam Mead, contains many Italian comfort staples, home made pasta and authentically cooked risotto are menu constants, while the sauces and ingredients that go with them change depending on the time of year - many of the ingredients are grown on the Yarra Valley Estate.

Your Unique De Bortoli Experience can be combined with a transfer from Melbourne’s CBD to complete your own private day tour.