We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Yarra Valley winery offering, with Dominique Portet joining De Bortoli (one of the eleven founding members) as part of the UWEA collective.

“We are delighted to join Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia and we’re honoured to be counted among such an esteemed group of wineries,” says 10^th generation winemaker, Ben Portet.

“Our plans for Dominique Portet align perfectly with the vision of UWEA – to increase the reach and impact of Australian wine tourism.”

Set amongst rolling hills reminiscent of the French countryside, Dominique Portet is a young winery steeped in European history.  Undulating vineyards and lush lawns frame the Cellar Door and Bistro, whose European design, complete with white French doors and shutters, reflects the rich French heritage of the Portet family.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dominique Portet to the fold,” says Kate Shilling, Executive Officer, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia. “They bring a slice of Bordeaux to Victoria’s Yarra Valley, with award-winning Australian wines crafted with French sensibility.”

The Portet family are considered wine-making royalty, with Dominique Portet learning the craft in Bordeaux and practicing it throughout his illustrious career in France, the Napa Valley, and Tasmania, before finally settling in the Yarra.

In 2008, his son Ben took the reins of the eponymous winery, armed with the incredible lineage and pedigree that comes with being a 10th generation winemaker, and many years’ experience working in renowned wineries in South Australia, Bordeaux, South Africa and the Napa Valley of California.

“Ben continues more than 40 years of dedicated family wine craftsmanship in Australia, forging a new chapter in a winemaking story that spans more than a century, specialising in sparkling wine, chardonnay, rosé and cabernet sauvignon,” says Kate.

“His acclaimed cabernet sauvignon is renowned for being one of the best in the country, an elegant drop of Bordeaux right here in our own backyard.”

Explore the estate and discover 10 generations of winemaking legacy with an intimate tasting, savour delectable classics paired with impeccable wine at the French Bistro or go beyond the cellar door to learn the story behind the family name and the secrets of the thriving vineyards with these two unique experiences:

Le Tour de Rosé

The Portets have been producing rosé in Australia since 1989 and this experience encompasses three different styles – sparkling Brut Rosé, their highly regarded Fontaine Rosé and a new addition – Single Vineyard Rosé. Enjoy a warm welcome from a Dominique Portet host, who will provide you with an overview of the estate’s history, then guide you through three wines matched with a selection of charcuterie, cheese and rustic baguette. The perfect match for rosé. Santé! Click HERE to find out more.

André Experience: Tour, Tasting and Bistro Lunch

Join one of Dominique Portet’s experienced wine educators on a behind-the-scenes tour of the estate and share in 10 generations of winemaking legacy. Then enjoy a tutored wine tasting in the André room, perched above the working winery, where guests will taste through a curated selection of Dominique Porter current Yarra Valley releases including single vineyard wines and the flagship André Cabernet Sauvignon. Next, make your way to the Bistro where head chef draws on Bordeaux roots to create a three-course menu of French family classics in the heart of the Yarra Valley, with matched wines. Looking for something extra special? Guests can choose to upgrade their wine tasting to the ‘museum wine match’ which includes beautifully aged Portet classics from the family cellar. Click HERE to find out more.