A new chapter in Yarra Valley wine tourism begins as TarraWarra Estate joins Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA), bringing its distinctive combination of cool-climate wine, seasonal food, art and nature to the collective’s portfolio of premium Australian wineries.

Just 75 minutes from Melbourne, TarraWarra Estate sits across 400 hectares in the heart of the Yarra Valley. More than a winery, it is a place where wine, landscape, food, architecture and art come together to create a truly immersive regional experience.

A Yarra Valley story shaped by place

Founded by Marc and Eva Besen, who purchased the property in 1979, TarraWarra’s winemaking story began in 1983 with the planting of six hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, following encouragement from renowned Yarra Valley winemaker Dr John Middleton.

Today, the estate is home to 23.9 hectares of vines, an extensive nature reserve, cattle grazing, a kitchen garden, cellar door, restaurant, the TarraWarra Museum of Art and the Eva and Marc Besen Centre. Sustainability, provenance and a strong sense of place remain central to the estate’s philosophy.

According to UWEA Executive Officer Sarah Myers, it is this combination of wine, food, art, architecture and landscape that makes TarraWarra such a natural addition to the collective.

“What makes TarraWarra special is how seamlessly these elements come together. Visitors can spend time exploring the estate, discovering its wines and food, and engaging with the art, architecture and natural environment in a way that feels distinctly Yarra Valley.

“TarraWarra reflects what we look for in an Ultimate Winery Experience – it goes well beyond wine tasting and gives visitors a deeper connection to the winery, its story and the region. We’re delighted to welcome TarraWarra Estate to the collective.”

Experience TarraWarra

At the heart of the estate is its striking subterranean cellar door, where visitors can explore a diverse collection of cool-climate wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, alongside Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir Rosé and a Roussanne-Viognier-Marsanne blend.

The estate is also home to a chef-hatted restaurant led by Head Chef Daniel Snooks. Seasonal menus showcase produce from TarraWarra’s kitchen garden and local growers, creating a natural connection between the estate’s vineyards, landscape and table.

As part of its UWEA offering, TarraWarra Estate introduces two signature experiences that invite guests to explore the estate beyond the cellar door.

Vineyard Tour & Tasting begins with a guided tour of the vineyards, introducing guests to TarraWarra’s approach to sustainable viticulture and the influence of soil, aspect, altitude and rainfall on its wines.

The journey continues into the barrel hall for a private tasting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, before concluding with cheese and a glass of the guest’s favourite wine.

For those looking for a deeper immersion, Land, Vine & Vision brings together the elements that define TarraWarra – wine, food, art and landscape.

Guests begin at the cellar door before enjoying a six-course lunch with matched wines at the estate restaurant. The experience then continues to the TarraWarra Museum of Art and the Eva and Marc Besen Centre, where guests can view works from the museum’s collection that would ordinarily be held in storage.

A version including private return transfers from Melbourne is also available, making this an exceptional full-day experience in the Yarra Valley.

A new perspective on the Yarra Valley

TarraWarra Estate joins fellow UWEA member CHANDON in the Yarra Valley, strengthening the collective’s presence in a region renowned for its cool-climate wines, regional produce and rolling vineyard landscapes.

The two wineries offer distinct but complementary perspectives on the region. CHANDON takes visitors into the world of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine, while TarraWarra showcases the Yarra Valley through still wines, vineyard experiences, seasonal dining and art.

Together, they offer travellers even more ways to discover the character and diversity of one of Victoria’s most celebrated wine regions.

For TarraWarra Estate General Manager Samantha Isherwood, joining UWEA is an opportunity to share the estate with a broader audience of travellers.

“We are excited to work with Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia and the wineries it represents, each offering a unique perspective on Australian wine and the regions we call home.

“We look forward to introducing more domestic and international travellers to TarraWarra and inviting them to experience our wines alongside the food, art, landscape and stories of the Estate.”

Discover TarraWarra with UWEA

For travellers seeking more than a traditional wine tasting, TarraWarra Estate offers an opportunity to slow down, explore and connect with the Yarra Valley through its wine, food, art and landscape.

Discover TarraWarra Estate and explore extraordinary Australian wine experiences with Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.