Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley Circuit
Melbourne's backyard wine region has grown past cellar doors into a proper independent economy. Cideries, craft breweries, farm gates, and accommodation that's worth the drive even without the wine.
Chandon Australia
727 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Mon–Sun 11am–4:30pm
Founded in 1986 on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, this winery showcases one of Australia's most extensive collections of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings and dining experiences amid breathtaking Yarra Ranges views.
GILDED POPPY MAKERY
Shop 8, AEC Arcade, 218/224 Dorset Rd, Boronia VIC 3155, Australia
Thu–Sun 10am–6pm
Storm spent decades moving between New Zealand woodcarving, circus life and several countries before landing in Boronia to teach metal-smithing. Her classes cover enamelling, stone setting, wire work, cord weaving and bone carving — a range that reflects an unusually wide technical life. The mood is deliberately relaxed. Come to cut metal or set a stone; leave knowing how.
Payten & Jones
3 Lilydale Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Mon–Sun 12pm–5pm
Alex Payten and Andy Jones work Rhône varieties and alternatives — Roussanne, Vermentino, Grenache — with minimal intervention, letting Victorian vineyard sites do the talking. The Healesville operation is small, the approach hands-off, the wines site-driven without apology.