Exceptional wines almost get upstaged by the view at this Yarra Valley cellar door. Almost.
Oakridge’s wines have won countless awards, so it says a lot that the vista at this Coldstream cellar door nearly steals the show – it's just one of the many reasons Oakridge scored the top spot as The Real Review's Winery of the Year for 2023. Through a wall of windows behind the sleek tasting counter, a spectacular backdrop is enjoyed by guests. It doesn’t get old for the Oakridge team, either – you might find them pondering that view during quieter moments. From the cabernet vines right outside, to Mount St Leonard in the distance, it's an ever-changing setting, with shifting clouds and fading sunlight mixing things up on an afternoon visit.
Feature glass walls in the tasting spaces and celebrated restaurant take it all in, and outdoor spaces make the most of the surroundings, complete with a garden area with fruit trees and a firepit. It doesn’t hurt that you’re likely to spot the team’s adorable dogs roaming around, either. But you don’t come to Oakridge just for the view.
This winery is synonymous with great chardonnay. Chief winemaker David Bicknell crafts benchmark varietal expressions – not just for the Yarra Valley, but also for Australia. He’s helped lift the nation’s chardonnay styles and standards, and Oakridge has multiple top releases that prove the point.
It's not all about the chardy, though, with other stellar whites and reds that can be sampled through three tasting experiences. The Oakridge Experience ($15) lines up three whites and three reds for an excellent introduction to the winery’s styles. The 864 Single Block Flight ($30) explores the acclaimed 864 wines, and the Chardonnay Masterclass ($30) is essential for diehard fans of this great white. Bookings are recommended for all three.
Oakridge wines are true Yarra Valley benchmarks. They all scream pure-fruited freshness and, with fruit sourced from seven sites around the region, they are an excellent reflection of the Yarra’s many trademark traits.
Among the standouts in the range are the flinty Willowlake Chardonnay, and the 864 Single Block Release Syrah, full of vibrant red fruits and a touch of spice. There are classy pinots – try to sample the Henk – and the Baton Rouge is an approachable, food-friendly blend. There’s even a new riesling with the 2020 Horst, which is a touch sweeter than the average, but beautifully balanced. Take your time with the wines to see where your own tastes lie.
The restaurant here has long drawn foodies from near and far, and head chef Aaron Brodie is continuing the quality and focus on sustainability as established by former kitchen heads Jo Barrett and Matt Stone. A vegetable garden provides most of the fresh produce, with everything else sourced as locally as possible. There’s also an emphasis on minimal waste, among a range of other measures.
Open Thursday to Sunday, the restaurant’s refined dishes showcase many incredible house-made elements. Think cheeses (ask for the 10-month-aged cheddar), charcuterie, very moreish focaccia, pickles with a chilli kick, and so much more. The rich barbecued mushrooms with miso and native nut dukkah are a particular highlight.
For those wanting to dine in style, a three-course lunch is offered on Thursdays and Fridays ($90, or $150 with matched wines), or four courses on weekends ($110, or $170 with matched wines). And in a new development, the restaurant now offers a casual menu for the terrace area, which is a prime spot to take in that view. From a plate of focaccia with Mt Zero olives, to a more substantial meal of pork schnitty, these dishes now allow people to spontaneously decide to linger over a snack to pair with their new favourite wine.
This is absolutely the place for a special date over a fancy long lunch. It’s intimate and polished, with excellent service, which also makes it a great choice for those hard-to-impress in-laws or other family members. It could even be your next special-occasion venue as you can book a private space for up to 40 seated guests.
Beyond the food, this is a must-visit for anyone wanting to really understand Yarra Valley wines – come here to grasp the hallmark flavours and characters, and see just how good this region can be.
