This stalwart winery has some of the oldest vines on the Mornington Peninsula, and some of the most impressive dining. Although the restaurant was originally built to help showcase the maturing range of wines, it's since grown an esteemed reputation of its own.

Tarrawarra's head chef, Joel Alderdice, has come full circle at this Yarra Valley estate, having apprenticed in the kitchen a decade earlier. With a resume counting Attica, Bar Liberty and a slew of winery restaurants, he brings his creative flair to a veg-heavy menu informed by the restaurant’s kitchen garden.

This family-run vineyard has been operating since the 1860s, making it one of the oldest wineries in the country. Riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and dolcetto are all grown here, but Best’s is renowned for its shiraz, which is among the finest in Australia. Don’t leave without a tour of the historic hand-dug cellar.

An upmarket fine diner, casual bistro, winery and 16-acre outdoor gallery featuring the work of more than 60 Australian and international artists. Start at the island bench that acts as the cellar door and sample the estate’s chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir and shiraz.

Striking architecture is common at many Australian wineries. But this Robin Boyd-designed tower and its adjoining cellar raise the bar. Take in the impressive design while sipping award-winning wines and enjoy the comforting menu, which might include Murray Cod crudo, wild venison or barramundi. Bookings are recommended.

A community-driven, small-batch winery from Tim Sproal (Minim Wine) and Pat Underwood (Little Reddie). Other first-time winemakers also share the space, and there’s a distinct sense of freedom and experimentation in the air. Taste the wines in the converted industrial warehouse and enjoy comforting Greek food on the weekends.

This family-run vineyard started in the 1950s, when founder Arnold Pizzini emigrated from Northern Italy. Proseccos are understandably the highlight here. But a range of varietals from France, Germany and an excellent Spanish tempranillo are also worthy of star billing. The Sicilian-inspired restaurant and its panoramic views make an ideal setting for a long lunch.

A small, family-run winery named for the pimpernel flowers that grow among the vines. The grapes are dry-grown and hand-picked, and the family bottle and label every wine themselves. This is one of the most intimate – and unhurried – tastings you can have in the Yarra Valley.

This Italian family was making natural wine long before it started trending. It grows traditional Italian varietals including barbera, sangiovese and pinot grigio (and threw in Georgian saperavi for good measure). It makes everything on site – from the unfiltered wines to the Tuscan-style, stone cellar door space.

A lavish communal restaurant set beside the Jackalope Hotel. Enjoy lunch on the long wooden benches and take in the views of the 11-hectare Willow Creek Vineyard. The share plate menu might include stracciatella or meats cooked in the woodfired oven. Order a feast alongside Willow Creek’s own pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling.

After retiring, John Mitchell started growing and making wine as a hobby. Things quickly grew out of hand. Now, Montalto encompasses seven vineyards and more than 30 acres of vines. As a retirement project, it’s unquestionably a failure: Mitchell and his wife Wendy are busier than ever. By every other metric though, Montalto is a resounding success – it’s one of Red Hill’s must-visits.

A day at Foxey’s Hangout is as laidback and easygoing as the wine it produces. It’s set on a spacious estate with an open kitchen, cosy dining room and sunny outdoor deck. The varied share plate-focused menu is a good match for the easy-drinking wines here.

A picturesque winery with views of the Murray and plantings of chardonnay, marsane and zinfandel.

What this winery lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. Whether it’s the quaint, well-appointed guesthouses (made from reconverted 1930s train carriages) or the idiosyncratic pinot noirs and pinot gris (naturally fermented with wild yeast, then hand-macerated) a visit here is sure to stand out.

A limestone-rich vineyard that’s been operating for almost 30 years. Each wine poured at this family-run cellar door was cultivated, made and bottled on-site. Expect unfined, unfiltered, whole bunch and wild ferments, alongside a line-up of shiraz, pinot noir and chardonnay.

One of the oldest vineyards producing world-class chardonnay and pinot noir on the peninsula. Owner Richard McIntyre is one of the country’s elder statesmen of what we now call “natural wines”. See the barrels and enjoy a glass at its inviting cellar door.

Exposed brick walls, floorboard ceilings and a rustic courtyard provide a warm welcome at this comfortable winery on Heathcote’s main strip. Sample the various vintages and enjoy the pared-back lunch menu from the dining room or courtyard.

A boutique, family-run vineyard set on 55 acres. Winemaker Mark Hunter produces award-winning, French-inspired shiraz and experiments with Spanish varieties like grenache and alvarinho in Heathcote’s red soil. You can experiment, too, at its cellar door.

A husband-and-wife duo split the winemaking and cooking responsibilities at this private winery and restaurant, which is open by appointment only. Book early to enjoy an intimate weekend meal and sample its latest drops. Take a seat indoors or enjoy the leafy courtyard when the sun is out.

Rockpool and Attica have bought this family-run winery out of entire vintages. You’ll find its restaurant and cellar door five minutes’ drive from Daylesford. Try the sparkling chardonnay or spicy full-bodied pinot noir. The food menu showcases leafy greens from the veggie patch and meats charcoaled over French oak barrel planks.

Sip and see for yourself why this winery has won so many Halliday awards. The cellar door is the best place to try the estate’s drops – including its celebrated shiraz, chardonnay and riesling. It’s also a picturesque spot for lunch platters that champion local charcuterie and Great Ocean Road cheeses.

The sprawling Crittenden Estate is renowned for its chardonnays and pinot noirs (but also does cracking sparkling and Spanish wines). It’s a good match for its restaurant, Stillwater, which overlooks the lawn and lake and serves a confident menu that champions local produce.

A quintessential Mornington Peninsula food and wine experience. The dining rooms offers panoramic views of the vines and native trees – a stunning contrast to the clean interiors. The menu, meanwhile, respectfully combines influences from around the world, with an emphasis on share dishes.

A winery, restaurant and spa set in the undulating hills of West Gippsland. The deck is a picturesque spot to enjoy a glass of house tempranillo or sparkling pinot gris. Take in the views of the vineyard and olive grove and enjoy the satisfying tapas dishes.

Perfect for a cosy nature hideaway in South Gippsland. Stay at the weatherboard workers’ cottage and winery set among seven acres of vines. When it’s open, try a drop of its unfiltered and unfined natural wines at the cellar door.

This winery specialises in French wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, cab sav – all the blockbuster drops. The restaurant, however, takes its cues from Italy. It’s about as classic a duo as they come. Pair it with the setting, which offers views of vines out to the horizon, and you have a winning combination.

Three distinct vineyards take full advantage of the Peninsula’s maritime climate, which allows starkly different varieties to thrive. At the restaurant, brown leather banquettes and wood panelling set the mood for a tight yet well-executed menu, which features anything from market fish to rich beef cheek.

A small winery and historic homestead dating back to the 1800s, set against the backdrop of undulant green and yellow pastures. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Melbourne Airport, so time it well and drop by for a tasting before your flight (or right after you land).

Husband and wife Pat and Dianne Carmody had their first vintage in 1978, and they’ve been making reputable cool-climate shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and viognier ever since. The couple will talk you through it all at their cellar door, which is set among the gum trees in a bluestone building aged more than 150 years.

Victoria’s first vineyard is still one of its finest, and an absolute Yarra Valley essential. Enjoy a meal with panoramic valley views in the main building, or head to the heritage-listed cellar door for a tasting.

A relaxed, friendly winery that’s perfect for a family day out. Bring your picnic rug, order a grazing platter and find a patch of space out on the lawns. Then, take in the sweeping views out over the valley.

You can’t miss the topsy-turvy house on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula. This boutique, family-run cellar door specialises in cool-climate drops like chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris.

The café and cellar door counterpart to the Jack Rabbit vineyard. The expansive deck is a highlight, giving views across Port Phillip Bay, to the You Yangs and Melbourne. Sit outside and enjoy the vineyard’s drops in warmer weather, or stay inside by the fireplace in the cooler months.

A sleek and spacious Italian restaurant and wine bar in the Yarra Valley. Rustic features like the old milking shed and barn make it a picturesque spot to enjoy a diverse range of wine varieties, mostly French. Plus, there’s a sharing menu that includes arancini, burrata and pizzas.

Explore the largest underground cellar in the southern hemisphere. Here, the pioneer of Australia’s sparkling shiraz will guide you through the veritable labyrinth, before offering a taste of these award-winning wines. You can also book a candlelit dinner for two deep down in the cellars.

Ascend to this striking cellar door that overlooks the Goulburn Valley and shiraz vineyards. Set on a hilltop with floor-to-ceiling windows, the building looks like it’s straight out of *Grand Designs*. The punchy red wine and local charcuterie are a bonus.

The self-taught owners employ mostly biodynamic viticulture practices, and their winemaking style is light in touch. Taste your way through the cellar door drops before settling into the adjoining family-friendly restaurant, which serves up share plates that highlight Gippsland produce.

For four generations, this family has combined Tuscan winemaking tradition with Heathcote’s iron-oxide-rich soil. The resulting wines are textural and impressive. Come to try a drop at the cellar door, stay for a game of bocce and an Italian antipasti platter.

This casual cellar door is a great pit stop along the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy some of the best riesling, pinot noir and tempranillo in southwest Victoria. The cellar door also puts on a satisfying tapas lunch of local seafood and cheese. The Cuban cigars are optional.