Mitchelton Wines

Striking architecture is a common feature at wineries across Australia, from the brutalist rammed-earth walls of Port Phillip Estate on the Mornington Peninsula to the futuristic glass geometry of McClaren Vale’s d’Arenberg Cube and the rustic-chic Vasse Felix in Margaret River.

Mitchelton’s peaked, 55-metre-high tower was completed in 1973 and still represents a breathtaking entry in the category. It’s not quite visible from the road, but as you drive through the estate’s plots of riesling, chardonnay, shiraz and cab sav, it quickly pops above the horizon. It’s a popular spot for weddings.

Renowned architect Robin Boyd designed the tower and adjoining cellar, but sadly passed away in 1971, before works were finished. Architect Ted Ashton took up where he left off, overseeing construction of the on-site restaurant – now called Muse – and the rest of the main building.

The concise menu at Muse matches the surrounds. Expect top-quality proteins such as Cone Bay barramundi and Sevens Creek Wagyu cooked with a deft hand and plenty of creativity. The restaurant also serves breakfast for visitors and guests staying at the adjacent Mitchelton Hotel.

The winery itself is focused on the lower end of the market. Most bottles retail for $20 or less and represent outstanding value for money. The Blackwood Park riesling, for example, holds its own against some bottles sold for double its price. Get a taste at the cellar door, before moving onto the Ministry of Chocolate, an independently run chocolatier located on site.