Begin your visit to the Yarra Valley by exploring the various local breweries, artisan cider producers, and craft distilleries spread throughout the region, from Wonga Park and Healesville to Toolangi.
Discover the rich history of beer and cider production in the Yarra Valley and the new wave of small-batch spirits production with Yarra Valley tours from Melbourne.
A long history
The Yarra Valley was fertile for grape and hop farming in the early 1800s. Cider production grew in popularity, eventually gaining international recognition through innovative techniques in the 20th century.
Ciders and perries
Visit Wonga Park for Kellybrook's cider, a local favourite for over 50 years. Then, head to Giverny Estate to try cider, wines, and chutneys made from kiwi fruit. Finally, visit Napoleone & Co. to learn the traditional winemaking techniques of making ciders and perries from Australian apples and pears.
Small-batch spirits
Visit Healesville to sample the region's new gin, vodka, and whisky generation. Start at Four Pillars distillery, known for crafting small-batch gin with native botanicals and fresh citrus. Take a tasting and check their calendar for masterclasses and events. Finish your visit by stopping at Alchemy Distillers to try moonshine, gin, quinoa vodka, and other experimental spirits.
Good food, good beer
Visitors can enjoy exploring the microbrewery scene in the area by sampling local produce at Coldstream Brewery, Hargreaves Hill, and Buckley's Brewery. Designated drivers can try a paddle of beer tastes that don't exceed one standard drink at Coldstream Brewery and Hargreaves Hill, while Buckley's Brewery offers beer-making tours on weekends.
The Yarra Valley Cider and Ale Trail
To taste the region's best offerings quickly, consider following the Yarra Valley Cider & Ale Trail to sample products from seven artisan cider and beer producers.
Hargreaves Hill
Hargreaves Hill is a well-known brewery in the Yarra Valley, established in 2004. Over the years, it has become a respected player in the Australian beer industry, starting in a shed on co-founder Beth Walkenhurst's parents' land in Steels Creek.
The first brewery was destroyed in the Black Saturday fires, leading to the opening of a production facility in Lilydale that now produces all Hargreaves Hill beers. The beer range has grown, including favourites like ESB, Pale, Stout, R.I.S., and Phoenix, barrel-aged and soured beers, IPAs, collaborations, and newly introduced core beers Lager and JNR. A rebranding took place in early 2018.
Atticus Wine Bar
Located across the Melba Highway from Hargreaves Hill, Atticus Wine Bar is a versatile venue with a diverse selection of local wine, beer, and spirits.
The bar offers six taps with a selection of beers, including options from local Melbourne breweries and small breweries from other areas. The fridge is consistently stocked with various tinned and bottled beers that can also be purchased for takeaway.
Napoleone Brewery & Cidery
If travelling towards Healesville, consider taking the longer route to visit Napoleone Brewery, the newest establishment from the family behind Punt Road Wines and Napoleone Cider, located alongside Meletos restaurant.
The property offers beautiful views of vineyards and orchards, with buildings housing a brewery, cidery, and provedore. The architecture is a creative blend of old dairy elements and reclaimed materials.
Watts River
The Healesville Hotel is well-known in the valley for its quality food and drink options, offering a variety of settings for customers.
The team won the Best Beer List titles in the Australia Wine List of the Year awards from 2011 to 2013. The hotel offers a selection of locally brewed beers and rotating taps featuring breweries like Two Birds and Stomping Ground.
Monroe's Burgers & Beers
The bar offers a variety of local beers and ciders on tap, including St Ronan's Cider, Watts River, and Riders, and a selection of offerings from other Yarra Valley producers available by the bottle.
The burger options offer various choices, including veggie options, all made with fresh ingredients. Sides include crispy chips, onion rings, and mac & cheese croquettes.
And there's more
- Coldstream Brewery, located at 694 Maroondah Highway in Coldstream, used to have a brewery on-site but now serves a variety of beers under its brand. It is a popular stop for brewery and winery tours on Melbourne's outskirts.
- Barrique, located at 260 Maroondah Highway in Healesville, is a well-known establishment in the Yarra Valley. Under new ownership, it still offers a selection of fine wines, local and imported craft beers and spirits. They also host weekly tastings.
- Located at 336 Maroondah Highway in Healesville, Giant Steps is known for its wines but also offers a restaurant serving delicious food, Habituel Coffee, and a selection of craft beers.
- Buckleys Brewery, located at 30 Hunter Road in Healesville, is one of the Yarra Vally's early beer producers. Over the years, it has changed ownership and may not have the same popularity among beer enthusiasts as it once did. Despite this, the brewery continues to operate in its solar-powered shed in Healesville, offering beer tastings on weekends and the opportunity to enjoy a game of table football.
- Located at 1925 Melba Highway in Dixons Creek, Dixons Creek Café Bar & Grill offers a variety of pub food options, Yarra Valley wines, and local beers and ciders.