There is no better time to visit Victoria than autumn. The humidity is gone, the air is crisp, and most importantly, the vineyards of the Yarra Valley turn a spectacular shade of burnt orange and gold.
It is also the best season for eating.
While the summer crowds have thinned out, the kitchens are ramping up with hearty, warming comfort food. Forget the rushed bus tour where you get 20 minutes per stop. To do this properly, you need your own wheels and an empty stomach.
Here is your self-drive menu for a perfect day out.
Appetiser: Yarra Valley Dairy
Start your engine and head straight for Yering. The Yarra Valley Dairy is an institution, located in a 100-year-old milking shed.
The Order: The Persian Feta is legendary, but don’t leave without trying the ‘Bullseye’ hard cheese. Grab a tasting plate and sit looking out over the farm.
Why Drive? You can buy a cooler bag and stock up on cheese to take home. Try doing that on a coach bus.
Main Course: Pinot Noir & Woodfired Pizza
The Yarra Valley is famous for cool-climate wines, and autumn is Pinot Noir season.
The Stop: Head towards Healesville. There are dozens of cellar doors, from the massive Rochford Wines to smaller boutique spots like Innocent Bystander.
The Vibe: Find a winery with a fireplace and a woodfired pizza oven. There is nothing better than a glass of red and a slice of pizza while watching the leaves fall outside.
Dessert: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
You can’t drive this region without stopping at the Chocolaterie.
The Stop: It’s a showroom of sugar. Watch the chocolatiers at work through the glass, then grab a hot chocolate that is basically melted ganache in a cup.
The Tip: The view from the lawn is one of the best in the valley. It’s the perfect place to let the sugar coma set in before the drive home.
The “Designated Driver” Perk
We know what you are thinking: “Who drives?”
The beauty of a self-drive tour is the freedom. You aren’t rushing from stop to stop. You can linger over lunch, take a walk through the vines and spread the tasting out over the whole day.
If you are the designated driver, you get the best job of all: driving the winding, scenic roads of the Black Spur and the Valley in a brand new car.
Fill the Boot
The best part of a Yarra Valley trip is the haul you bring home: wine, cheese, chocolate and local produce.
Don’t squash your goodies in a cramped backseat. When you choose a premium car rental Melbourne option from our fleet, you get the boot space you need for every bottle and box.
Start your food tour today. Our fleet is prepped and ready for the valley run. Book your car now and get ready to eat your way through the season. Bon appétit!
