Giammarino Wines

A characterful Yarra Valley cellar door tucked, Giammarino Wines sits in Healesville with a respectable 4.9-star Google rating. The cellar door is the focus here — a chance to taste through the range with someone who actually makes the wine, in a setting that's been crafted by years of careful viticulture.

Cellar door tastings are typically walk-in friendly, though weekends can be busy. Most venues offer flights of 5-8 wines for a small fee, often refundable against a purchase. The mix here usually leans toward cool-climate varieties — pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet — that the Yarra Valley is known for.

Notable features include wheelchair access and accessibility features and a dog-friendly policy for the outdoor area. One recent guest summed it up: "We just had the most amazing afternoon at Giammarino Wines! Steve looked after our family of 4 beautifuly. (Miss 4 and 7 year old were treated as special guests, while hubby and I enjoyed a tasting and a bottle of wine…"

Giammarino Wines is open five days a week — typically a Wednesday-to-Sunday pattern that works around the region's weekend visitor surge. Cellar door tastings are most enjoyable midweek when crowds are lighter; weekend visits can mean queueing for tastings, particularly during the March-May autumn season.

You'll find Giammarino Wines at 30 Hunter Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia. With bookings on 04 0857 7643. And full menu details on the venue's website. The cellar door is the obvious reason to drop in, but several nearby venues offer lunch within a short drive.