Maddens Rise

A characterful Yarra Valley cellar door tucked, Maddens Rise sits in Coldstream and holds a 5-star rating across 165 Google reviews. 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: "Incredible experience at Maddens Rise! My partner, puppy, and I visited after finding Maddens Rise as a dog-friendly cellar door. We were kindly welcomed into the boutique cellar door and treated to some truly special…"

Maddens Rise opens just 2 days a week — bookings well in advance are strongly advised, particularly for weekend lunch. 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 Maddens Rise at Corner Maroondah Highway and, Maddens Ln, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia. With bookings on 04 9100 1246. 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.