Mandala Wines

One of the family-run wineries dotting the Yarra Valley, Mandala Wines sits in Yarra Junction with a respectable 5-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.

One recent guest summed it up: "Five star award winning wines!"

Mandala Wines operates 7 days a week, giving plenty of options for fitting it into a Yarra Valley itinerary. 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 Mandala Wines at 108 Little Yarra Rd, Yarra Junction VIC 3797, Australia. With bookings on 04 0980 9058. 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.