There’s something undeniably romantic about the harmony of fine wine and equally refined cuisine. When the setting is a vineyard kissed by golden afternoon light and the menu reads like a love letter to local produce, the experience becomes more than just a meal - it becomes a memory.
Whether you're a sparkling wine devotee or a red wine purist, these winery restaurants elevate the cellar door experience to something truly exceptional. From Tasmania’s pristine North to the rolling hills of Victoria and sunlit Queensland, these are the winery destinations where food and wine dance in perfect step.
Clover Hill Vineyard – Lebrina, Tas
Synonymous with elegance and refinement, Clover Hill Vineyard in Lebrina is a crown jewel among sparkling wine producers. Perched on the slopes of an old dairy farm in Tasmania’s cool Northeast, this estate is a sanctuary of sophistication and tranquillity. The gently undulating landscape and volcanic soils create a natural amphitheatre that nurtures premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. With awards adorning its name and views worthy of postcards, Clover Hill is a retreat into understated luxury.
At the heart of the Clover Hill experience lies a multi-course omakase-style dining journey. Here, guests are invited to relinquish control, trusting the Chef to curate a menu that mirrors the complexity and elegance of the wines. Imagine a flute of 2016 Blanc de Blanc paired with sardine pâté, pickled mushroom, bee pollen and honey loaf – a dish that’s as artistic as it is delicious. Booking is essential to indulge in this immersive and beautifully orchestrated offering.
Secure your tasting masterclass and let the Chef surprise you.
The Winery Kitchen – Seymour, Vic
Tucked into the Somerset Crossing Vineyard just an hour out of Melbourne, The Winery Kitchen is where rustic charm meets Italian soul. Family-owned and beautifully grounded in a paddock-to-plate philosophy, this regional gem exudes a relaxed energy. The wood-fired oven crackles with promise, while a vine-draped alfresco area makes an irresistible spot for sunlit sipping. Inside, warm timber textures and tiled accents set the tone for a leisurely, delicious escape.
The food is heartwarming and deeply satisfying, with each plate a testament to the region’s rich produce. Start with nduja arancini and aioli, or polenta chips dusted with rosemary and Parmesan. Then dive into a dish of fettuccine tangled with chicken, sun-dried tomato and spinach in a creamy embrace. For something bold, the Avenel pizza is a standout – think 18-hour roasted lamb, preserved lemon and minted yoghurt. The perfect pairing for a robust glass of red.
Book your table and taste the vineyard life, one handmade bite at a time.
Russo Estate Winery & Restaurant – Diggers Rest, Vic
Russo Estate is the kind of place where elegance meets a distinctly Australian warmth. Just beyond Melbourne, this family-owned estate in Diggers Rest delivers a compelling fusion of scenic beauty and contemporary cuisine. Sweeping glass windows look out across vines and a tranquil waterfall, while the atmosphere indoors is refined without ever feeling stiff. Whether you choose a white-clothed table inside or a breezy alfresco perch, this is dining designed to impress.
The menu is generous with flavour and flair. Starters like chilli mussels in sugo sauce with crusty ciabatta tease the senses, but it’s the pasta that steals the show – housemade fettuccine brimming with seafood and kissed by olive oil and herbs. For heartier appetites, the 8-hour braised beef cheek arrives tender and deeply savoury, paired with broccolini, baby carrots and a silky red wine jus. Each bite speaks to care, quality and a passion for pairing.
Reserve your spot and enjoy wine country sophistication at its finest.
Lychee Hill Estate – Maryborough, Qld
Quirky, bold and unmistakably tropical, Lychee Hill Estate in Maryborough is redefining what a winery can be. This is not your traditional vineyard – it’s Queensland’s only lychee winery, producing everything from liqueurs to crisp whites and ciders with a distinctly exotic twist. Family-run and now into its third generation, the estate is a celebration of Queensland produce and community spirit, anchored by a welcoming cellar door that doubles as the hub of innovation.
A visit here is more than just a tasting – it’s an adventure in flavour. Whether you’re sipping the signature lychee and ginger liqueur or nibbling on a picnic box filled with gourmet treats, every offering carries a sense of place. Gourmet pizzas and fresh-baked scones round out a casual but captivating food menu, ideal for pairing with tropical-style wines. Expect a laid-back, feel-good atmosphere that’s perfect for lazy afternoons and long conversations.
Plan your visit and let the lychee magic lead the way.
Evenfall Winery and Restaurant – Legana, Tas
Evenfall Winery and Restaurant is a serene revelation tucked at the beginning of the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. With panoramic views over the Tamar River and a distinctly Tasmanian identity, it’s a place where time slows and flavours linger. Whether you’re enjoying a curated tasting on the deck or soaking up the warmth fireside in the elegant dining room, Evenfall delivers an experience steeped in both luxury and authenticity.
The menu leans into Tasmania’s best, starting with bold flavours like pork belly glazed with palm sugar caramel, served with tropical papaya and coconut. From there, the housemade gnocchi with grilled zucchini and ricotta delivers comfort with finesse, while the tea-smoked duck, served with raspberry jam and masterstock jus, is a dish of complexity and balance. Finish strong with the apple tart tartine – it’s rustic decadence at its best.
Secure your table and sip your way into an unforgettable sunset.
Whether it’s the sparkle of a finely crafted Blanc de Blanc or the unexpected delight of lychee wine, each of these winery restaurants offers a different kind of magic. They are places of passion, vision and exceptional taste – where the journey is every bit as satisfying as the destination.
