Rochford Wines is not just a winery – it's a restaurant, shop, cellar door and entertainment space, hosting everything from weddings to concerts and shows like A Day on the Green.
The restaurant is always busy, and with good reason. Focusing on local produce and with an emphasis on quality, the restaurant serves lunch and high tea. And of course, matching wines from Rochford's extensive range are also available in the restaurant. It is a very popular spot for special occasion dining and for Melburnians and locals to treat themselves.
Then, of course, there's the cellar door. Rochford owns three different cool-climate vineyards, representing Victoria from the Yarra Valley to the King Valley. One of our favourite of the blends is the Cerberus, a blend of gewurztraminer, pinot blanc, riesling and pinot gris from the King Valley.
Tastings are $5 for five tastings, or $10 for five tastings of the more premium range. If you buy a bottle that fee will be waived, though they're pretty strict about it – if a group of three buys two bottles, you'll still be paying the one $5 fee.
Rochford also hosts events and concerts, like the wildly popular A Day on the Green.
And maybe best of all, the winery is dog-friendly. You can bring your pooch to an outside table, and if the staff are feeling friendly, you might be able to bring your best friend into the shop as well.