Yarra Valley's TarraWarra Estate has become one of the region's must-see destinations. Built on a hill, the winery's stunning contemporary architecture houses a cellar door, art gallery and restaurant that sits among the estate's vineyard.
Visit the cellar door where for $5 a person, guests can sample TarraWarra Estate's wines with winemaker Clare Halloran. Try cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that the winery is known for. The cellar door, which is cut into a hillside, is designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects and features stoned carved out of a Castlemaine quarry. Inside, the cool polished concrete floors and walls are warmed up with light streaming from large windows and skylights that looks like a James Turrell art installation.
Chef Troy Spencer heads up the winery's restaurant, which uses produce from the kitchen garden and local farms. On weekends and public holidays, the restaurant offers two courses for $60 or three courses for $70. Bookings are recommended, and a private dining room is available to hire out for larger groups.
Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art before you leave, a privately funded art museum onsite which showcases art by contemporary Australian artists.
