Where curiosity leads the way


Beyond Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Yarra Valley hides a thriving world of alternative and experimental grape varieties — from Italian and Iberian classics to Austrian whites, Rhône favourites and new-wave aromatic styles.
This trail is made for adventurous drinkers, collectors, sommeliers, and anyone curious about the region’s unexpected expressions. Rather than a point-to-point driving route, this trail works as a choose-your-own tasting journey, highlighting the producers pushing boundaries and championing lesser-known grapes.
Signature varieties: Sangiovese · Sangiovese Rosé
One of the earliest champions of Sangiovese in the region. Estate-grown fruit, sustainably farmed, producing structured, savoury, honest expressions of this classic Italian grape.
Buttermans Track Wines is owned and operated by Gary, Louise and Joel Trist. The vineyard and winery is located in the heart of St Andrews on the edge of the Yarra Valley.
It was established in 1991 and has been producing premium quality wines with minimal chemical and technological intervention.
Signature varieties: Savagnin/Savarro · Brachetto · Nebbiolo · Marzemino · Pinot Grigio · Viognier
Soumah leads the region in northern Italian and Alpine varietals. Expect aromatic whites, textured styles, and beautifully restrained reds that speak to the cool climate. A must-visit for lovers of European-inspired wines.
At Soumah we are inspired by Italian life and specialise in northern Italian wine and food. From a winemaking perspective, we believe our terroir is similar to northern Italy, with short, dry, hot summers and cool nights throughout. Even the fog that descends upon the Valley in late summer is reminiscent of those lands. We therefore continue to search for native northern Italian vines to plant at SOUMAH as well as select great examples of classic wines to import.
Signature varieties: Barbera · Nebbiolo
Known for elegant, site-driven wines, TarraWarra’s Barbera and Nebbiolo are refined, savoury, acid-driven and quietly powerful — excellent examples of how Italian reds thrive in the Valley.
TarraWarra Estate is known as a producer of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and also make several other single block heritage varietals and estate blends. TarraWarra Estate wines are made to express the unique terroir of the TarraWarra site, which is comprised of many individual blocks and planted with carefully selected clones, each contributing their own unique characteristics to the wines.
Signature varieties:Portuguese red varieties – Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão, Tinta Amarela,Â
Dr Bailey Carrodus’ legacy includes pioneering Iberian varieties long before they were fashionable. These are some of the most age-worthy alt-variety wines in Australia.
Established in 1969, Yarra Yering is recognised as one of Australia’s most iconic vineyards. From 29 hectares of dry-grown vines in the Yarra Valley, we produce wines renowned for their signature structure, understated power, and enduring longevity.
Signature varieties: Grüner Veltliner · Pinot Grigio · Gewürztraminer · Gamay · Grenache · Sauvignon Blanc
A diverse, expressive lineup offering vibrant aromatics, crunchy reds and Old World styles with modern Australian clarity.
Boat O’Craigo Vineyards are a second generation, family owned, boutique wine producer located in the Yarra Valley. Over 50 acres of vines, spanning across two sites, enable Boat O’Craigo to produce outstanding, single vineyard, estate grown wines across a range of noble varieties.
Signature varieties: Nebbiolo · Teroldego · Pinot Gris · Gamay · Fiano
Jayden Ong’s ranges — One Block, La Maison de Ong, Moonlit Forest — include some of the most exciting alternative varietals in the region. Bold, textural, thoughtful wines made with precision.
A free-fall into the world of wine.
Visiting the Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar is one of the most captivating wine experiences in the Yarra Valley. Simultaneously, the excitement and the sense of calm should make this an automatic inclusion on your winery ‘hit list’.
The new custom-built winery and cellar bar is located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, at 8 Hunter Road, Healesville. Serving all four ranges of wine made by Jayden Ong, as well as some local legends and a lengthy list of compelling internationals. The essence is thoughtfully made wine, in a relaxed space with a splash of mischief. Not your ‘usual’ cellar door.
Signature variety:Â Nebbiolo
Luke Lambert’s Nebbiolo is iconic — pure, structured, high-altitude fruit showing tar, roses, tannin and authenticity reminiscent of Piedmont. Cult status among sommeliers.
We are a family run winery located in the Northern end of the Yarra Valley. All our wines are single vineyard, handpicked, wild yeast fermented and bottled without fining or filtration. We use large old oak foudre for barrel maturation of all wines.
Signature varieties: Pinot Meunier · Nebbiolo · Arneis · Chenin Blanc · Vermentino · Garganega · Fiano
One of the region’s most diverse alternative-varietal vineyards. Organic-leaning farming, small-batch winemaking and a reputation for purity and texture. A treasure trove for curious palates.
Established in 1996, Maddens Rise is family owned and operated, making a range of wines focused on the pure expression of our place in the Yarra Valley. Our wines are estate grown, hand picked and produced on site in our winery, each one reflecting its vintage. Our small and cosy cellar door opened in 2010, providing an intimate wine tasting experience.
Signature varieties: Chenin Blanc · Marsanne · Viognier · Grenache
Inspired by French traditions, Pimpernel’s Rhône whites and reds are dry-grown, expressive and age-worthy. Elegant, savoury, and deeply textural wines.
Planted in 2003, Pimpernel Vineyards was inspired by the great wines and traditions of Burgundy, Rhône, and Loire Valleys in France. Based on principles of intensive land management and low intervention winemaking, we aim to produce refined and individual wines that express our Yarra Valley terroir.
Signature varieties: Gewürztraminer · Tempranillo · Sparkling Tempranillo
Aromatic whites and Iberian reds flourish here thanks to the high-elevation, cool site. Expect perfumed, expressive Gewürztraminer and beautifully balanced Tempranillo styles.
Sutherland Estate is blessed with one of the most spectacular vineyard sites in Australia. The property sits at an elevation of approximately 200 metres and consists of 110 acres, most of which is undisturbed native bushland. As a family business, we are committed to producing the highest quality wines of true regional character. Our wines have received many awards and accolades, including a red 5-star rating from James Halliday.

Liquor Licence No: 32809777 ABN: 17 677 524 828

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