[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Oakridge Wines is an upmarket winery, cellar door and restaurant in Coldstream, the heart of the Yarra Valley. It also happens to be family-friendly and I will definitely be returning with my kids after I was invited to the venue by Holden Australia.
The setting is glorious, with rows of vines sweeping over the undulating hills and an architecturally striking restaurant and cellar door located at end of a curved driveway.
We start our Oakridge Wines experience in the barrel hall, surrounded by banks of wooden barrels. The personable head chef Matt Stone teaches us the rudimentary principles of pickling and we all end up with a jar of spicy kimchi to take home.
Next we move into one of the private dining rooms for lunch. All of the dining rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning vista of vines.
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Our lunch is a set menu showcasing local produce, starting with a chef’s tasting platter of cheese, charcuterie and dips and then a choice of beef, chicken or trout.
My rainbow trout is perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy skin layered over the pink flakes of trout. It is paired with skordalia, BBQ lemon puree and Warragul greens and a glance of the main menu indicates that the kitchen likes to incorporate native and foraged ingredients into its dishes, from pepperberry to pine mushrooms.
Oakridge’s wines are award-winning and at the cellar door you can participate in wine tastings and stock up at the providore.
For children there is plenty of pram space, high chairs, a small bocce court, giant chess, Jenga and a huge chest emblazoned with the words ‘toys’ which I didn’t get to investigate. And of course there’s acres upon acres of vines in which to run, hide and frolic!
Oakridge Wines is only 1-1.5 hours from Melbourne and it’s a beautiful destination for families looking for a weekend getaway. Best of all the exceptional seasonal menu is fine dining without being intimidating and they actively welcome kids.
Click here for more places to go with kids in the Yarra Valley.
HOT Tips:
- pram access;
- high chairs;
- standard menu suitable for kids;
- toys and games outside;
- a la carte menu for lunch on weekdays or choose from a two course ($60) or three course set menu ($74) on weekends;
- Free parking on site.
