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HOT: Oakridge Wines, Yarra Valley

[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.

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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.

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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.

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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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Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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.

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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 Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

Oakridge’s wines are award-winning and at the cellar door you can participate in wine tastings and stock up at the providore.

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

Oakridge Wines, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, Yarra Valley

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.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]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;
  • Receive 25% off discount with an Entertainment (Formerly Entertainment Book) membership
  • Free parking on site.

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About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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