Rochford Winery with Kids Guide

A family-friendly winery in Coldstream offering a kids menu, high chairs and lawns to roam.

If you’re planning a Yarra Valley day trip with the kids, Rochford Winery is one of those spots that keeps both adults and children happy. We visit on a crisp, sunny day with our two kids, and it turns into a relaxing afternoon filled with good food, fresh air, and a few unexpected family-friendly touches.

Special offer: Kids eat free during the September School Holidays in Rochford Winery’s Isabella’s Restaurant!

Rochford Wines: Our Family’s First Impression

Rochford Winery sits right in the heart of the Yarra Valley, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. The moment we arrive, we’re greeted by sweeping vineyard views, open green lawns, and that unmistakable Yarra Valley calm.

The kids make a beeline for the wide outdoor space, while we take a moment to soak up the scenery and breathe in the fresh spring air.

The restaurant is enormous but is divided into a bar, cafe and restaurant. All the windows are floor-to-ceiling and offer panoramic views of the vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Ask for a window spot if you can!

At lunch time Isabella’s offers an a la carte menu split into ‘small’ ‘medium’ ‘large’ and ‘enormous’ dishes.

The kids are made to feel welcome straight away with activity sheets and coloured pencils, which keeps them happily entertained.

Their menu is a winner too, with generous $15 meals like fish and chips, a chicken tenderloin burger, sweet chilli chicken strips, and pasta with Napoli sauce. To finish, there are kid-friendly desserts including vanilla ice cream, mango sorbet, and churros — an instant hit.

The staff are well used to families visiting the restaurant, and they are great about bringing their food out quickly so they don’t get restless.

A Warm Welcome at Isabella’s Restaurant

On chilly days, Isabella’s Restaurant is exactly where you want to be. The open fire crackles away, making the whole space feel cosy and inviting.

For the grownups, the menu created by Executive Chef Ramiz Shaikh is all about warming comfort food this time of year. We go all in with three courses. My husband starts with the chicken truffle terrine while I have the pressed breast of lamb, followed by the 16-hour slow-cooked beef shoulder for him and the confit Aylesbury duck leg for me.

Each dish is beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. I pair mine with a glass of Rochford Estate Chardonnay — smooth, crisp, and the perfect match.

We even treat ourselves to dessert: pannacotta for me, and a rich chocolate cake for him. By the end, we both agree it is one of the most satisfying winery meals we’ve had in a while — and the kids are still happily content with their meals and activities.

There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options too, which makes it easier when you’re dining with different dietary needs.

Cellar Door and Mulled Wine Tastings

While the kids enjoy some time outside (with one of us keeping watch, of course), we take turns popping into the Cellar Door. This is where you can sample Rochford’s wines, explore their range of gins and whiskies from the new Spirit Bar, and – if you’re visiting on a weekend – enjoy a mulled wine tasting.

It’s the perfect winter treat and a great way to warm up before heading back outside.

Plenty of Space for Families

One of the things we love most about Rochford Winery is the open space around the winery.

There’s room for kids to run off some energy between courses, and the views across the vines are a beautiful backdrop for a family stroll. Sitting outside with a coffee while the kids play is bliss on sunny days.

A Winery for All Seasons

Rochford Wines has around 60 acres under vines and three vineyard sites, including the Home Vineyard and Briarty Road Vineyard. Chief Winemaker Kaspar Hermann says the 2025 harvest has produced exceptional fruit, which means the wines on offer right now are especially good.

While winter brings roaring fires and hearty food, summer is all about sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine, and watching the kids play on the lawns. Either way, it’s an easy, family-friendly escape from Melbourne.

Why Rochford Winery Works for Families

Close to Melbourne – just an hour’s drive
Kid-friendly menus alongside top-quality dining for adults
Activity sheets and pencils on arrival
Plenty of space for children to play safely
Indoor and outdoor seating to suit the weather
A relaxed atmosphere that welcomes families
Special offer: Kids eat free during the September School Holidays in Rochford Winery’s Isabella’s Restaurant!

Our Tips

Ask for a window seat! If you’re visiting in winter, book a table at Isabella’s seated by the fire. Time your lunch so you can enjoy a mulled wine tasting afterwards – it’s a great way to end your visit before heading home. I love mulled wine as it’s lower in alcohol, yet wonderfully cosy and warming.

Rochford Winery proves you don’t have to choose between a gourmet day out and keeping the kids happy – you can have both.

The Yarra Valley is one of the favourite destinations for Melburnians in search of a country drive. I always like to combine a day trip there with a delicious long lunch.

Things to do before or after your stop at Rochford Winery include Healesville Sanctuary, and CherryHill Orchards (seasonal). And if you’re staying the night, Yarra Valley Big4 is our top pick.

Visiting Rochford Winery with Kids