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Arriving at Balgownie Estate feels like a full-body exhale: this all-in-one vineyard retreat in Victoria’s Yarra Valley pairs five-star Halliday-rated wines with seasonally driven dining, in-house treatments by endota Spa and a showstopping restaurant that showcases Victoria’s finest produce. Come wine-curious, leave wine-spired – it’s the good life at Balgownie Estate.
1. Each room is a spa-like sanctuary
With warm lighting, accents of terracotta or eucalyptus, and landscape paintings celebrating the Yarra Valley by local artist, Young by Design, each room offers an ambience of deep and well-considered calm.
The luxury of endota lives right in your room. A dedicated wellbeing menu includes endota minis like hydrating sheet masks, lip balm and sunscreen (extra charges apply), alongside a QR code linking to guided meditations. If the in-room amenities by endota piqued your interest, wait until you experience the full-scale sanctuary onsite – it’s one of the largest day spas in the country.
Even the minibar leans into comfort and indulgence, stocked with treats from the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery and The Sassafras Sweet Co, plus Balgownie wines. Start in-room and sample the local goodness before heading out for the real deal.
2. You can savour a curated cellar door experience with gourmet extras
Step into the Cellar Door at Balgownie Estate and find yourself instantly in the heart of the barrel, with sleek timber cladding and elegant seating wrapped around the tasting counter.
Keep it classic with a tasting, with your choice of five wines from across Balgownie’s Black Label, Estate and Museum collections. Opt for a special experience with chocolate and wine pairings; sip and savour artisan confectionery from Cuvée Chocolate, expertly matched to complement the wine.
With a drink for every occasion, ask your sommelier to suggest a match for your favourite dish. You might discover a new go-to BBQ tipple, like the uniquely blended Maiden Valley Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc, which marries fruit from Balgownie’s historic Bendigo estate and Yarra Valley vines.
3. Restaurant 1309 is the perfect place for dinner and drinks with a view
At this sprawling 100-seat venue, there’s a nook for every occasion, from stargazing and private functions to cosy date nights tucked by the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Restaurant 1309’s expansive deck is a favourite that places you right among the vines with front row seats to the sunset.
Dining at Restaurant 1309 is a multi-sensory experience that reflects Balgownie Estate’s intentional and detail-oriented philosophy. The seasonal two- or three-course menus, thoughtfully curated by Head Chef Ben Murphy, showcase local produce with heart and finesse.
From house-made, melt-in-your-mouth rosemary focaccia with stracciatella to desserts crafted by in-house pastry chef Jayden, every element is an ode to the region’s rich flavours.
Revisit your favourite drop from the Cellar Door at Balgownie Estate or finish your meal with a dessert cocktail like the 1309 Caramel Martini, White Chocolate Passion Martini or Lemon Meringue.
4. Not a wine person? No problem
Whether you’re a grape novice or budding sommelier, the wine menu at Restaurant 1309 makes it easy to find your perfect match. Wine pairings are carefully selected by long-time Head Winemaker Tony Winspear, who brings over 30 years of experience at Balgownie. Whether it’s a crisp chardonnay grown just beyond the window, a modern nouveau syrah or refreshing rosé, you’re guaranteed an experience to remember.
5. The best of the Yarra Valley is at your fingertips
No matter which direction you drive, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by some of the Yarra Valley’s best dining spots and nature-rich escapes. Just a five-minute drive away, beloved Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery’s house-made ice cream is the stuff of legend, with mammoth scoops, near-endless flavours and shelves overflowing with every chocolate variety imaginable.
For the perfect day out, pack all your treats to go and head toward the spectacular Sugarloaf Reservoir, just a 15-minute drive away. Alternatively, take the scenic route to Healesville, past endless wineries, grazing horses and dramatic mountain backdrops. Stop in at the town’s many boutique shops or at Healesville Sanctuary for cuddly koala encounters, and continue on to Black Spur, where jaw-dropping canopies line the winding road.
