Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa

The standout is the Director's Suite. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing the valley, an iconic circular bath, a fireplace, kitchenette and two bedrooms each with their own ensuite, it feels more like a private residence than a hotel room. If you are celebrating something, this is the one to book.

Restaurant 1309, named after the estate's address on the Melba Highway, is the culinary centrepiece. Head Chef Ben Murphy works with seasonal Yarra Valley produce, from Buxton trout to local dairy, creating modern Australian dishes that sit comfortably alongside the estate's own wines. You can choose a la carte, a three-course set menu, or the five-course degustation for the full experience. The room itself is striking, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the vineyard right to your table.

For something more casual, Graze at 1309 serves share plates and lighter bites on the outdoor deck and in the bar throughout the afternoon. High tea runs on Sundays in 90-minute sittings, and in-room dining is available for those who prefer to eat privately.

The 1309 Bar is a destination in its own right, with a warm timber interior, estate wines by the glass, cocktails and an extensive drinks list. It is the kind of place where an afternoon glass turns into a full evening.

Balgownie Estate is one of the few Australian properties that genuinely delivers the complete vineyard resort experience. You can taste Halliday 5-Red-Star rated wines at the cellar door, dine on seasonal produce at Restaurant 1309, unwind at the endota spa (Victoria's first winery resort spa), and retreat to a suite with vineyard views, all without leaving the property. That self-contained quality makes it especially appealing for a weekend away from Melbourne.

It is not the most intimate or exclusive vineyard stay in the Yarra Valley. With 70 rooms, it operates at a larger scale than a boutique property, and the standard rooms are modest. But the breadth of what is on offer, from wine flights and chocolate pairings to spa treatments and hot air balloon launches nearby, means there is always something to do. For couples, groups and wine lovers who want variety and convenience alongside genuine quality, Balgownie Estate is hard to beat.