From the picturesque expanses of vines that neatly score the land to the tranquil surrounds, wineries are inherently romantic places and are the perfect setting for a wedding. Georgia Doyle raises a toast to three newlywed couples who were married in the Yarra Valley. Located only a hop, skip and a jump from the CBD, there’s no wonder why this area is one of Victoria’s most popular wedding destinations.

It’s difficult to name one single reason why wineries inspire such starry-eyed proclamations of love. It could be the way vineyards stand up against the wilderness with a certain dignified restraint, or it may be the allure of alcohol and fine dining that draws people to them in flocks. Whatever the reason, there is no denying their appeal when it comes to organising a wedding.

When choosing a wedding venue, most people find that size, catering and location are the determining factors in making their final decision. However, a lot can also depend on the mood and appearance of a venue, as it is sure to stand firm in the memories of the couple and their guests. Considering the vast and varying range of charming wine regions across the state, couples in Victoria are spoilt for choice, with so many wineries catering to a range of needs.

Whatever style of wedding you’re planning, whether it’s an intimate outdoor ceremony and sit-down dinner or a lavish cocktail affair, there will be a winery to suit you. For a romantic beach wedding the Mornington Peninsula presents a visual feast of coastal plains and a remarkable selection of wines. And for those looking for a rugged and romantic escape, central Victoria is a rustic dream, offering wild and wonderful landscapes, and a smorgasbord of reputable wineries.

Beautiful as they all are, there are few quite as accessible to couples in Melbourne as those in the Yarra Valley. For an escape from the city, Victoria’s oldest wine region offers more wineries than any other,
each providing a beautiful backdrop for your special day and an abundance of delicious food and wine – a combination guaranteed to make yours a celebration to remember.

Here, three couples tell us about their special day at Yarra Valley wineries. Each pair had different expectations of their wedding day, and each winery helped them create a wedding that suited their styles and personalities. The result was three very special weddings.

YERING STATION
Tobi & Paul

Tobi and Paul’s wedding was held at Yering Station, and it exceeded any hopes the couple had for their special day. After weeks of rain, the pair was granted a rare day of sunshine – the past wet weather adding a lustrous sheen to the blooming native gardens surrounding the vineyard.

The couple had their hearts set on a stylish and contemporary wedding that reflected their easygoing nature without compromising the dining experience. The combination of Yering Station’s elegant design, which blends modern architecture with historical elements, and their reputation for sensational food and wine, ticked all the right boxes for Tobi and Paul.

Though only a one hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the venue provided the couple’s guests with a magical weekend away, allowing them to relax and properly enjoy every moment of their wedding. Hosting the ceremony and reception at the same venue also allowed Tobi and Paul’s guests to enjoy continued hospitality throughout the day while they were taking photographs.

Looking back on their day, it’s the ceremony that the couple remembers most fondly. The historical barn at Yering Station provided the perfect intimate setting to deliver the vows that Sylvia Johnson, the celebrant recommended to them by the winery, helped Tobi and Paul write, completing the powerfully emotional experience.

MANDALA WINES
Natalie & Tim

Natalie and Tim’s wedding went off without a hitch thanks to the supportive staff at Mandala Wines. No service was spared when it came to ensuring that the couple’s experience was positive and stress-free. The front of house manager, Sally Coyle, went so far as to secretly organise for the couple’s beloved sheltie dog Booga to make a surprise guest appearance at the reception, adding a lovely personal touch.

Mandala Wines’ magnificent surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. The stunning surroundings were matched only by the sumptuous canapés and grazing plates served at the cocktail-style reception. Guests were also treated to the winery’s full wine list as they whiled the night away in Mandala Wines’ modern reception room. Both Natalie and Tim are foodies so it was important to them that the food and wine was of the highest standard. Needless to say, neither was disappointed.

In the end, the winery provided the perfect peaceful atmosphere to suit the relaxed style of wedding Natalie and Tim wanted. The pair felt truly safe in the hands of Coyle and the staff at Mandala Wines, who all worked so hard to make their day special.

KILLARA ESTATE
Cait &James

Cait and James risked treacherous weather when their wedding day coincided with one of the worst storms in Victoria’s history. However, Killara Estate provided a haven for the pair and their guests when the tempest took hold. Instead of bowing down to the storm, the arresting scenery embraced the bitter weather, only adding drama to the couple’s wedding photography.

Cait and James were instantly drawn to the idea of a winery wedding. Both grew up near the Yarra Valley, and Killara Estate’s relaxed, rustic feel embodied everything that they love about the area. After sampling the menu and meeting the staff, they were won over by the complete package that Killara Estate had to offer.

The ceremony was held in a barrel store next to the restaurant. There, protected from the rain, the couple’s vows were turned to whispers against the loud claps of thunder and spectacular vines that spread out behind them. For Cait and James the whole experience, though unconventional, was made all the more romantic by the storm.

The spectacular surrounds were complemented by extreme weather conditions and the professionalism of the staff under pressure made Cait and James’ wedding at Killara Estate an unforgettable occasion.