Yarra Valley is a world-class destination and home to some of Australia’s most iconic seasonal festivals. From wine tastings to tulip fields and classical music to gourmet grub, Yarra Valley has events for every season. Charming fishing villages, cultural happenings and exclusive wine experiences. This guide covers Yarra Valley’s best seasonal festivals and how to make the most of your visit.
Spring Festivals in Yarra Valley
Spring means spring flowers, fresh produce and the region’s most colourful festivals. In this season Yarra Valley comes alive with Blossom Festivals and celebrations of fresh blooms, wine and community.
Cherryhill Blossom Festival
The Cherryhill Blossom Festival is a springtime extravaganza that brings visitors to see thousands of cherry blossom trees in bloom. With views of the valley for miles around, you can wander through the pink and white blossoms, play lawn games and sip cherry-inspired cocktails. There will be gourmet food trucks, cherry cider tastings and live music. Whether you’re looking for a great photo op or a relaxing family day out, the Cherryhill Blossom Festival is the perfect time to visit.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
A spring highlight in Yarra Valley, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a 3 day festival celebrating tulips in every colour of the rainbow. Located near the Dandenong Ranges, the festival features interactive displays, live music, food trucks and art exhibitions. Each year the festival has themed weekends such as Turkish, Dutch and Irish cultural celebrations. Strolling through the tulip fields with a glass of wine in hand is a spring must do.
Summer Festivals in Yarra Valley
Summer means warm summer nights, outdoor concerts and food, wine and music festivals. Road-tripping to the region’s best wineries and festivals is a must during the warmer months.
Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival
The Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival is a celebration of the region’s food and wine landscape. Wine lovers can taste award-winning wine from cellar doors like Rochford Winery, Oakridge Wines and Delatite Wines. Paired with food from local restaurants, there will be lawn games, wine masterclasses and live music. This is the ultimate day of indulgence for those who want to experience the different wine regions of Yarra Valley.
Healesville Music Festival
Get to the heart of Yarra Valley’s music scene at the Healesville Music Festival, where local music takes centre stage. Held at various venues around Healesville, this festival is for folk, blues and indie music lovers. With a community vibe, visitors can enjoy food trucks, pop up bars and art exhibitions during this fun weekend.
Autumn Festivals in Yarra Valley
As the leaves turn golden, autumn in Yarra Valley is the perfect time to get amongst the local harvest and beautiful vineyards. It’s a great time to visit for foodies, wine lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Yarra Valley Harvest Festival
The Yarra Valley Harvest Festival is a harvest celebration. With events at wineries, farms and local venues, you can taste fresh produce, gourmet food and wine from nearby wineries like Jones Winery and Jayden Ong Winery. Cooking classes, market stalls and tasting tours are just some of the highlights of the biggest celebration of Yarra Valley’s local produce.
Warrandyte Festival
Held in the picturesque town of Warrandyte, this festival is a community event with family-friendly activities like live music, street parades and river activities. Kids can participate in creative workshops, minute classes and art exhibitions, while adults can enjoy food stalls and local wine from nearby cellar doors. With the Upper Yarra Ranges as a backdrop, this festival celebrates the Yarra Valley’s community spirit.
Winter Festivals in Yarra Valley
When winter arrives, wine tastings and outdoor concerts are the main event. Visitors come to enjoy wine, fireside chats and hearty food in the colder months.
Shortest Lunch
The Shortest Lunch is for foodies, wine lovers and social butterflies. During this annual event, visitors will visit multiple wineries for a progressive lunch. Each stop will have mini meals paired with specialty wines from Hanging Rock Winery, Coombe Yarra Valley and more. A chance to taste boutique wines, meet winemakers and warm up by the fire at accessible vineyards.
Winter Wine Weekend
Across several venues, the Winter Wine Weekend is a indulgent celebration of Yarra Valley’s best wines and produce. Exclusive cellar door tours at Coombe Yarra and Rochford Winery, wine masterclasses, winery tour and award winning wine tastings are on offer. Sip wine by the fire, eat gourmet food and take in the mountain views of Yarra Valley.
Why attend Yarra Valley’s Seasonal Festivals?
Seasonal festivals are the best way to experience Yarra Valley’s food, wine, music and culture. From outdoor concerts and wine masterclasses to personal gourmet chocolate bars at chocolate festivals, there’s something for everyone. These festivals give you access to the region’s best culinary landscape, beautiful scenery and charming towns. Whether you’re visiting wineries, national parks, galleries or exhibitions, Yarra Valley’s festivals will be an adventure.
Tips for Visiting Yarra Valley Festivals
- Book Early: Events like Cherryhill Blossom Festival and Shortest Lunch sell out fast so book early.
- Plan Your Day: Visit multiple wineries in one day with a pre-planned route.
- Take a Tour: Consider guided tours for events like Winter Wine Weekend.
- Dress for the Weather: Pack for the season, warm layers for winter and sun hats for summer.
- Travel Smart: Stay in beachy abodes or boutique accommodations near the valley.
Conclusion
Yarra Valley’s seasonal festivals are a celebration of food, wine, music and nature. From the stunning garden experiences at Alowyn Gardens to the foodie fun at the Grape Grazing Festival, every season has something new. You can sip wine by the fire, admire heritage buildings or play lawn games with friends. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Yarra Valley’s festivals, Yarra Valley Wine Tour has curated experiences to make it easy to see the best of the region. Whatever the season, Yarra Valley is the perfect place for a relaxing break with culture, wine and lawn lined vineyards.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Yarra Valley for festivals?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit as you can experience Blossom Festivals, Yarra Valley Harvest Festival and vineyard views.
Are Yarra Valley festivals family friendly?
Yes, many Yarra Valley festivals are family friendly. Events like Warrandyte Festival and Tesselaar Tulip Festival have workshops, art exhibitions and child friendly activities.
Can I do wine tastings at Yarra Valley festivals?
Events like Shortest Lunch and Grape Grazing Festival have wine tastings from famous wineries like Rochford Wines, Coombe Yarra and Oakridge Wines.
How do I book tickets for Yarra Valley festivals?
Tickets are usually available online on the event website. Book early as some events like Cherryhill Blossom Festival have limited capacity.
What to bring to a Yarra Valley festival?
Comfortable clothes, picnic blankets and a bag for your purchases (like wine). For winter months bring warm layers for evening events like Winter Wine Weekend.