Rochford Wines

Month: March 2023

  • 5-Year-Old Vines Produce First Pick of Pinot Noir

    5-Year-Old Vines Produce First Pick of Pinot Noir

    Autumn is a key season for the wine industry – it’s the start of harvesting.  It is the season where our winemakers spend a lot of time closely watching the grapes on the vine so they will know the perfect time to pick and transport them to the winery and start the process of wine making.

    Here at Rochford Wines, the 2023 vintage has taken on a special significance with the first pick of Pinot Noir grapes from the youngest vines on our Coldstream property.

    Amongst the well-established vineyards at the home of Rochford, on the corner of Maroondah Highway and Hill Road, Yarra Valley, you will find younger vines producing quality Pinot Noir grapes planted only 5 years ago. 

    Yesterday, March 17, 2023, our owner and CEO, Helmut Konecsny joined our Rochford staff to hand-pick our first yield of Pinot from this part of the Hill Road property. 

    Like the grapes from all our vineyards, this fruit will embrace both the natural and inoculated ferment methods, with a combination of whole bunch and whole berries where appropriate.

    Our wine making philosophy is to use the best fruit possible from our vineyards, and this youthful yield is no exception. 

    We are excited to follow this journey and look forward to sharing the next stage of the process with you.  

  • Mother’s Day Lunch in the Yarra Valley

    Mother’s Day Lunch in the Yarra Valley

    Give Mum the perfect Mother’s Day present by taking her to Isabella’s Restaurant at Rochford Wines for a decadent lunch she’ll never forget.

    Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Isabella’s Restaurant offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere, with a menu that celebrates local, seasonal fare. To celebrate Mother’s Day 2023, we’ve created an incredible set-menu combining classic flavours with a modern twist that will keep you in Mum’s good books all year long!

    Mother’s Day Set Menu 

    Join us at Isabella’s Restaurant for a delectable Mother’s Day set menu with plenty of options to suit all tastes and preferences.

    Settle into one of our tables overlooking the vineyards and expansive greenspace and start your feast with a shared entrée. Savour succulent lamb brisket, freshly caught tempura prawns and beetroot borek with whipped ricotta cream to get your Mothers’ Day lunch started in style.

    Enjoy a glass of Rochford wine as your main menu arrives. Each guest can choose from our signature confit duck leg, 16 hour beef oyster blade, seared snapper or a gorgeous light summer vegetable ratatouille.

    After a satisfying two courses, it’s time to sit back and relax with a shared dessert of gingerbread dark chocolate mousse with orange gel and poached meringue raspberry crumb with grapefruit gel provides a sweet finish to a satisfying afternoon.

    Make her day with a bouquet

    Make Mother’s Day in the Yarra Valley as simple and pretty as possible by adding on a bouquet for Mum when you book your table at Isabella’s. For only $45 we will have some beautiful blooms to surprise her with on arrival. Simply choose the option to add on ‘Flower Bouquets’  when you make your online booking. 

    Stay and enjoy the best of Rochford

    No trip to Rochford Wines is complete without a wine tasting at our Cellar Door or gin tasting at our Gin Bar. 

    After Mother’s Day lunch is complete, it’s only a few short steps to our tasting areas where you can sample gins that have been infused with Rochford Wine in collaboration with our friends at Alchemy Distillery. From the Gin Bar, make your way through the gift shop where Mum can browse gorgeous artisan products, many of which are produced right here in the Yarra Valley. 

    Finally, finish your day with a wine tasting led by one of our expert sommeliers. You might even decide on a bottle or two to take home with you.

    Make Mum’s day one to remember. Book your table at Isabella’s today. 

    Mother’s Day set lunch is $110 pp with a children’s menu for $30 pp and a fully vegan menu available upon request.

    Book here.