Rochford Wines

Year: 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.

  • 100% VEGAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT ROCHFORD WINES THIS SUMMER

    100% VEGAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT ROCHFORD WINES THIS SUMMER

    Have you tried our delicious Vegan Set Menu this summer? Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or just looking to try something new, our chef’s have created an incredible line-up of vegan dishes that are sure to please every palate!

    Rochford Wines’ set Summer Vegan Menu and vegan wines are now available to enjoy at our charming Isabella’s Restaurant!

    Executive Chef, Ryan Frost, has crafted a variety of delicious vegan dishes from local and fresh produce that will even have meat lovers’ mouths watering. 

    Our menu includes an entrée of salt baked baby beetroot, sweet Dutch carrot, creamy corn puree and sorrel. For the main course, indulge in tender roast pumpkin with fragrant semi dried tomatoes and spinach risotto, topped with aromatic toasted pine nuts. 

    A range of sides are also available to add to this culinary experience, including a fragrant shaved fennel, orange and pickled beetroot green leaf salad, tossed in a sweet mustard dressing.

    The vegan experience does not just stop at the food! Here at Rochford Wines, we also offer a variety of vegan wines to enjoy with your dishes. Whether it’s red, white, rose or sparkling you enjoy, we offer a range of 100% vegan wines that you can enjoy with our set Summer Vegan Menu. 

    Why not celebrate summer and start your meal off with a glass of our Rochford Sparkling Rose 2022?  Then for entrée, our sommeliers recommend pairing the fruity and fragrant Rochford Estate Pinot Noir 2021 For the main course, enjoy the citrusy and oaky tone of our Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Dans les Bois’ Chardonnay 2019, which pairs perfectly.

    Vegan or not, we warmly welcome you to celebrate summer in the scenic Yarra Valley, and experience our special set Summer Vegan Menu and delicious vegan wines!

    Available each day during summer from 11.30am to 3pm (and until 4pm on weekends and public holidays).

    To view our set Summer Vegan Menu click here: https://www.rochfordwines.com.au/downloads/Menu_IsabellasSet.pdf

  • Brand new summer menu arrives at Isabella’s

    Brand new summer menu arrives at Isabella’s

    As the weather heats up, so does the menu here at Rochford! Isabella’s has just launched their brand new summer menu and we’re so excited to bring you an incredible selection of fresh dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. 

    Isabella’s Restaurant aims to provide a memorable dining experience in a unique, relaxed setting. Set amongst the expansive acres of Rochford’s stunning vineyards and situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley you can enjoy gorgeous views, alfresco areas and private dining spaces.

    Choose between a two or three course set menu of specially curated dishes, using only the best produce and ingredients. Rochford’s Head Chef and Sommeliers have crafted the ultimate Yarra Valley dining experience, so be sure to pair your meal with our specially curated Rochford wine list! 

    Our new Summer menu offers dishes to suit all occasions. Whether you are bringing family, friends, work colleagues or that special person, Isabella’s summer menu is the ideal choice, designed to suit all palates.. 

    Highlights include an entree of lamb tenderloin served with truss tomato, chimichurri and mint labneh; or opt for the crowd favourite, that is equally as delicious – The thick cut calamari served with summer salad, fresh chilli and red onion. 

    For main course, you must try the seared snapper with capsicum, olives, balsamic onion, green romesco with smoked paprika oil – couple this with the Rochford Single Vineyard ‘Terre’ Chardonnay for a decadent paring you won’t forget. 

    From our sharing menu, the Pork Belly with pea tendrils, dutch carrots tomato dressing and apple chilli chutney is hard to go past. 

    Finish the meal off with a delicious and decadent dessert, like the Baked pear frangipane tart with milk chocolate ganache. 

    Indulge in the true Rochford experience and take advantage of our Rochford Sommelier’s Wine Recommendations to ensure you are able to enjoy all that Rochford Wines has to offer. 

    Summer is all about fresh produce and leisurely lunches. We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful restaurant overlooking the vineyards, right here in the heart of the Yarra Valley.

    For bookings, please call our friendly staff on (03) 5957 3333 or click the link here.

  • CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT AT ROCHFORD WINES IN THE YARRA VALLEY

    CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT AT ROCHFORD WINES IN THE YARRA VALLEY

    Rochford Wines is celebrating the Lunar New Year, and we are inviting our guests to join us. For the next two weeks, Isabella’s Restaurant will have a special Lunar New Year set menu that will help you bring in the new year in style!

    As the Year of the Rabbit comes hopping in, dine with us and enjoy a 2 course sharing menu, designed for two. You will enjoy a wine tasting on arrival and delicious meals carefully curated by the Rochford team. The two course meal includes an entree of fresh, thick cut calamari served with a zesty summer salad, fresh chilli and red onion. For mains, enjoy a succulent confit duck leg accompanied by celeriac gratin, witlof, jus and grated licorice. Enjoy these delicious menu items with a side of rocket and quinoa, semi-dried tomatoes, parmesan and a balsamic glaze. 

    Of course it wouldn’t be a trip to Rochford without impeccably paired wines, and this meal is no exception. Rochford’s sommeliers have matched each course with one of our most popular Rochford wines for a truly decadent experience. This offer is only $140 per couple, valued at $163!

    To make the festivities even more special, each guest who dines on our special Lunar New Year menu will be gifted a lucky red envelope at the conclusion of your dining experience.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the Yarra Valley, to experience the beautiful Isabella’s Restaurant as we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! 

    *BOOK TABLE HERE*

  • Looking for the perfect Yarra Valley Wedding Venue in 2023?

    Looking for the perfect Yarra Valley Wedding Venue in 2023?

    It’s officially wedding season! The sun is shining and couples all over Australia are getting ready to tie the knot. Here at Rochford, we are so excited to start welcoming our 2023 brides to the greenery and beautiful venue spaces that we’ve become renowned for.

    Situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Rochford is the fully customisable and unique wedding venue that will make your day extra special. 

    In order to create and run these beautiful events, we turn to our expert and  dedicated wedding coordinator, Stacie, who lives and breathes her passion for curating incredible wedding days that her couples will never forget. 

    If you’re an upcoming bride or planning a wedding, read below for all the insights into the world of weddings at Rochford. 

    What makes Rochford such a great venue for weddings?

    “Rochford is a perfect venue for weddings. Not only because of the beautiful views of the vines and Yarra Valley, but also because it has such an open floor plan, with multiple spaces to choose from, that we can customise the wedding set-up to suit your dream wedding!”

    What is the secret to a seamless wedding day?

    “It’s certainly an over-used ‘secret’ but planning ahead! There’s nothing worse than having to rush around the day before your wedding finalising all the bits and bobs like your seating allocations, timings, etc”.

    What’s your favourite thing about being a wedding coordinator? 

    “Seeing the day come together, the joy and love on everyone’s faces, there’s nothing better than watching someone’s dream wedding day come to life”. 

    What wedding trends do you forecast for 2023?

    “Non-traditional weddings are on the rise. With couples straying from your typical run-sheet, opting to sit with their guests rather than sitting separately at a ‘bridal table’, taking bridal photos before the actual wedding, etc. 

    Baby’s breath and your more natural/rustic flowers and themes are as popular as ever! And wedding bouquets seem to be downsizing!”

    What’s been your favourite/funniest/most entertaining wedding memory to date?

    “A few of my favourite wedding moments have been the themed weddings, we’ve had a few Disney weddings, it’s always exciting to see something unique!!

    It’s heaps of fun customising packages. We can add things such as lawn games, cocktail hours, photobooths, gelati carts, etc. It adds something a little extra special onto your day that makes your wedding stand out!”

    What would the perfect wedding day at Rochford look like? 

    “The perfect wedding day involves being surrounded by your family and friends, hopefully some nice weather (however this is Melbourne after all!), having a glass of wine or 2, celebrating and dancing all night long”. 

    To enquire or get some further information on having your wedding at Rochford, give us a call on via (03) 5957 3333 or weddings@rochfordwines.com.au