Rochford Wines

Month: July 2024

  • Isabella & Deepinder’s Intimate Yarra Valley Wedding

    Isabella & Deepinder’s Intimate Yarra Valley Wedding

    On a gorgeous Autumn’s day on the 4th of May 2024, Isabella and Deepinder made their love official and became husband and wife at their Yarra Valley Wedding at Rochford Wines. This small, intimate celebration with 45 guests was a beautiful blend of Italian and Indian cultures, set against the picturesque backdrop of our winery.
    From the heartfelt ceremony where they exchanged vows in front of their loved ones in our cosy conservatory, to their lively reception at Isabella’s Restaurant, their wedding day was filled with joy, cultural celebrations, heartfelt moments and of course, a whole lot of love!

    The newlyweds were blessed with a dreamy pink sunset sky that peeked through the wispy clouds during their wedding photoshoot amongst our picturesque vineyards, providing a stunning backdrop – truly capturing the essence of their special day.

    The reception space was beautifully decorated with soft pink and white floral arrangements, white and wooden décor including oak wine barrels and romantic candles. The showstoppers in the venue were the elegant champagne tower and their stunning three-tier wedding cake. 

    Everyone sat and listened to the beautifully written speeches by various family members evoking tears of happiness and laughter throughout the room. Isabella & Dee shared their first dance as husband and wife under the warm glow of the restaurant’s lighting, then excitedly poured bottles of champagne into the tower together, ready to get the party started for the night!

    The evening continued with everyone enjoying the dance floor, with Deepinder and his father performing their traditional Indian father-son dance, along with other family members who delighted the couple with traditional dances. Guests had fun taking turns getting their photos with the new Mr. and Mrs. Singh sunglasses, and many other memorable moments, making for an unforgettable celebration!  

    We recently sat down with our newly wedded couple, asking them to share their wedding journey, personal experiences and advice for future couples.


    Getting to know Isabella & Deepinder: Their wedding planning journey & their love story

    Rochford: Can you share a snapshot of your love story… How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of each other? Did you know you had found ‘the one’?
    I: “We met on Hinge in 2021 and we both fell in love instantly. We had our first date at Thirty Eight Chairs in South Yarra. He was so nervous. I was just happy to be with him.”

    Rochford: Tell us your proposal story! How, when, where did it happen, how were you each feeling before, during and after? Was it expected or a total surprise?
    I: “He proposed to me on our 2 year anniversary in Queensland. I knew it was coming because he was super nervous just like our first date. I was happy because it was finally happening. He set up a cute picnic on the beach, hired a photographer, and we went to Grill’d for dinner afterward.”


    Rochford: What led you to choose the Yarra Valley for your wedding destination? Was it the winery, country landscapes, outdoors vibes that you had your heart set on?
    I & D: “The Yarra Valley was our top choice because of the beautiful views and landscapes. We knew Rochford was the one straight away much like our first meeting again!”

    Rochford: What made Rochford Wines stand out as your dream wedding venue amongst the many options in the Yarra Valley area? How did our venue complement the vision you had for your special day?
    I & D: “Rochford stood out to us because of the affordability and the beautiful vineyards. They also allowed a lot of our own ideas which a lot of other places had shut down, so it made it easy to replicate our vision.”

    Rochford: What was something surprising you found during your wedding planning journey? Was organising your big day easy breezy or more difficult than you thought it would be?
    I: “Planning was difficult for me as a type A bride. I wanted everything to be perfect. I would do it all over again, for someone else of course, just to see the smile on their face like I had.”


    Rochford: How did you infuse personal touches that were meaningful to you both into your wedding to make the day uniquely yours?
    I & D: “We had a table with a photo of our deceased parents as well as a seat saved for them in the ceremony. Our script and vows for the ceremony were personalised to us as well. We had multiple family members do speeches which were very cute.”

    Rochford: Reflecting on your wedding day, what were the most memorable moments? The funniest, the most emotional? Or is it too hard to pick?
    I: “A favourite moment would definitely be too hard to pick. The whole night was amazing. One of my favourites though was spinning around in my fluffy dress to “Spinning Around” by Kylie Minogue and seeing Dee when I walked into the conservatory for the first time.”


    Rochford: What advice would you share with engaged couples to truly make the most of their wedding planning journey and wedding day?
    I & D: “Enjoy the engagement stage as much as possible. It will never come around again. Also enjoy the planning stage. Make the most of your time as an engaged couple, go looking at venues, take your time because the wedding day goes by so quickly.”

    Rochford: If you could only choose between one of the following, which ones would you both pick?
    A. The perfect weather on your wedding day
    B. The perfect weather on your honeymoon
    C. An unlimited budget to spend and have the most extravagant wedding.
    D. $20,000 towards your honeymoon
    I & D: $20,000 towards my honeymoon. Rain is supposed to be good luck on your wedding day!

    Rochford: Lastly, how was yours and your guests’ experience with us at Rochford Wines?
    I & D: “Everyone had a fantastic time! Thank you Rochford for being so accommodating and bringing our vision to life! We would recommend it to anyone and we will definitely be back for dinner sometime.”

    We are honoured to have been part of Isabella & Dee’s journey and look forward to helping many more couples create their perfect day in our stunning winery setting!

    If you’re dreaming of a Yarra Valley wedding, get in touch with our weddings team to arrange a visit to our gorgeous venue and see how we can make your special day truly magical!

    Enquire about your Rochford Wedding now
  • Winter at Rochford

    Winter at Rochford

    Nestled in the heart of the serene Yarra Valley, Rochford Wines offers a cozy winter escape filled with warmth and charm. Imagine arriving at our picturesque estate, where the chill in the air is perfectly balanced by the inviting glow of our welcoming spaces. At Isabella’s Restaurant, you’re greeted by panoramic views that stretch across the valley, and the comforting crackle of a fireplace sets the scene for cozy fireside dining. Our signature slow-cooked meats and hearty vegetarian dishes, crafted to perfection, promise a refined yet relaxed dining experience that warms both the heart and soul.

    New to the winter experience at Isabella’s is our special curry offer, crafted with love by our Executive Chef, Ramiz Shaikh. Hailing from Gujarat in western India, Chef Ramiz brings his passion for Indian flavours to our menu. Start with two fresh samosas and a flavourful dipping sauce, followed by your choice of a mild fish curry infused with delicate spices or a traditional tandoori chicken dish served with rice. Finish off your meal with a wine tasting at our cellar door. This culinary journey is sure to warm your heart and leave you smiling.

    As you stroll through our grounds, the tranquility of the lake draws you towards Il Vigneto Pizzeria. Here, the aroma of authentic Italian fare wafts from our wood-fired oven, enticing you to savour every bite in a laid-back setting. The pizzeria’s lively ambiance makes it the perfect spot to create memorable moments with family and friends.

    A visit to Rochford would be incomplete without exploring our renowned cellar door. Set amidst rolling hills dressed in winter’s embrace, our award-winning wines await your tasting. Each sip tells a story of the valley’s rich terroir, offering a true taste of our heritage and passion for winemaking.

    At Rochford Wines, we believe that every guest should feel at home, including our four-legged friends. Il Vigneto welcomes your pets, ensuring that your visit is a true family affair. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or an elegant dinner, our winter haven promises an experience of rustic elegance and genuine hospitality.

    Come escape with us this winter, where every visit to Rochford Wines becomes a cherished memory.