Rochford Wines

Year: 2024

  • Evolve your 2024 EOFY Events into an exceptional experience in the Yarra Valley

    Evolve your 2024 EOFY Events into an exceptional experience in the Yarra Valley

    As the financial year draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate your team’s achievements in style. Show your employees the ultimate appreciation by treating them to an unforgettable and extraordinary end of financial year event in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Australia’s well renowned wine region, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Offering an alternative to traditional event spaces, Rochford Wines is more than just an events venue, it’s a space for a corporate getaway that facilitates team bonding, true connections, organisational growth and success. 

    Interact. Entertain. Celebrate. Inspire.

    Rochford Wines is an iconic Yarra Valley event venue that transforms standard corporate gatherings into memorable experiences. Here, your team can unwind and celebrate amidst vineyards and rolling hills, enjoying world-class wines and gourmet dining, with numerous exciting options than just your standard EOFY events – from wine and gin tasting to fun team building activities. 

    With decades of experience running large scale events, our events team are experts in hosting all types of corporate functions, from 10 to 500 guests with onsite catering packages available. Our venue blends natural beauty with sophistication and provides all the facilities and services that you would expect to make your event a success.

    Learn more about Corporate Events

    Versatile spaces to make a lasting impression for any event:

    A versatile wine, food & entertainment destination, we can tailor your specific corporate event needs to suit. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering for lunch or dinner, or a grand gala and late night celebration, we offer unique events spaces with natural light, stunning views and plenty of space for all types of entertainment. Our spaces include the iconic Isabella’s Restaurant, the relaxed, rustic charm of Il Vigneto Pizzeria, and various private rooms like the Barrel Room, Pinot Gallery and The Chardonnay Hall. Each setting is uniquely designed to cater to different moods and themes and full-service facilities.

    Delicious dining and premium wines:

    Choose from a range of dining options, from relaxed authentic Italian cuisine at Il Vigneto Pizzeria, to gourmet canapés or luxurious three-course meals at Isabella’s restaurant, where each dish is an exploration of flavour, crafted by Executive Chef Ramiz Shaikh to complement our premium wines. Whether your preference is our award winning reds including our Pinot Noir and cabernet sauvignon or our iconic, delicate Chardonnay, our wines are sure to elevate your dining experience.

    Explore Rochford’s Food & Wine

    We tailor your experience:

    Rochford Wines isn’t just about great food and wine; we also provide all the necessary amenities to ensure your event runs smoothly. Audio-visual equipment, customisable room setups, microphones, a stage for your speakers and professional event coordination are all part of our corporate events packages. With your own personal event coordinator and a full team of experienced, dedicated event professionals who will liaise and plan every detail, you can be assured you will be able to enjoy every minute of the incredible event you have envisioned. 

    Engaging activities to enhance team bonding:

    Take advantage of our unique team-building activities designed to entertain and engage. From wine blending workshops and gin tastings to more adventurous options like grape stomping and archery, Rochford offers various activities that make your event unforgettable. These experiences not only provide you and your employees with numerous memorable moments of fun, but also foster teamwork and camaraderie among employees.

    Enquire about Corporate Events

    Make your 2024 end of financial year event a landmark occasion with Rochford Wines, the ultimate location to say thank you and toast to the past year.  

    Our commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensures that your corporate event is an extraordinary celebration that mirrors the success of your team. 

    Reach out to our event specialists today, and let’s start planning your next exceptional experience for 2024 together. 

    Get in touch with the Corporate Events Team
  • The ‘It’ thing in weddings… The Multi Day Wedding: Why Yarra Valley is the perfect destination for Melbourne couples

    The ‘It’ thing in weddings… The Multi Day Wedding: Why Yarra Valley is the perfect destination for Melbourne couples

    What’s hot in weddings we hear you ask… it’s now all about celebrating all weekend long. The shift towards the extended celebrations that start with an arrival dinner and go all the way through to a post wedding recovery, are 2024’s biggest wedding trend. We are seeing more and more couples opt for a weekend extravaganza, with a desire for a non-traditional, personalised and memorable wedding experience. 

    At Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley, we understand the hype and popularity for this modern wedding experience and our venue is here to help you bring it to life! Our venue offers a picturesque setting and versatile packages that cater perfectly for not only the wedding day, but for arrival dinners, recovery brunches, cocktail parties and outdoor gatherings and more, allowing each couple to weave their personal touch into every aspect of their wedding weekend.

    Explore our Weddings Packages

    Why Opt for a Weekend Wedding?

    Transforming a wedding from a single-day event into a two- three day experience provides the opportunity for couples to spend more quality time with each of their guests, either the day before and/or after their wedding, leaving them with more time on their wedding day – from the ceremony right through to the end of their reception – for special moments with each other (which let’s remember, is what the day is all about!). Couples can truly relax, take it all in and ‘live in the moment’, enjoying every aspect of the day they have spent months planning, including the food and drinks, music, entertainment, the venue and all of its stunning features, landscapes and of course, the dance floor!

    A little getaway close to the wedding venue allows your guests to fully soak in and embrace the Yarra Valley experience, appreciating the local scenery and attractions before and after the wedding day. Spoilt for choice for accommodation within a 10-minute journey, guests and the bridal party get to chill a little more and enjoy the luxury of additional time to get ready for the big day, without the usual rush or worry about transportation logistics, both before and late at night after the reception finishes. 

    Extended time celebrating together also allows the bride and groom’s friends and family to mingle over a couple of drinks, share laughs and hit the dance floor together, uplifting the vibes and social atmosphere at each wedding event! By the end of the weekend, your guests who may have never met before are now new best friends!

    Celebrate your wedding ceremony, reception and beyond in the Yarra Valley

    Located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD and 15 minutes from the eastern suburbs, the Yarra Valley offers you convenience and natural beauty. This famous Australian wine region, known for its rolling hills, stunning vineyards, award winning wines and panoramic views, provides you with the perfect backdrop for your wedding day and an abundance of pre and post wedding activities – wine tastings and food flights, hot air ballooning, helicopter rides and more – for you and your guests to enjoy throughout the entire weekend. 

    As a premier Yarra Valley wedding venue, at Rochford Wines you will find beautiful natural landscapes and wedding facilities. Recognising the shift towards personalised and non-traditional weddings, we offer the flexibility to host anything from micro wedding ceremonies to large celebratory gatherings, ensuring each of your activities seamlessly transition into each other. Our venue features unique spaces filled with natural light and scenic views, ideal for any part of your wedding weekend:

    Isabella’s Restaurant: Offering elegance and panoramic views, this space can accommodate between 50-400 guests. Whether it’s a grand reception party or a celebratory dinner, Isabella’s provides a stunning setting with a curated menu tailored to your preferences.

    Il Vigneto: With its relaxed atmosphere, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large deck overlooking the lake, this venue offers a charming backdrop for up to 200 seated guests. The Italian-style menu promotes a shared dining experience, perfect for a canape style reception or the post wedding day recovery drinks.

    The Conservatory and other Private Rooms: Ideal for more intimate gatherings, these areas provide privacy and exclusivity for smaller guest lists, ensuring your celebration is both personal and comfortable.

    The Lawn & Vineyards: Recovery days can be as relaxed or as structured as you wish, with options ranging from lawn games and pizza parties at Il Vigneto to more refined wine and dining experiences. This flexibility allows each couple to create a weekend that genuinely reflects their style and ensures their guests leave with wonderful memories of the absolute best weekend.

    Explore our venue

    You can see the excitement around wedding weekends and why couples are opting for this entire experience for them and their guests, with the Yarra Valley at the top of the list of Victorian wedding destinations, for an entire fun-filled weekend of celebrating love!

    With over decades of experience in hosting weddings and bespoke service, our dedicated team are experts at bringing your entire wedding vision to life, ensuring every detail is nothing short of perfect. From the moment you arrive to the final farewells, Rochford Wines provides a scenic, serene, and utterly unforgettable backdrop for all of your wedding celebrations. 

    Get in touch with our team about our tailored packages and discover how Rochford Wines can be the perfect venue for any of your special wedding events!

    Enquire Now
  • MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH IN THE YARRA VALLEY

    MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH IN THE YARRA VALLEY

    Give Mum the perfect gift this Mother’s Day by taking her to the world-renowned Rochford Wines for a decadent lunch she’ll never forget.

    Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, our two restaurants, Isabella’s and il Vigneto offer a special, yet relaxed atmosphere, with menus that celebrate local, seasonal fare. 

    To celebrate Mother’s Day 2024, our chefs have created two incredible set menus combining classic flavours with a modern twist that will keep you in Mum’s good books all year long!

    Mother’s Day at Isabella’s Restaurant 

    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 yummy appetiser followed by a shared entrée. Savour flaky pan-seared trout, tender pressed lamb shoulder and hearty pumpkin and potato terrine 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, pan-seared Barramundi, Szechuan pepper slow cooked beef rib or a gorgeous zucchini pave with sides to share.

    After a satisfying two courses, it’s time to sit back and relax with a shared dessert of apple terrine with pumpkin ganache and rose and lychee mousse – an exquisite finish to a pleasurable afternoon.

    View Full Menu – Mothers’ Day at Isabella’s Restaurant

    Mothers’ Day Lunch at il Vigneto Pizzeria

    This Mother’s Day, the chefs at Il Vigneto have curated a delicious three-course set menu that is guaranteed to make your loved one smile, and accommodates all dietary needs.

    Start your Italian feast overlooking the lake with a shared entrée. Enjoy a selection of flavourful antipasti, crispy mushroom arancini, and juicy Italian meatballs served with warm, house made focaccia.  

    For the main course, choose from a range of our wood-fired pizzas and authentic pastas, including our aromatic Truffle, mushroom cream and prosciutto pizza, and comforting Fettuccine lamb ragu with a side of insalata caprese. 

    And of course, it wouldn’t be a true Italian feast without dessert! Indulge in a shared dessert of creamy dark chocolate pannacotta and a delicate lemon meringue tart with freeze-dried raspberry. 

    View Full Menu – Mothers’ Day at il Vigneto

    Make her day with a bouquet

    Make Mother’s Day in the Yarra Valley as simple and pretty as possible by adding on a beautiful flower bouquet for Mum to take home. For only $45 we will have some lovely 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 at Cellar Door 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 Rochford Wines today.

    Book Mothers’ Day Lunch at Isabella’s
    Book Mothers’ Day Lunch at il Vigneto
  • Your Ultimate Yarra Valley Wedding Planning Destination: The 2024 Valley Loves Wedding Fair

    Your Ultimate Yarra Valley Wedding Planning Destination: The 2024 Valley Loves Wedding Fair

    Win a total of $27,000 of prizes towards your Yarra Valley Wedding! 

    Engaged Couples! Are you on your wedding planning journey and considering the picturesque Yarra Valley for your special day? 

    If yes, this Wedding Expo is a well loved wedding event, specific to the Yarra Valley, that we highly recommend you attend!! 

    The Valley Loves Wedding Fair 

    April 21, 2024

    10am to 3pm

    Yarra Glen Racecourse

    Win $8,000 toward your Rochford Wines Wedding Reception!

    As the major sponsor of this exciting event, Rochford Wines is thrilled to invite all engaged couples to a day filled with inspiration, fun, and the opportunity to plan your wedding in one of the most stunning settings Melbourne has to offer.

    Secure your spot

    Why Attend the Valley Loves Wedding Fair?

    Imagine planning your wedding in a stress-free, fun environment where you can connect with over 80 of the Yarra Valley’s finest wedding vendors. From florists and stylists to photographers and caterers, this fair is your one-stop destination to bring your wedding vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic wedding, a garden ceremony, or a lavish reception in a Yarra Valley wedding venue like Rochford Wines, the Valley Loves Wedding Fair covers it all.

    What Can You Expect?

    Picture yourself walking through beautifully styled spaces, each offering a glimpse into what your wedding could look like, whilst sipping on craft beer or some of the Yarra Valley’s finest wines, as you enjoy live music, food trucks, lawn games, and more. This Wedding Expo brings a festival atmosphere dedicated entirely to celebrating love and planning weddings.

    Tickets

    • VIP Valley Loves Experience Ticket: For $50, enhance your Valley Loves experience with a host of goodies designed to make your day even more special.
    • General Admission Ticket: At only $20 a ticket, gain access to an unforgettable day of wedding planning fun and excitement.
    Buy Tickets

    Valley Loves X Rochford Wines

    As the main sponsor of this event, Rochford Wines offers you a dream setting for your winery wedding. Our venue boasts light-filled spaces, soaring ceilings, and multiple ceremony spots, all set against the backdrop of the Yarra Valley’s breathtaking views. By simply attending the Valley Loves Fair, you’ll go in the draw to WIN $8,000 towards your wedding reception at Rochford Wines, part of an incredible prize pool worth over $27,000 from all other sponsors involved. 

    Other Amazing Vendors

    Joining us are some of the Yarra Valley’s most sought-after vendors, including Directors Edge Videographers, Michael Briggs Photography, Always Eventive Wedding Decor, Paradise Hunter Wedding Stylist, Sweet Caroline Florals, and many more. Each vendor brings their years of expertise and provides something unique to each and every couple, ensuring your wedding is as beautiful, personalised and stress free as possible.

    Plan Your Wedding with Confidence

    Forget the overwhelm and confusion often associated with wedding planning. The Valley Loves Wedding Fair is about putting the FUN back into this special journey. This is your chance to immerse yourself in endless inspiration, connect with skilled vendors, and take the first step towards planning the wedding of your dreams!

    Tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss out and get your tickets today and enter the draw to win not only the major prize from Rochford Wines, but also a stack of other amazing prizes that will make your Yarra Valley wedding truly unforgettable!

    Buy Tickets

    For more information, feel free to reach out:
    Email at hello@valleyloves.com.au
    Or visit their website Valley Loves

    Let’s make your wedding planning journey one filled with excitement, fun, inspiration and a whole lot of love at the Valley Loves Wedding Fair. We’ll see you there!

  • Vineyard Vows & Unforgettable Fun: Mark & Lyndell Celebrate at Rochford

    Vineyard Vows & Unforgettable Fun: Mark & Lyndell Celebrate at Rochford

    The Labour Day long weekend bloomed with love as Mark and Lyndell said “I do” at the picturesque Rochford Wines. Sunshine and laughter filled the air as they celebrated their marriage with 60 of their closest family and friends. The ceremony took place under the shade of the terrace, the sprawling vineyards providing a stunning backdrop. Adorable flower girls stole hearts, and Mark and Lyndell exchanged heartfelt vows that left everyone smiling. 

    Every floral arrangement, from the ceremony blooms to the bride’s stunning bouquet and the gorgeous centerpieces, were all creations by Allie from Flowers of Yarra Glen. Allie’s talent and dedication are well known in the Yarra Valley Weddings scene, and she is one of our most loved and trusted floral suppliers who consistently delights our couples here at Rochford.

    Making the most of their surroundings, the newlyweds captured cherished moments with loved ones. Family photos were taken amongst the lush vines, and the couple enjoyed a romantic stroll hand-in-hand along the sprawling lawns. A visit to Rochford’s iconic balcony lookout for stunning sunset pictures, captured by the incredible Nicole Pas Photography, capped off their picture-perfect day. Nicole’s photographs beautifully documented all the best bits of the day, showcasing both the beauty of the couple and our Yarra Valley winery wedding venue.

    The food and beverages were utterly delectable, with canapés and pre-dinner drinks keeping the conversation flowing before everyone sat down for a three-course meal. Throughout the evening, glasses clinked with Rochford’s finest wines as toasts were raised to the happy couple.

    But the night wasn’t just about delicious food and fine wine. Mark and Lyndell surprised everyone with an epic first show stopping dance, showcasing their dedication and love. The energy only increased with a costume change and a well-practiced dip, leaving everyone in awe and unable to wipe the smiles off their faces.

    The fun didn’t stop there. The groom’s brother serenaded the couple with a heartfelt rendition of Elvis’ ‘Wonder Of You’, and the bridal party surprised everyone with a synchronized group dance. Even the speeches took a unique turn, with one guest delivering a creative rap! Then, to keep the party vibe going, were the incredible musicians, Joel Quinn and Gary Eastwood, whose captivating vocals and energy they produced were spectacular! All guests were continuously delighted and entertained throughout the entire reception, and the dance floor was packed by the end of the night, a testament to the joy and laughter that filled the air.

    Mark and Lyndell’s Rochford Winery wedding was a perfect blend of intimacy, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable lively celebration. It was a wedding full of memorable moments and a whole lot of love.

    A kind Thank You message from the newlyweds

    “To Nicola and staff at Rochford,
    Mark and I wish to thank you all so very much for a wonderful day Sunday 10th March 2024.
    Our wedding was everything we wished for and more.
    Nicola, you were amazing, you listened to us, you advised and your assistance on the day to the Bridal party and guests was fantastic.
    Due to extreme heat conditions of 36 degrees you advised us to move the ceremony area to keep us all in the shade and it was just perfect.
    Rochfords chef was obliging in changing a few things on the menu and we really appreciated everything that was altered to help make our day terrific.
    The size of the restaurant allowed our guests to be comfortable with a great size dance floor and musicians area.
    The surrounding area and the Rochford building itself allowed the photographer to take beautiful photos near the vines, the grounds, the spiral staircase and inside the restaurant itself.
    We would highly recommend the venue to anyone for the location, pricing and friendliness of Rochford staff.
    Thanks again Nicola, you were polite, happy and your communication throughout the whole process was great    .”
    Mark and Lyndell Krygger

  • Experience our new Rochford Whisky: Now available online and at our cellar door

    Experience our new Rochford Whisky: Now available online and at our cellar door

    When it comes to celebratory drinks and fine spirits, Rochford Wines in the picturesque Yarra Valley has always been a name synonymous with excellence. In the spirit of elevating your celebratory moments, we are thrilled to introduce to you Rochford Whisky. Crafted with the utmost precision and care, we offer you two Whisky blends – a Shiraz cask and Bourbon cask, both aged 5 years in each cask. Distilled right here in Healesville, using the pristine waters of the Yarra Valley by the masters at Alchemy Distillers, this limited release of numbered bottles promises a taste that’s as exclusive as it gets.

    Craftsmanship that Captures the Essence

    Our new Rochford Whisky range is made from 100% Australian malted barley, meticulously chosen for its ability to capture the unique nuances of the barley. Fermentation is a carefully orchestrated craft, with special yeast strains selected to create a whisky that’s nothing short of exceptional. After being aged for a full five years, these spirits shine with a rich complexity.

    Triple Distilled for Pure Perfection

    Each drop of Rochford Whisky undergoes a triple distillation process through a reflux still. This method ensures a pure spirit while retaining the unique malt characteristics derived from our 100% barley Mashbill. The third distillation fine-tunes the spirit’s profile, offering clarity and emphasising the grains’ flavours, making it a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.

    [shop now] 

    Bourbon Cask Whisky: A Combination of Buttery Vanilla Flavours

    Rochford Bourbon Cask Whisky – Aged 5 years

    The final touch before bottling is crucial, and we’ve chosen the pristine waters of the Yarra Valley for this purpose. The result is a whisky with unique characteristics imparted by the region’s pure and fresh water. Matured in American Bourbon barrels for five years, it boasts a delicate amber tone, a testament to its interaction with oak. With malted barley aromas enriched by dominant scents of honey and vanilla, complemented by a gently oaky backdrop, each sip layers notes of buttery vanilla, raisin, and oak, with an intriguing hint of light caramel notes.

    Shiraz Cask Whisky: A Symphony of Spice and Fruit

    Rochford Shiraz Cask Whisky – Aged 5 years

    Matured in Australian shiraz wine barrels, our Rochford Shiraz Cask Whisky celebrates our home, the Yarra Valley. This unique maturing process extracts flavours of red stone fruit and pepper from the wine barrels. Like its Bourbon counterpart, it benefits from the immaculate Yarra Valley waters, resulting in a rich amber tone. With malted barley aromas enriched by dominant scents of red berries and red fruits, all underpinned by a gentle oaky backdrop, the palate offers a taste of malted barley entwined with robust characters of red fruits, cloves, and oaky spicy notes, with a peppery undertone.

    Experience Whisky Tasting at Rochford

    For those eager to explore these delicious whiskies further, a visit to our Rochford Spirited Bar is a must. Here, you can sample our Rochford Gins, Rimedio, and our new Whisky blends. Choose from our whisky tasting options:

    • Whisky Tasting with choice of one Whisky (15ml) – $12
    • Whisky Tasting with Shiraz Cask Whisky and Bourbon Cask Whisky – $22
    • Whisky Tasting with Shiraz Cask Whisky and Shiraz Gin – $17

    Available Now

    Our Rochford Whisky is available for purchase online or at our Cellar Door at the winery. The price per 700ml bottle.

    [Shop Rochford Whisky]

    This whisky is a delightful addition to our spirit range at Rochford, joining our Gins and Rimedio. It’s one more reason to make Rochford Wines a must-visit destination when you explore the beauty of the Yarra Valley. Unlock the magic of Rochford Whisky, and let your celebrations rise to new heights. Cheers to exclusivity and creating unforgettable moments!

    [Shop all Rochford Spirits]