Category: Restaurants

  • A Fireside Invitation: Introducing Our Winter Menu at Isabella’s Restaurant

    A Fireside Invitation: Introducing Our Winter Menu at Isabella’s Restaurant

    As the sun begins its slow descent a little earlier each day and the vineyard leaves paint the Yarra Valley wine region in tones of gold, russet, and amber, there’s no better season to indulge in something deliciously slow, warming, and deeply satisfying. At Isabella’s Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Rochford Wines, we invite you to trade brisk winds for the gentle glow of an open fire – and discover the pleasures of our newly launched winter menu.

    A Celebration of Comfort, Craft, and Culinary Curiosity

    Curated with care by Executive Chef Ramiz Shaikh and his passionate team in the kitchen, our latest seasonal menu is a love letter to local produce, thoughtful technique, and bold, comforting flavours. This is food designed not just to be eaten, but to be experienced – layered, generous, and plated with artistry.

    Returning to the fold are beloved dishes that have won hearts through many winters past in our revered Yarra Valley restaurant, such as the 16-hour slow-cooked beef shoulder, impossibly tender and deeply savoury, and the ever-popular sous vide lamb shoulder, a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a frosty afternoon.

    For a more leisurely experience, opt to share our Isabella’s Grazing Board for Two – an abundant spread of artisan meats, cheeses, arancini, and the ever popular house made sourdough bread. Add your favourite Rochford wine and it’s the perfect way to unwind on a crisp afternoon.

    For those with dietary considerations, you’ll be pleased to discover a generous selection of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan delights – each crafted with the same attention to detail and depth of flavour as every item on our menu. 

    Toast to the Season: Firelight and Fine Spirits Await

    After a leisurely lunch, take a few steps into our Spirited Bar, housed within the Cellar Door. With a curated selection of local and international labels, it’s the perfect place to linger over a warming dram or a crisp botanical gin, as the light shifts across the vines and the fire crackles nearby. The perfect pairing to follow a meal, or to simply savour the season. 

    As winter settles over the Yarra Valley, there’s no finer way to embrace the season than with a glass of soul-warming mulled wine. Infused with aromatic spices and bright citrus zest, our mulled wine is winter in a glass – crafted gently simmered, and deeply comforting. Enjoy a complimentary tasting at our Cellar Door, or savour by the glass at Isabella’s Restaurant. Available weekends throughout winter at Rochford.

    Unwind Midweek: A Delicious Offer Awaits

    There’s something deliciously rebellious about escaping the weekday grind for an indulgent lunch in wine country. Monday through Friday, we invite you to enjoy 25% off your bill when dining at Isabella’s Restaurant.

    Take a long lunch, sip slowly, and allow time to stretch just a little longer across the afternoon – our way of saying thank you for choosing to dine with us during the most picturesque time of the year in the Yarra Valley Wine Region.

    A View Worth Toasting

    Perched amidst Rochford’s rolling vineyards and framed by the majestic Great Dividing Range, Isabella’s Restaurant is more than just a place to dine – it’s an experience that captures the essence of the Yarra Valley. Panoramic views, world-class wines, and a menu designed to celebrate the region – it’s a table worth travelling for.

    Don’t forget to consult with our friendly sommeliers, who are always delighted to recommend the perfect wine pairing from our award-winning collection to elevate your meal from memorable to magnificent.

  • Summer at Rochford Winery: A Family Friendly Destination!

    Summer at Rochford Winery: A Family Friendly Destination!

    Make this summer unforgettable with a visit to Rochford Winery! Whether you’re looking for family fun, a kid-friendly restaurant or relaxing moments, we’ve got you covered in the heart of the Yarra Valley.

    “Summer at Rochford is all about creating those summer holiday memories – whether you’re sipping wine with friends or watching your kids enjoy their day, it’s a place where everyone belongs” says Rochford Wines CEO Helmut Konecsny.

    Kids Eat Free This January

    Bringing the family out for a meal has never been easier (or more budget-friendly). All January, kids eat free with every adult meal purchased!

    While the little ones enjoy their favourites from our new kids’ menu, you can sit back with a glass of our cool-climate wine and take in the stunning views of the Great Dividing Range. It’s family dining made effortless at our kid-friendly winery.

    School Holiday Adventures

    Keeping the kids entertained this summer is easy at Rochford. From wide-open spaces to family-friendly activities, there’s plenty to keep little ones smiling while you relax and enjoy the beautiful Yarra Valley.

    Challenge the family to a game of giant lawn games, tackle a puzzle together, or set off on our Kids Scavenger Hunt to uncover clues and win a special treat. Pack a ball and enjoy a kick on the lawn while the kids burn off some energy in our expansive open spaces.

    With plenty of room to run, play and explore, children can enjoy the estate at their own pace. Better yet, we’re a pet-friendly winery, so even your four-legged family members can join in the fun.

    Wine Tasting, On Us

    Wine lovers, this one’s for you. Book your visit this January and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting.

    Let our team take you on a journey through our Yarra Valley favourites, sharing the stories and flavours behind each bottle. It’s the perfect way to unwind and discover something new while soaking in the breathtaking vineyard views.

    Pet Friendly Winery

    Why leave your pup behind when they can join the fun? Our pet-friendly spaces mean they’re welcome to roam, relax, and soak up the good vibes right alongside you.

    Snap a photo of your furry companion enjoying their day and share it with us – we love seeing those wagging tails!

    Save Your Spot Today

    From family meals to summer activities and serene wine moments, Rochford Winery is your ultimate summer destination. Make your booking today and let us help you create memories you’ll treasure.

    We can’t wait to welcome you to Rochford Winery this summer!

  • A Festive Season at Rochford Wines: Christmas Feasts, Thoughtful Gifting & More

    A Festive Season at Rochford Wines: Christmas Feasts, Thoughtful Gifting & More

    When you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? For us, it’s all about quality time with family, unforgettable feasts paired with fine wine, long summer days, and celebrating the year’s achievements.

    From thoughtful gifting to holiday feasts, this is truly our favourite time to create memorable experiences.

    Christmas Feasting at Isabella’s

    The holiday season brings the joy of gathering, and there’s nothing we love more than a full house at Isabella’s Restaurant. Seats are filling fast for our festive set menu on Christmas Day, where guests can indulge in festive favourites like crackling porchetta, maple and clove-glazed turkey breast, and all the classic desserts of the season. Don’t miss out – reserve your table now to secure your spot!

    It’s Party Season

    Looking for the perfect party venue? With two on-site dining options, we can cater to any type of celebration. Isabella’s Restaurant offers a refined, relaxed ambiance with set menu options and award-winning wines – sure to please any crowd. For a more laid-back vibe, Il Vigneto Pizzeria overlooks the lake, providing the perfect spot to celebrate with a fun Italian feast. Our events team is ready to help tailor something special or contact our restaurant team to reserve a table. Bonbons are always welcome!

    Nothing says an Aussie Christmas quite like a cool-climate wine. We’re proud to offer a variety of choices, from sparkling wines that glimmer in your glass to rich, full-bodied reds. Explore our seasonal specials and promotional packs, perfect for your own table or as gifts.

    Thoughtful Gifts for the Season

    We’ve taken the guesswork out of gifting with our curated gift hampers, filled with local, high-quality products, elegantly boxed and ready to delight. Hampers can be delivered directly to loved ones through our website.

    For the first time, we’re also offering mini bottles of our signature gins and spirits – the ideal addition to Christmas stockings or as thoughtful table favours. For a truly unique gift, why not share an experience? With a lineup of exciting summer concerts, there’s plenty to look forward to. Visit our website for concert dates and tickets!

    Open All Week

    Our cellar door and Isabella’s Restaurant are open every day except New Year’s Day. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

  • 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 Pizzeria 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 entree. Enjoy a glass of Rochford wine as your main menu arrives. 

    After a satisfying two courses, it’s time to sit back and relax with a shared dessert platter – an exquisite finish to a pleasurable afternoon.

    Mother’s 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 entree. 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 pappardelle 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. 

    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 Spirited 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 Spirited 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.