Category: Weddings

  • 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!

  • Planning your dream day: Everything you need to know about Weddings at Rochford Wines

    Planning your dream day: Everything you need to know about Weddings at Rochford Wines

    Thank you for considering Rochford Wines for your wedding day. Nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley, our venue is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, highly rated wines, and a variety of event spaces tailored to host both intimate and grand weddings. Couples love the personalised experience and our outstanding attention to detail that our team brings to every celebration. 

    We aim to answer all of your questions, to ensure that your wedding day is as seamless and spectacular as you’ve dreamed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    CEREMONY INFORMATION
    We absolutely adore and encourage each of our couples to incorporate flower petals into their ceremony, for the excitement and romantic beauty they bring as you walk down the aisle as newlyweds in front of your loved ones. We unfortunately don’t, however, allow confetti, glitter, or rice at our venue. 

    WET WEATHER OPTIONS
    Whilst we offer stunning outdoor ceremony locations on our manicured lawns with backdrops including our pristine lake and picturesque vineyards, we are of course accustomed to Melbourne’s temperamental weather, therefore have various under cover options, in which we are experts in relocating to if needed at the last minute. These include either inside or the outdoor Terrace area at Isabella’s Restaurant or The Conservatory. The decision to set up a wet weather location will be made no later than 4 hours prior to your ceremony start time.

    CHILDRENS MEALS
    We have a range of options to keep your little ones happy throughout the day and night. Children under 12 years of age are charged $65 each, including a main course, dessert and unlimited soft drinks. Children 12 years to 17 years will be charged the full per person agreed rate, less any alcoholic beverage component.

    DISABILITY ACCESS
    Your guests are all ensured they will be well cared for and have no difficulties in accessing any of our ceremony and reception locations, as each is at ground level with easy access and also provides disabled bathroom facilities. You can view our accessibility information here.

    SUPPLIER MEALS
    We kindly encourage you to recognise the dedication and commitment of your wedding vendors in ensuring your wedding day vision is brought to life. Supplier meals for photographers, videographers, and your entertainment providers including bands, DJs, singers, guitarists and dancers are charged at a rate of $45 per person, and include a main course and soft drink. 

    BYO
    Rochford Wines is home to some of the finest premium wines, spirits & gourmet food in the Yarra Valley. We do not hold a BYO licence, and hence prohibits any BYO food or beverages. Wedding Cakes are allowed upon signing a wedding cake waiver, please contact your wedding coordinator for more information.

    ENTERTAINMENT
    We have a outdoor noise curfew of 10pm, however this does not affect entertainment indoors.

    MENU AVAILABILITY
    Our wedding menu is seasonal, therefore Rochford Wines will change the food menus and/or beverage list if necessary according to seasonal availability and vintage changes. This is to ensure we continue to deliver the highest quality food and beverages to our couples and their guests.

    MENU TASTING
    As part of our wedding packages, we provide complimentary food and wine tasting for each of our couples to ensure they are satisfied with their menu selection before their wedding day. Couples will get to try and select their entree, main and dessert.

    CATERING TO DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
    Couples have the opportunity to ask each of their guests for any dietary requirements prior to the day, our chefs can modify any dishes to ensure each guest is served delicious meals according to their dietary needs. 14 days prior to your wedding we will require a dietary guest list along with final guest numbers.

    CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL
    Rochford Wines practises responsible service of alcohol (RSA) to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our venue. Liquor service will conclude 30 minutes prior to the end of the function, and will cease without notice at 11:30pm. Rochford Wines reserves the right to remove any guest from the premises if we feel they are unsafe or a threat to themselves or those around them.

    FURRY FRIENDS
    We are a Pet friendly venue – We love seeing our couples include their pets in their ceremonies and wedding photographs. Please ensure someone has control of them at all times, we recommend Yarra Valley Pet Resort. Please note, we do not allow them inside our restaurants due to health and safety regulations (this does not apply to service animals).

    PRICING

    Your contract pricing is secure. Please note, advertised pricing may be subject to alteration at the discretion of Rochford Wines due to external circumstances, however, you will of course have this communicated to you. Prices are inclusive of GST.

    WORKING WINERY AND CONCERT VENUE
    Rochford Wines is both a working winery and a concert venue, and as such no guarantee can be made that nets or other concert infrastructure will not be in use at the time of your event. Rochford Wines will ensure to keep each client informed.

    EXTREME FIRE DAYS
    No naked flames or sparklers can be used in the open. In the case of a catastrophic day being declared and fires in the area, Rochford Wines would take direction from the relevant emergency agencies.

    CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING
    We do require a deposit of $2,000 within 7 days to secure your booking.

    We invite you to come along and visit our beautiful Yarra Valley winery to meet our welcoming and experienced events team, and see firsthand why our venue is the perfect setting for your special day. From breathtaking views and versatile spaces, to our commitment to providing an unparalleled wedding experience, discover how we can make your wedding truly memorable. Schedule a tour today, and let us help you start planning the wedding of your dreams.

    Have any further questions or enquiries?
    We’d love to hear from you! 

  • 8 Irresistible Reasons to opt for a Winery Wedding in the Yarra Valley at Rochford Wines

    8 Irresistible Reasons to opt for a Winery Wedding in the Yarra Valley at Rochford Wines

    Are you dreaming of a picturesque winery wedding with both elegant and rustic vibes, surrounded by gorgeous vineyards and luscious green rolling hills as far as the eye can see?

    Welcome to Rochford Wines, where your perfect day awaits at our iconic winery located in the heart of the stunning, world-renowned Yarra Valley. Known for our breathtaking scenery, highly rated wines, exceptional dining experience and impeccable service, our winery offers our couples the perfect backdrop for their special day. Weddings are our specialty, and we pride ourselves on creating bespoke celebrations that capture the essence of romance and the spirit of the Valley.

    Let’s explore the top 8 reasons why the Yarra Valley is not only a popular travel destination for the ultimate beautiful weekend escape, but also an in-demand wedding location, and why couples love Rochford Wines as their preferred Wedding Venue.

    Scenic Beauty

    Nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Rochford Wines boasts picturesque views that serve as a stunning backdrop for both your wedding ceremony and reception. Whether you choose to exchange vows amidst the vineyards, or near our picture perfect rustic barrel rooms, quaint courtyard, elegant conservatory or in front of the brick feature wall, there’s endless locations for you to be able to select from that resonates with your heart and complements your style, each offering natural beauty for unforgettable moments and gorgeous wedding photos.

    Award-Winning Wines

    One of the highlights of hosting your wedding at Rochford Wines is the opportunity for you and your guests to indulge in world-class wines. Renowned for our premium varietals, you’ll find a great selection of wines in our Wedding Packages that are sure to impress the wine enthusiasts among your guests. Our team of expert wine sommeliers will assist you in choosing the right wines for your wedding reception, from crisp Chardonnays to rich Cabernet Sauvignons, to create a bespoke wine menu that perfectly complements your food selection.

    To add some luxury and additional fun to your wedding reception night, you have the opportunity to wow your guests with a prosecco tower or a sparkling toast. 

    We also offer spirits and delicious cocktails as well as our famous wines, to surprise and delight your guests. Treat them to a pre-reception cocktail hour while you’re off getting your wedding photos.

    Delicious Catering

    It’s become well known that Yarra Valley Wineries are not only excellent at producing high quality wines, but also exceptional cuisine to complement. Together with our wedding team, our talented chefs have crafted the perfect wedding menu with a selection of delicious dishes, using the finest locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on seasonal flavours and innovative presentation.

    Whether you wish to have a cocktail style wedding with grazing boards and roaming canapés, or tables with sit-down two or three course meals, Rochford Wines offers everything from traditional italian antipasto and pasta dishes to gourmet seafood and decadent desserts promised to leave a lasting impression on your guests. We also cater to all dietary requirements. 

    Each couple are offered a complementary menu tasting, to assist in helping you decide on which menu items you’d love for you and your guests to indulge in.


    Versatile Wedding Reception Spaces

    No matter the size or style of your wedding, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering with close family and friends, or a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, our winery venue offers a range of versatile event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, that offers the comfort and convenience that your guests deserve. 

    From the picturesque outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards to the modern architectural feel of Isabella’s restaurant, with its soaring ceilings and huge windows, you’ll find a space that’s perfect to suit your style and bring your wedding vision to life.

    Inclusive, Flexible & Budget-Friendly Wedding Packages

    Wedding packages that take away any additional research and planning you have to do for your big day are a massive bonus! A highlighting feature our couples love is that our wedding packages have lots of inclusions, designed to make their wedding planning journey a breeze! From the freshest, locally sourced florals from the Yarra Valley’s preferred florist, to stylish and comfortable chairs, crisp white clothed linen, and a signing table, to a dedicated wedding coordinator and complementary use of the bridal suite, you’ll find most things you need have been incorporated for you. 

    Whilst we offer our set packages, we work closely with our couples to discover exactly what it is you’re envisioning for your big day – from the guest list size, styling visions, music and entertainment, the run sheet, food and drink preferences, upgrades, pet inclusions and more – providing the opportunity to customise and add your own personal touches that reflect your unique love story and individuality.

    Convenience

    The easiest way to ensure you and your guests experience a relaxing and enjoyable day (and importantly that your run sheet schedule is stuck to!), is to host both your ceremony and reception at the same venue. With various stunning spaces for your ceremony, reception and of course your photoshoot (such as our vineyards, green landscapes, barrel rooms, balcony, courtyard, and more), there’s no need to move to a different location, as our couples are spoilt for choice all in the one venue, making the whole day a seamless process, allowing more time to spend with their guests.

    Our winery’s convenient location is just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, and 15 minutes from the Eastern suburbs. We offer plenty of parking, accessible bus and Uber/taxi pickup locations, and ample nearby accommodation, ensuring the bridal party and wedding guests can have a stress-free transport experience to and from our venue.

    Dedicated, Experienced & Friendly Wedding Coordinators

    We understand and know all too well that planning a wedding can be daunting, which is why we offer you our team of experienced wedding professionals by your side during every step of the planning process. Whether you need assistance with vendor recommendations, or styling and decor, our dedicated wedding coordinators will ensure every detail is taken care of, for you to have a stress-free journey and enjoyable experience.

    On your wedding day, your coordinator will liaise with all vendors and ensure your guests are comfortable and taken care of, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your special day to the fullest!

    Strong Vendor Relationships

    When venues have established quality relationships with preferred wedding vendors who are intimately familiar with the space, it makes for a seamless wedding planning & on-the-day experience. Rochford Wines has a long list of local Yarra Valley vendors we have close relationships with that know our venue inside out. They have worked with us and with each other at our venue on many occasions, bringing a unique understanding of how to make our venue shine for your day! They know how each other works, allowing for great communication and impeccable timing, ensuring your run sheet is followed throughout the course of the day and night.

    Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley offers couples a truly magical setting for your wedding day. With its scenic beauty, award-winning wines, exceptional cuisine, versatile event spaces that seamlessly accommodate your loved ones, and experienced wedding professionals, it’s no wonder our couples are truly satisfied with the most memorable and romantic wedding experience. Say “I do” surrounded by the beauty of the Yarra Valley, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime at our breathtaking Winery. 

  • 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.

    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.

    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!

  • 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.

    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.

    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!

    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]

  • 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