Photo: Rexness / CC BY-SA 2.0
Mitchelton Winery is a landmark of the Nagambie Lakes region, about 90 minutes north of Melbourne, not the Hunter Valley. Its striking, award-winning architecture—a futuristic, curvilinear building designed by Glenn Murcutt—rises from the vineyards like a sleek silver vessel. Inside, the vast glass-walled tasting room offers panoramic views over the Goulburn River and the estate's 120 hectares of vines. Mitchelton is as much a destination for design lovers and foodies as for wine enthusiasts.
Highlights & What to See
- The iconic 'Pump House' architecture: Admire the building's sweeping, ship-like form and its dramatic cantilevered roof. The interior is flooded with natural light, with a central atrium that houses an impressive, gravity-fed winery.
- Wine tasting flights: Sample Mitchelton's acclaimed range, from crisp rieslings and complex chardonnays to bold shiraz and the flagship 'Crescent' cabernet sauvignon. The knowledgeable staff guide you through the nuances of each wine.
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) design store: Browse a curated selection of MoMA-designed gifts, homewares, and art books—a surprising and delightful addition to a winery visit.
- Restaurant and café: Dine at the on-site restaurant, which focuses on seasonal, locally sourced produce, or grab a coffee and pastry at the casual café. Both offer spectacular vineyard views.
- Vineyard walks and river views: Stroll along the walking paths that weave through the vines and down to the Goulburn River. The scenery is particularly beautiful in late afternoon light.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the winery. Start with a tasting flight, then wander the grounds and the MoMA store. If you're having lunch, allow 2.5 to 3 hours. The winery is a perfect mid-morning or lunch stop on a drive between Melbourne and the Murray River region, or as part of a dedicated Nagambie Lakes wine tour.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Nagambie Lakes: Just a few minutes' drive away, this charming lakeside town offers waterside walks, picnic spots, and several other wineries and cellar doors.
- Euroa: About 20 minutes north, this historic gold-rush town features a lovely main street with antique shops, cafés, and the imposing Seven Creeks Park.
- Strathbogie Ranges: A 30-minute drive east, these forested hills offer hiking trails, waterfalls, and cool-climate vineyards at higher altitudes.
- Heathcote: About 40 minutes west, Heathcote is renowned for its shiraz and boasts a cluster of excellent cellar doors, as well as the Heathcote-Graytown National Park.
- Lake Eildon: A 50-minute drive northeast, this massive lake is a hub for water sports, fishing, and camping, surrounded by the Great Dividing Range.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Nagambie Lakes — PD-US
- Euroa — Chensiyuan / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Heathcote — Gage - Flickr user Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Lake Eildon — Shirleyshoe93 / CC BY-SA 3.0