Breweries, Cideries & Distilleries

The Yarra Valley may be known for wine, but guests staying at Yarra Valley Lodge can also explore local cider makers, craft breweries and distillery experiences across the region.

For guests who want to branch out from cellar doors, the Yarra Valley has a growing drinks scene shaped by orchard-grown cider, independent breweries, small-batch beer and relaxed taprooms. These stops work well for couples, groups and guests who want a more casual afternoon between wineries, golf, local markets or time back on the estate.

Rather than building a full day around one venue, this guide is designed to help guests choose a stop that suits the mood of the day. Some are close enough for a casual drink or tasting, while others sit deeper in Healesville or Lilydale and pair well with lunch, local shopping or a broader Yarra Valley drive.

Local breweries, cideries and distilleries to visit

Napoleone Cider
12 St Huberts Road, Coldstream VIC 3770
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Yarra Valley Lodge.
Napoleone Cider is a family-owned Yarra Valley cider producer, known for ciders made from estate-grown apples and pears. It is a good option for guests who want something orchard-led and local, especially if they are already exploring Coldstream or nearby cellar doors.

Coldstream Brewery
694 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream VIC 3770
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Yarra Valley Lodge.
Coldstream Brewery is a relaxed local brewery and dining stop on Maroondah Highway. It suits guests who want a casual beer, lunch or dinner in Coldstream without making the day feel too formal.

Hop Hen Brewing
Unit 17, 64-86 Beresford Road, Lilydale VIC 3140
Approximately 15 minutes from Yarra Valley Lodge.
Hop Hen Brewing is a family-owned brewery in Lilydale with house-brewed beer, casual dining, pizzas and a relaxed taproom feel. It is one of the easiest brewery stops to reach from the Lodge, particularly for guests arriving from Melbourne or planning a casual evening nearby.

Watts River Brewing
7 Hunter Road, Healesville VIC 3777
Approximately 30 minutes from Yarra Valley Lodge.
Watts River Brewing is a working brewery in Healesville with a casual, local feel. It is a useful stop for guests spending time in Healesville, especially when paired with local shops, lunch, gin, galleries or other food and drink experiences.

Hargreaves Hill
Factory 60, 64-86 Beresford Road, Lilydale VIC 3140
Approximately 15 minutes from Yarra Valley Lodge.
Hargreaves Hill is an established independent brewery with a Lilydale taproom and a long local story, including its rebuild after the Black Saturday fires. It is a good option for guests interested in craft beer, seasonal releases and a more local Lilydale drinks stop.

Four Pillars Gin
2 Lilydale Road, Healesville VIC 3777
Approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Yarra Valley Lodge.
For guests interested in gin, we have a dedicated guide for Four Pillars Gin. The Healesville distillery offers tastings, cocktails, the Gin Garden, workshops and take-home bottles from one of the Yarra Valley’s best-known drinks producers.

Make it part of your stay

A brewery, cidery or distillery stop is a good way to give a Yarra Valley stay a different rhythm. Start with breakfast at Yarra Valley Lodge, choose one or two local drinks stops that suit the day, then return to the estate without needing to over-plan the itinerary.

For groups, these venues can add a more relaxed edge to a weekend away, golf trip or celebration. For couples, they offer a casual alternative to a full winery day. For guests staying longer, they help show another side of the Valley, one shaped by apples, hops, botanicals, local makers and easy afternoons.

After exploring the region’s breweries, cideries and distilleries, return to Yarra Valley Lodge for dinner at Bella Restaurant, time on the estate or a quiet drink back at the Lodge.

Image credit: Visit Victoria