Darren and Farley Kelly founded Kellybrook in 1962 and made both still and sparkling cider from apples grown in his orchard. Today the vines greatly outnumber the apple trees with Kellybrook being granted the Yarra Valley's first vigneron's licence in that century (1970). The winery produces an extensive range of premium quality wines, including Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay (recently awarded a Gold Medal) and several other award-winning table wines. It is one of the few small wineries in the Yarra Valley still owned by the original family, and for several years now, the second generation of Kelly's has been involved in the business. All wines are made from estate-grown fruit by Darren and Farley's son, Phil Kelly. His wife, Jenny, is now the function co-ordinator for the restaurant. Their two boys are now big enough to help out during vintage - as seen below.
Kellybrook is still well-known for the apple ciders it has been producing from local fruit for the past forty-odd years. The first cider made at Kellybrook was the rather unique Champagne Cider (Methode Champenoise) for which Darren won a suite of awards in the early years. A much more recent addition is Kelly Brothers Sparkling Cider which is made by Phil and his brother Gus Kelly. Our ciders are all made from the pure juice of freshly pressed Yarra Valley apples.
The restaurant was established in 1984, and today, offers a fabulous setting with a modern menu for a la carte dining as well as functions, including garden weddings. |
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The cellar door is generally open seven days of the week (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday, and public holidays). Kellybrook's restaurant is relaxed and comfortable, with a grand log fire in the winter months, and a terrace with vineyard views for the warmer months. |
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The welcome is warm, the atmosphere informal and typically Australian. Visitors can chat with the winemakers, Darren and Philip Kelly, in the Tasting Room, with its store of oak barrels, dine at the licensed restaurant, stroll through delightful gardens and even try their hand at the French game of petanque, with a glass of wine in one hand and a 'boule' in the other! |
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