Olivigna Winery

As autumn settles in, the mornings become crisp and leaves begin to turn there’s arguably no better time to visit a winery, ideally somewhere with deciduous trees and a whack of hearty reds on offer. And now you don’t have to slog it out to the Yarra Valley for the authentic winery experience – you can travel to Warrandyte.

Olivigna is a boutique winery that opened late last year. Set in the back roads of Warrandyte, it’s also probably the prettiest place you’ll get for lunch this close to the city. Lush rolling hills – check. Large wine barrels artfully arranged – check. Picturesque orchard – check.

But Olivigna also has also aces up its sleeve – namely the gargantuan wood fire pizza oven imported from Italy, and a bocce lawn.

Husband and wife John Di Pietro and Anna Gallo have planned Olivigna for 15 years, and are already producing a perfectly respectable Sangiovese, Shiraz and Cab Sav. With another 4000 vines newly planted, more plonk is on the way.

In the kitchen chef Colin Swalwell to produce an Italian menu that is largely populated with Olivigna’s veggie and herb garden. While all the usual Italian stalwarts like pork belly and fish are on the menu, I reckon the pizza’s take top honours here.

A light crust infused with the smoky crunch that only comes from a wood fired oven, paired with a cab sav overlooking the vineyards and it’s pretty easy to forget you’re 15 minutes from the city.

If you like what you eat and drink you can also take home a few bottles or even some olive oil. Bocce balls are not for sale as yet.

For a slice of Tuscany (and pizza) via Zone Two, swing by Olivigna this autumn. Or even better, take your mum. She’d love it.

OLIVIGNA
54 – 56 Brumby’s Road, South Warrandyte
9844 4676
Restaurant: Sun 9am – 11.30am & 12pm – 4.30pm
Wed – Sat 11.30am – 3.30pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
Cellar Door: Thurs – Sun 11.30am – 4.30pm
olivigna.com.au