Since 2018, Mitchelton Hotel in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley region has set the bar high for the ever-growing ‘winery hotel’ experiences you can now find located all over Victoria’s precious wine country. This welcomed addition to the already-established Mitchelton Winery Estate was pleasant and overdue, and now, has the backing of arguably the best automotive brand in the world: Mercedes-Benz.

A true gem in the heart of Victoria’s wine country, we took a leisurely trip just drive 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD to the heart of the Goulbourn Valley where we wined and dined over one perfect weekend.

Mitchelton Hotel

The hotel

Arriving at Mitchelton Hotel was done in style thanks to the comfortable – and somewhat formidable – Mercedes-Benz X-Class. The intertwining road into Mitchelton showcases the true beauty of the Mitchelton estate and its vineyard, while the new hotel beams with modernity. Enter the large wooden doors and you’ll find a completely design-driven hotel, comprising of 58-spacious rooms adorned by either a river or vineyard view.

The hotel’s fitout was done by contemporary Australian design duo Hecker Guthrie, and it truly encapsulates the notion of a ‘home away from home;’ staple home furniture pieces by Jardan are a welcomed addition.

On top of the stylish lobby with its communal lounge area, the boutique hotel features an impressive infinity pool (for all the Instagram stories), a spa and wellness centre and a gym; everything needed for a relaxing weekend getaway.

The hotel itself was personal project seen to fruition by owners and father-son duo Gerry and Andrew Ryan. What results from their innovative vision is a hotel that cleverly weaves design, gastronomy and of course, viniculture into its humble surroundings for all wine, food and travel enthusiasts alike to enjoy.

What Mitchelton Hotel does extremely well, however, is its juxtaposition of being a luxury, boutique-driven hotel mixed with an Australiana setting; set on the banks of the Goulburn River with red gums and native grasslands, it’s hard to replicate the iconic Australian bush setting anywhere else

It’s this notion that sparks authenticity, as opposed to a swanky, soulless retreat.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

The food

The flagship restaurant, The Muse, features an impressive regional North-Victorian-inspired menu, helmed by executive chef Dan Hawkins (ex-Longrain, Newmarket, Acland St Cantina). What Hawkins has done really well is to highlight the farm-to-table offering at The Muse, ensuring only the freshest produce from the region and beyond is delivered to its guests. What results is an authentic dining experience with beautiful food and warm, country hospitality.

Menu highlights include a selection of local and imported charcuterie and cheese offerings, fennel and chilli crumbed pork cutlet with bitter leaves and apple mustard, barramundi with clams, snow peas and garden herbs, and 500gr pasture-fed, 28-day dry-aged ribeye cooked on the bone – delicious!

The Muse

The cellar door

For those looking to enjoy an afternoon tipple – you are at a winery, after all – the cellar door at Mitchelton is a great starting place. You’ll be greeted by wine experts who will run you through a range of popular wines that make up Mitchelton’s legacy; such as the signature Print Shiraz, or the vintage 2011 Riesling. For a refreshing drop during the warmer months, the Preece Grenache Rosé (an ode to founding Mitchelton winemaker, Colin Preece) is fantastic for enjoying with company, as you lounge pool-side overlooking the banks of the Goulburn.

Since its launch, Mitchelton Hotel has truly established itself as a desirable staycation in country Victoria. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or enjoy the nature that is on your doorstep, a unique experience awaits at Mitchelton Hotel.

For more information on the experiences available at Mitchelton, head to the website mitchelton.com.au

For more information on the Mercedes-Benz X-Class range, visit the website here