The moment I pull into the gravel carpark on McMeikans Road and am hit with that unmistakable whiff of warm milk wafting from the old milking shed, I’m reminded why Yarra Valley Dairy is one of my go-to detours off the highway. For Oleksandr Honcharenko – a bloke who has a reputation for driving hours out of his way for a decent chunk of artisan cheese – this humble farmhouse cheesery has become a familiar stop as I make my way through the Yarra Valley food and wine scene.
It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, thank goodness for that. What you’ll find is a simple milking-shed cafe perched among rolling hills, but inside you’ll discover all the gems: handmade cheeses, generous cheese tasting platters and that friendly country Victoria service that locals do so well. If you’re planning a winery loop, a day trip or just a food-production adventure through the region, then this cheese shop has to be on your list.
- $5.00 – $25.00 (Tasting) Duration: 1–2 Hours (approx.)
- Location: 70-80 McMeikans Rd, Yarra Glen, VIC
- Travel Time: 1-hour drive from Melbourne
- Activity Level: Easy / Culinary
Tracing The Story Behind The Shed
A place like this doesn’t just happen by accident – it comes from a love of farm fresh milk, traditional techniques and a whole lot of patience. The dairy grew out of a family-owned operation that has been connected to Victoria’s cheese-making industry for years before becoming the artisan farmhouse cheese destination it is today.
Over the years, the staff have been sharing stories about how they picked up their cheesemaking techniques in Europe, then adapted them to suit the premium-quality milk from local cows and goats. What started out as a simple shed-style cheese factory shifted towards making some seriously artisan cow’s- and goat’s-milk cheeses – everything from fresh and soft to marinated and washed rinds.
The rustic decor and shelves of local goodies make it feel like you’re walking into a country kitchen – one who just happens to make some of the world-class cheese.
How To Get There
Most people drive in from Melbourne – about an hour’s trip depending on whether you get stuck behind a pack of slow-moving tourists, grab a coffee or two, and how many Yarra Valley wineries are calling your name.
Getting there: Follow the Maroondah Highway to Coldstream, then swing towards Yering, VIC. You can’t miss the dairy – it’s tucked in among all the vineyards and paddocks.
Road conditions: Fully sealed roads and a smooth drive. No nasty corrugations to rattle your teeth loose – unlike some other places.
Fuel: There are numerous refuelling options in Lilydale and Healesville.
On my first visit to the cheese shop, the GPS tried to send me down a private orchard! When in doubt, just trust the road signs over that satellite navigation thingy. Satellites don’t know squat about cheese.
Hours: When The Doors Are Open
The cheese shop runs comfortably through the day, usually 10.30 am to 5 pm, and often 7 days a week, though opening hours can flex on public holidays.
Typical Opening Pattern
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 10.30 am–5 pm |
| Sat–Sun | 10.30 am–5 pm |
| Public holidays | Varies — check ahead |
Its spot among rolling hills and wineries makes it a brilliant stop, whether you’re touring cellar doors or finishing a walk around Yering.
Signature Cheeses That Get People Hooked
Every time I visit, I catch myself saying I’ll be sensible this time… and every time I leave with a cheese haul that’s just begging to feed an army.
Here are the must-try cheeses that keep drawing people back:
Fresh & Farmhouse Cheeses
You can’t go past these delicate handmade cheeses crafted from fresh cow and goat’s milk. They’re the perfect snack option to have on hand, especially when paired with gourmet crackers.
The Famous Marinated Feta & Persian Feta
Their marinated feta – floating in olive oil, herbs, and spices – is a recognisable style that’s hard to resist. It’s versatile, a smooth delight to snack on – and before you know it, it’s gone.
Ashed Pyramid & Goat's Curd
The dairy’s specialty cheese range includes the highly praised Ashed Pyramid and creamy Goat Curd – both made from artisanal goat’s milk.
Yering Camembert-Style
A nice nod to French cheesemaking, this Camembert-style soft cheese is a staple on any cheese platter.
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff about fresh cheeses made that morning – the small batch cheeses often don’t make it to the online menu.
Cheese Tastings: The Part Everyone Comes For
cheese tastings are the real stars of the dairy. No fuss, no complicated systems – just generous samples, helpful guidance, and a taste explosion that’ll put your self-control to the test.
You grab a counter spot, chat with the staff about this week’s cheese offerings, and go through a curated selection of handmade cheeses. Some are light and fresh, while others are rich or made to fall apart under olive oil and herbs. You get a taste of how cheese styles change with temperature, age, and milk source.
More than once, I’ve said to myself, ‘I’ll only try a few’… only to walk out with half the fridge.
Events And Cheesemaking Classes
When the dairy hosts cheesemaking classes, they sell out fast – and for good reason. These sessions are relaxed, practical, and hands-on. They’re not about turning you into a pro – they’re about showing you the basics of cheese making: separating curds from whey, forming shapes, adding herbs, and ageing methods.
The classes also provide a behind-the-scenes look at Victoria’s cheese-making industry, highlighting how ingredients and climate shape a cheese’s character. Perfect for couples, friends, or anyone who wants to get closer to local food culture.
The Farm Shop: Old Shed, New Surprises
The farm shop is a perfect blend of rustic charm and artisan cheese that’s sure to blow your diet out of the water. The shelves are stacked high with local goodies like pickles, relishes, and gourmet crackers that are practically begging to be paired up with their dairy friends.
There are cheese platters ready to go, jars of marinated feta sitting pretty in olive oil, and all sorts of artisan cow and goat’s milk cheeses just begging to be taken home for a picnic. It feels less like shopping and more like stumbling into someone’s curated pantry.
customer service is as warm as the cheese – the staff are always happy to share insider knowledge, talk about seasonal batches, or show you which combinations make the best cheese platters.
Shop And Take Home A Taste
Their chiller is stocked with artisan cheese to take home – and getting to grips with an opened jar a few days later is like a time machine back to that warm, happy feeling of being in the shop itself, surrounded by the cheese factory next door.
Storage tip: Don’t expect to have any leftover cheese kicking around for long, but at least fresh cheeses can be eaten pretty quickly. Marinated feta, on the other hand, has a bit more staying power thanks to that olive oil – but let’s be real, it will still disappear fast.
Cheese Delivery: When You Can't Make The Drive
If you’re stuck in Melbourne or can’t make the trip interstate, you can still get your artisan cow and goat’s milk cheese fix at home.
Why Delivery Does The Trick
- perfect for events
- great for gifting
- keeps your cheese platters fresh during busy weeks
It won’t replace the farm experience, but it’ll keep your cheese cravings satisfied until you can get back.
Local Hacks From Repeat Visits
Local hacks from repeat visits
After more trips than I care to admit, I’ve picked up a few tricks of the trade.
Get there early on weekends
The crowds come in fast – so if you get there early you’ll still get to taste all the cheese your heart desires (and not have to fight for space).
Bring a cooler
Even on a mild day, the cheese will melt faster than you can say ‘beer o’clock’.
Pair it with a Yarra Valley winery visit
Doing a round of tastings at the cellar doors nearby makes this place a perfect first or last stop on any wine tour.
Check out the specials board
If you’re after something new, try checking out the specials board – that’s where you’ll find all the small-batch cheeses first.
Be kind to the land
Just stick to the paths, be mindful of any animals and don’t leave your rubbish behind – we want to keep the countryside looking its best.
A Simple Shed With A Big Heart
If you’re planning a trip and need some advice on how to work the dairy into your day trip, winery run, or countryside wander, feel free to ask – good food deserves to be enjoyed on a good journey.
