Upper Yarra Estate Payne's Wine Is Celebrating 25 Years of Small-Batch Winemaking with a New Hospitality Experience
This hidden gem now features a new kitchen focused on global cuisine, plus expanded drinking and dining spaces.
There's no shortage of quality wineries in the Upper Yarra, but one that's quietly been going about its business for the last 25 years is Payne's Rise. Established by Tim and Narelle Cullen in 1999, the Seville-based operation has grown from early plantings of cabernet sauvignon into a focused, site-driven vineyard producing small-batch pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet. Now the business is celebrating its quarter-century anniversary with the launch of a new hospitality experience.
Relaxed and welcoming in equal measure, a new wine-tasting area invites guests to sit, connect and reflect on the bounty in their glass. Another new space, the Elm Room, features sweeping Valley views and the chance to indulge in casual drinking and dining. Meanwhile, the existing function room, The Deck, has been expanded to house a larger kitchen and upgraded amenities to make gatherings and private functions even more special.
Leading this new kitchen is Head Chef Yohan Kahandagama, who brings a global culinary perspective while keeping with the venue's dedicated approach to seasonal and local produce. Born in Sri Lanka and trained in Japan, Kahandagama has shaped a flavourful menu designed to pair with the estate's easygoing ambience and wine. Focused on slow food, expect dishes like lamb ragu gnocchi, rigatoni carbonara and seafood carpaccio.
Complementing the cool-climate wines, this refreshed direction will help Payne's Rise build upon its reputation as one of the region's most respected family-run wineries. Named the Best Small Producer at the 2024 Yarra Valley Wine Show, the estate has also long held a 5-star rating from James Halliday, and received a respected nod by being included in The Real Review's Top Wineries of Australia 2024 list.
This success hasn't happened overnight. According to Tim Cullen, it's been shaped by decades of careful vineyard management, an unwavering belief in minimal intervention and a steadfast connection to the local community. "Our vineyard has a clear voice now," says Tim. "And our winemaking is all about capturing that purity with honesty."
With slow and thoughtful food joining its lineup of refined wines, Payne's Rise is finding ways to blend its rustic charm with a modern sophistication. The estate's acclaimed cellar door is integrated into the original 1860s homestead, while the winery continues to work alongside celebrated local winemaker Franco D'Anna. He puts the estate's success simply: "Winemaking is simple when the vineyard produces great fruit."
Payne's Rise Wines is open Thursday–Sunday from 11am–5pm at 10 Paynes Road, Seville. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Alex Jovanovic.
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