Cheese + Chill

At Yarran Wines, the main attraction is simple: sit on a wide terrace, look across the vines toward Cocoparra National Park, and work through a flight of local wines with a cheeseboard in reach. The setting does much of the work, turning a short tasting into an easy afternoon break rather than a rushed stop.

I like the choice of up to six wines, since you can explore Yarran’s better-known Durif and Pinot Grigio along with newer releases such as Montepulchiano Pet Nat. I also like the private group format and the fact that non-drinkers are welcome. The main thing to consider is the outdoor seating. Your comfort depends on the weather, so bring suitable clothing for sun, wind, or cooler conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Six wines and one shared cheeseboard: The tasting includes up to six wines of your choice and one cheeseboard for every two people.
• Views across the Riverina vines: The terrace looks over the vineyard toward Cocoparra National Park.
• A relaxed 90-minute pace: This is designed for sitting, tasting, and talking, not rushing from one winery stop to another.
• Private groups up to 10: You book as a group, and the tasting is kept for your party.
• Non-drinkers can join: List everyone attending, including anyone who will not be drinking.
• A small winery stop with local character: Coolamon cheeses and other local produce add a strong Riverina touch.

A slow afternoon at Yarran Wines

The Cheese + Chill experience takes place at Yarran Wines, at 178 Myall Park Road in Yenda, part of the Riverina wine region of New South Wales. The activity lasts about an hour and a half, and it begins and ends at the cellar door.

That timing is one of the best features. Ninety minutes gives you room to taste several wines without turning the visit into a formal lecture. You can sit down, take in the view, ask questions, and enjoy the food at a steady pace. If you are building a full day around Griffith or nearby wine country, this works well as one comfortable stop rather than an all-day commitment.

The mood is casual. You are not being moved through a large series of rooms or pushed toward a fixed presentation. The tasting takes place around the cellar door and terrace, where the views across the vines and toward Cocoparra National Park are part of the experience.

You should expect outdoor terrace tables, so weather matters. A sunny afternoon may suit the name Cheese + Chill perfectly, while a cold or windy day could make the same setting less comfortable. Dress for the forecast and treat the open-air seating as part of the plan, not a minor detail.

Tasting up to six Riverina wines

The tasting includes up to six wines, selected from the range at the cellar door. You can try the winery’s flagship styles, including Durif and Pinot Grigio, and you may also encounter the Montepulchiano Pet Nat, a newer and less conventional option.

This selection gives the tasting a useful spread. Durif is a natural choice if you want to sample a fuller red associated with Australian wine production. Pinot Grigio offers a lighter contrast. The Montepulchiano Pet Nat adds a sparkling option with a more modern feel, which can make the flight more interesting than a standard red-and-white lineup.

Your host takes you through the wines and explains the local styles. The information is aimed at helping you understand what is in the glass, not at overwhelming you with technical language. That suits this experience. You can ask about the wines as you go, then decide which ones fit your taste.

The tasting is also flexible. You are offered wines of your choice rather than a rigid list that every group must follow. That matters if your group has mixed preferences. Some people can focus on reds, others on whites or bubbles, and nobody needs to spend the afternoon drinking something they already know they do not enjoy.

The experience is not described as a full winery production tour, so you should not expect a behind-the-scenes look at vineyards, tanks, or barrels. Its focus is the cellar door tasting, the food, and the view. For a first introduction to Yarran Wines, that narrow focus keeps things easy and social.

Coolamon cheese with the wine

The cheeseboard is provided to share, with one board for every two people. It is a practical match for the tasting, giving you something to eat between pours and making the experience feel like a light afternoon spread rather than wine samples alone.

Local Coolamon cheeses have been used with the tastings, along with other local produce. That local connection adds value. You are not simply pairing generic snacks with wine while sitting in a scenic spot. The food gives you another way to understand the region and provides a useful comparison as the wines change.

Keep the serving size in mind. One board per two people is intended for sharing, not as a full meal. If you arrive hungry, you should think of the cheeseboard as a substantial snack or light grazing plate. The supplied information does not promise lunch or a larger meal.

The pairing also gives non-drinkers something to enjoy. Anyone joining the group but skipping the wine can still take part in the terrace setting and food. Be sure to include non-drinkers when booking, since the winery asks for a complete list of attendees.

The people make the tasting work

The staff are a major part of the appeal here. Katie has hosted the tasting, taking visitors through the wines and the cheese pairings. The service is warm and accommodating, with an emphasis on making the tasting comfortable for the group in front of her.

The staff can explain the wines in a friendly way and help you choose from the range. That matters more at a small cellar door than it might at a large commercial tasting room. The quality of the conversation can shape the whole visit, especially if you are new to Riverina wines or unsure what to try.

The setting also appears well suited to an unhurried visit. The cellar door opens onto a broad deck, with the vines and national park view in front of you. Amenities and grounds are pleasant, and the terrace gives you space to sit with your group after the formal tasting introduction is finished.

You should not expect a private wine expert assigned to every individual. The experience is for your group, but the tone remains informal. It works best if you want guidance without a highly scripted performance.

Why the private group format matters

The experience is offered as a private group tour, with groups of up to 10 people noted in the main description. The overall activity limit is 15 people, and larger parties of more than 15 need to contact the winery before booking this option.

For a couple, family group, or small circle of friends, the private format can make the tasting feel more personal. You can talk freely, ask questions without worrying about a large audience, and spend more time comparing your favorite wines. It is also useful for celebrations or a relaxed stop during a road trip.

You must book as a group rather than making separate individual reservations. The winery asks you to list everyone attending, including non-drinkers, so it knows the exact group size and can prepare the right amount of cheese.

The format is less suited to solo visitors looking for a broad social wine event. This is built around your own party, not around meeting a large mix of other people. That is a benefit for privacy, but it means the atmosphere depends on the company you bring.

The view and the Riverina setting

The view is not just a backdrop for photographs. It gives you a reason to slow down between tastings. From the terrace, you look across vineyard rows toward Cocoparra National Park, linking the wine in your glass to the place where you are drinking it.

Yenda and the surrounding Riverina are not presented as a grand resort destination. The appeal is more grounded: a working wine area, a cellar door, local produce, and an open view. This makes the stop useful for visitors who prefer a simple regional experience over a polished attraction with a packed schedule.

The outdoor setting also means the visit changes with the day. Light, temperature, and wind will affect how long you want to linger. Since the tasting runs for about 90 minutes, a little planning around the weather will improve the experience.

If you are driving through the area, allow time to enjoy the stop rather than treating it as a quick purchase. The winery offers access to its range while you sit at the cellar door, so you can continue tasting or consider buying a bottle after the main introduction.

Is $24.39 good value?

At $24.39 per person, the price covers up to six wines, the guided introduction, access to the range while you sit at the cellar door, and a cheeseboard to share at a rate of one board per two people.

That is good value if you are interested in tasting several wines and want a place to sit with food. The private group setup adds value for people who prefer a quieter visit, since you are not paying only for a brief counter tasting. You are paying for time, setting, guidance, and the chance to make the stop part of your afternoon.

The value is strongest for wine drinkers who will try a good portion of the six-wine selection. It is less compelling if you want a full meal, a long vineyard tour, or a detailed production visit, because those are not included in the stated experience.

One practical bonus is the reported $10 discount available when signing up as a member with a purchase. That offer is associated with buying and membership, so confirm the current terms at the cellar door rather than treating it as part of the tour price.

Who should book Cheese + Chill?

I would recommend this for couples, families with adult wine drinkers, and small groups wanting a gentle regional stop. It is particularly suited to people who care as much about the setting and conversation as the tasting itself.

It also works for mixed groups. Non-drinkers are welcome, and the cheese, view, and relaxed terrace setting give them a reason to join. Just list them when booking so the winery has an accurate headcount.

Wine enthusiasts may appreciate the chance to compare Durif, Pinot Grigio, and Montepulchiano Pet Nat in one sitting. Newcomers can benefit from the guided introduction and the freedom to ask questions without facing a large crowd.

I would look elsewhere if you want a long winery tour, a formal food-and-wine lunch, or guaranteed indoor seating. The outdoor terrace is central to the experience, and the offer is intentionally compact.

Booking details that matter

The activity is located at 178 Myall Park Road, Yenda, NSW 2681, and ends at the same place. A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation is received when you book.

The experience is usually booked about nine days in advance, so it is sensible to reserve ahead if your visit dates are fixed. Book the whole group together rather than splitting the reservation into separate purchases.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book this wine and cheese tasting?

Book Cheese + Chill if you want a well-priced, low-pressure cellar door visit with a local cheeseboard, up to six wines, and a fine view across the Riverina vines. The friendly staff, private group format, and flexible wine choices make it easy to shape the tasting around your own interests.

The decision comes down to expectations. This is not a large winery tour or a full lunch. It is a 90-minute pause with wine, cheese, and open-air views. If that sounds like the right pace, Yarran Wines offers a pleasant reason to leave town and spend an afternoon at the cellar door.

FAQ

Where does Cheese + Chill take place?

The experience takes place at Yarran Wines, 178 Myall Park Road, Yenda, New South Wales 2681. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tasting lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How many wines are included?

You can taste up to six wines of your choice from the Yarran Wines range.

Is food included?

Yes. A shared cheeseboard is included, with one board provided for every two guests. Local Coolamon cheeses and other local produce may be included.

Can non-drinkers join the group?

Yes. Non-drinkers are welcome, but you should list them when making the group booking.

How many people can join?

The private group description allows groups of up to 10 people. The overall activity maximum is 15 travelers, and groups larger than 15 should contact the winery before booking.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.