Hillcrest respectfully acknowledges the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which our vines are grown and our wine is made. We share their respect for land, place and sustainable practice.

Our story.

Hillcrest Vineyard sits quietly in the upper reaches of the Yarra Valley at Woori Yallock, where our 5 hectares of vines have been dry-grown since they were first planted in the early 1970s. With over 50 vintages delivered, the vineyard is a living record of the seasons, and a site that has proved to reward patience, precision, and restraint.

From Hillcrest’s beginning, our inspiration has come from the Old World, where wine is an expression of place and time, not merely of technique. We craft classic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet-based wines that speak unmistakably of their origin - elegant, structured, and built to age gracefully.

In 2018, Hillcrest passed to its third owner — a steward committed to preserving the vineyard’s legacy and deepening its connection to the stories and history of the Yarra Valley region. The vision is one of continuity, not change, honouring the past while ensuring Hillcrest remains vibrant and resilient for the future.

Our winemakers have a thoughtful, minimalist approach bringing clarity and focus. Vintage by vintage, the evolution has been quiet and considered and led more by the vineyard than by the cellar.

The vineyard is managed by Steph Koomen, who grew up in the Yarra Valley and brings rare experience from Germany, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and premium Australian sites. Under her care, we farm sustainably with a focus on soil health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience.

The surrounding landscape teems with beauty and native wildlife — kangaroos, birds, and native species that thrive among the vines, trees, and waterways — a daily reminder of the vitality of our place. Our close vine density — inspired by traditional European planting — encourages natural balance, lower yields, and exceptional fruit concentration.

Much of Hillcrest remains own-rooted — a rare and increasingly fragile legacy. To protect the vineyard for generations to come, we are now carefully replanting on rootstock, maintaining resilience while preserving the unique character that has defined this site for over half a century.

Hillcrest is about quiet dedication — growing exceptional fruit from a singular site, and making wines that reflect the land, the seasons, and the people who care for it.

A bottle of Hillcrest Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Village wine next to a glass of wine, on a dark surface with a gray cloth.
Close-up view of a wine glass with red wine being poured into it, with another glass of red wine slightly blurred in the background against a dark background.
Close-up of a glass of white wine with a blurred wine bottle in the background.
Bottle of Hillcrest Chardonnay Village wine lying on its side on a dark surface.
A bottle of Hillcrest Chardonnay wine from Yarra Valley, with a partially filled wine glass nearby, on a reflective surface.
A bottle of Hillcrest Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Village wine and a glass of red wine. The glass is partially visible and held in front of the bottle, which is on a light-colored surface. Light reflecting off the wine creates a red glow on the surface.
A bottle of Hillcrest Yarra Valley Chardonnay Village wine on a wooden surface with wine glasses and greenery around.
A bottle of Hillcrest Vineyard Pinot Noir Premium wine, a black wine capsule with gold lettering, a filled wine glass, and a bowl of mixed olives on a light-colored surface.
A glass of red wine on a marble surface, with a bottle of Hillcrest winery and a bottle opener nearby.