Yarra Valley Agritourism Pioneer CherryHill Orchards Crowned For Culinary Excellence At The Victorian Tourism Awards

Published on December 3, 2025

The highest commendation in the category of Excellence in Food Tourism was conferred upon CherryHill Orchards at the highly anticipated 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards. Hosted by the esteemed Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the ceremony marked a significant milestone for the operator, whose primary locations are situated in Coldstream and Wandin East.

The coveted gold award solidifies the company’s reputation as a leader in experiential agritourism within the internationally renowned Yarra Valley region. This exceptional recognition was earned following years of dedicated refinement and commitment to crafting visitor experiences. The achievement represents the culmination of a distinguished progression of awards, having been previously acknowledged with both bronze and silver medals in the very same category, underscoring the consistent upward trajectory of the business’s tourism offering. The victory, secured on December 3, 2025, was universally celebrated by the team as a true validation of their sustained effort and unwavering dedication to quality.

The Significance of Gold Recognition

The attainment of the gold medal was stated to be an incredible honour and a powerful testament to the passion and collective hard work demonstrated by the entire team. The central philosophy guiding all operations at CherryHill Orchards is understood to be the creation of moments of joy for the customers. This mission is realised through various avenues, including the enjoyment of fresh cherries, participation in seasonal events, and the immersion of visitors in the carefully curated food-focused experiences provided on-site.

The business has been steadily refining and elevating the quality of the CherryHill experience year after year. Therefore, the progression from receiving bronze and silver medals, and now culminating in the gold award, is felt to represent a genuine and significant recognition of that demonstrable growth and operational excellence. The success achieved in this competitive field is considered pivotal, reinforcing the status of the Yarra Valley itself. The region is well-known for its premium produce, stunning natural scenery, and particularly warm hospitality, and these characteristics are precisely what are experienced by visitors to the orchard.

Blending Authenticity with Innovation

The factors believed to have contributed significantly to the successful attainment of the gold medal were identified as the distinctive combination of authenticity and innovation. Guests visiting the property are not simply engaging in a tasting of cherries; they are instead being fully integrated into the experience of a working orchard, which is supported by a proud, 85-year family history. This deep heritage is further enriched by being guided by a passionate team whose genuine enjoyment of their work is clearly conveyed. Continuous reinvestment in the visitor experiences is prioritised, with new and sustainable product offerings being regularly introduced. These offerings include the artisan cherry beverages and the signature ice creams, all of which are designed to add considerable depth and variety to the food tourism journey at CherryHill.

The Central Role of the Dedicated Team

A substantial portion of what renders the CherryHill experience exceptional is attributed to the extraordinary team employed there. Immense pride is taken in the diverse group of local and international staff members who contribute significant warmth, energy, and genuine care to every interaction with guests. The staff are considered the very heart of the operation, and the delivery of these high-calibre experiences would simply not be possible without their dedication and expertise. The emphasis placed on exemplary service is further reinforced by the proactive approach taken regarding guest feedback. Direct and immediate action is consistently taken on feedback received, ensuring that the offerings are continually refined and improved.

Innovation and Sustainable Product Development

Recent exciting developments at CherryHill Orchards were highlighted, showcasing the company’s commitment to both innovation and sustainability. Among these advancements is the creation of a new, pure cherry juice. This product is formulated using two kilograms of CherryHill Orchards cherries that possess minor cosmetic imperfections, such as small cracks or missing stems. This purposeful utilisation of less-than-perfect fruit serves the dual function of delivering a premium product while simultaneously reducing food waste, illustrating a commendable environmental and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the organisation of the upcoming Christmas Market at the Coldstream orchard, scheduled over 20 to 21 December, was also announced as another key event designed to engage the community and extend the seasonal offering.

Regional Tourism Successes Acknowledged

The celebration of excellence was not limited to CherryHill Orchards alone; the awards ceremony served to recognise numerous high-quality operators across the region. Several other businesses within the Yarra Valley were honoured for their outstanding contributions to Victorian tourism. Healesville’s Kangaroo Ridge Retreat was deservedly awarded gold in the Hosted Accommodation category, recognising the superior quality of their guest experience.

Silver recognition was secured by Hop It for their operations as Tour and Transport Operators, reflecting their reliability and quality of service in moving guests throughout the region. The bronze award for Adventure Tourism was successfully taken home by Liberty Balloon Flights, celebrating the unique and thrilling perspectives they offer to tourists. Furthermore, Eden Yarra Valley, Gillwell Park Adventure Centre, and Your Exclusive Tours were all acknowledged as respected finalists in their respective categories at the prestigious awards. The success of these diverse businesses collectively demonstrates the depth and variety of tourism offerings available in the region, establishing the Yarra Valley as a powerhouse of Victorian travel destinations.