Page 24 - Flipbook

For something a little grander, the Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
will impress with its Chef’s Hat-rated restaurant and cellar door. Famous for its chardonnay and pinot noir, it also has an olive grove that produces excellent cold- pressed extra virgin olive oils.
Other notable wineries in the area include Port Phillip Estate, Ten Minutes By Tractor and Red Hill Estate.
WHERE TO STAY
The Nepean Country Club and Day Spa
(Property ID: 1169) sits in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula on 35 acres of landscaped gardens. If you’re after a day off from visiting cellar doors you can visit the club and enjoy a game of tennis or go canoeing or swimming.
YARRA VALLEY
As the birthplace of Victoria’s wine industry, the Yarra Valley is a blend of old and new, influenced by a strong history and tradition.
Winemaking in the region dates back
to 1838 and generations of vignerons have worked hard to produce world class wines that showcase the region’s cool-climate grapes.
Less than an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers breathtaking vistas with every turn. Stop at the popular TarraWarra Estate and sample its pinot noir and chardonnay. The estate sits on 400 hectares of prime Yarra Valley farmland.
One of the biggest wineries in the area
is Yering Station. Established in 1838 as Victoria’s first vineyard, it features perfectly manicured gardens and a regional farmers market every third Sunday of the month.
MANSFIELD AND
MOUNT BULLER
About two-and-a-half hour’s drive from Melbourne are the High Country towns of Mansfield and Mt Buller. The region’s rugged countryside and alpine landscape is best known as an adventure sports playground, but it is also home to craft breweries, artisan food producers and
wineries, including Delatite Wines and Ros Ritchie Wines.
WHERE TO STAY
The Mansfield Country Resort (Property ID: 0827) is a great option for families, with units that accommodate up to about four people. On the shore of Lake Eildon guests can play tennis, squash or mini golf.
MACEDON RANGES
Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne is the Macedon Ranges where you will find some of Australia’s best boutique wineries. Here you will discover hidden vineyards and have the chance to sample limited edition wines. This area is about small-scale, family-owned wineries that produce elegant chardonnays, pinot noirs and shirazes. Pull in at the Granite Hills Winery, home to Australia’s benchmark riesling and enjoy a classic peppery shiraz.
WHERE TO STAY
Kyneton Bushland Resort (Property ID: 0830) provides self-contained villas and apartments nestled among the Australian bushland. Play a round of golf or spot some of the native wildlife, including kangaroos and echidnas.
GEELONG
In the 1800s, Geelong was once the largest grape growing region in Victoria and is now being rediscovered as wine growers once again take to its rich soils and ideal climate.
Producers showcase wines with a European influence – bold flavours that match its climate, which is halfway between temperatures in France’s Bordeaux and Burgundy regions. Expect to try beautiful chardonnays and shirazes from its cellar doors.
Scotchmans Hill situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula offers all its wines for tasting, including its exclusive single vineyard and Cornelius wines. Sit in their sunlit courtyard and enjoy the magnificent views over Port Phillip Bay.
MOVEABLE FEAST: (clockwise from above) Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Shiraz... try one, try them all; pair your favourite tipple with wood fired pizza topped with the best local ingredients; plan your entire trip around vineyard hopping; hearty pub fare, just the ticket to end a long day eating and drinking; pick your own at Tuckerberry Hill and Gentle Annie Berry Gardens; As well as wineries there is a craft beer trail that could prove a worthy distraction; Point Nepean on Port Philip Bay the perfect place to grab some fresh muscles; Mansfield, gateway to the high country; The jaw dropping Great Ocean Road.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Hand in hand with excellent wine comes fabulous regional food. From the Great Ocean Road to the High Country, Victoria’s local produce is diverse and incredibly fresh.
THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Stretching hundreds of kilometres through fertile farm country, the Great Ocean Road is a foodie’s paradise. Fresh seafood is caught from the bordering Bass Strait and Southern Ocean and local produce is offered at farm gates and providores.
Stop at Cheese World and try the region’s gourmet cheeses, including Apostle Whey, Timboon and Meredith cheeses.
Pick your own blueberries, strawberries and raspberries from Tuckerberry Hill and Gentle Annie Berry Gardens and don’t
22 SEPTEMBER 2014