By REBECCA BILLS
SWEET, juicy, plump cherries are always a sign that summer is upon us.
Tucked away in the Yarra Rages is Wandin Valley Farms offering the highest quality cherries in Victoria.
Recent 2013 Governor of Victoria Regional Export winners, Wandin Valley farms are known world-wide for exceptional produce.
Opening its doors in 1984, the focus of the farm is producing the highest quality grade of cherries that exhibit rich colour, flavour and size.
Owned by the Sebire family, one of the major pioneering families to first settle in the area, the farm has a long and successful history of extraordinary orchard management for delicious, high quality fruit growing.
Fifth generation family member Alison Jones (nee Sebire) said it is a truly special farm which is rich in history.
“I have grown up living and working on the property and I am very, very proud of our family business,” she said.
“We are still on the original land where cherries were grown back in the early 1890s.
“Unfortunately, due to soil condition we now grow our cherries at our two orchards in Boweya, North of Melbourne, and Rosegarland in Tasmania.”
Mrs Jones said the fresh produce is delivered daily to be packed in Wandin.
“We sell a range of different sizes ranging from two kilogram back to five kilogram bags and sometimes specialty one kilogram boxes,” she said.
“Our business has grown and grown over the years with our seasons starting late October and running through to the middle of January.”
With a strong focus on the environment and care for the land that harvest their produce, Wandin Valley Farms has a strong belief that environmental sustainability extremely important.
Some of the juicy varieties on offer include merchant, Chelan, Rons Seedling, Bing, Sylvia, Sweetheart and Sweet Georgia, to name a few, all offering a unique and satisfying taste.
Mrs Jones said coming into summer, cherries are a guilt-free treat that the whole family can enjoy.
“Whether it is a pip spitting contest or using cherries as Christmas decorations it is fun for the whole family,” Mrs Jones said.
“They are just a fantastic, healthy snack that can be consumed anywhere at any time.”
Wandin Valley Farms is located at 75 Wellington Road, Wandin North.
For more information, visit www.wandinvalleyfarms.com.au or phone 5964 4669.
