By KATH GANNAWAY
THERE’S something especially refreshing about a fruit wine or chilled cider in summer.
You might think that biting into a ripe, juicy blueberry is the ultimate summer fruit experience but Alison Withers and Eric Driessen at Badger Creek Blueberry Farm have gone one better.
The couple, who put blueberries on the Yarra Valley map with their popular Badger Creek cafe, are now specialising in Blueberry wines.
Alison and Eric made the move from cafe to cellar door three months ago offering tastings and sales of their delicious range of Badger Creek Blueberry Farm wines and St Ronan’s unique apple and pear ciders.
The blueberry range, using 100 per cent blueberries grown on the farm, includes a still wine, sparkling wine and two fortified wines.
The award-winning St Ronan’s Methode Traditionelle apple and pear ciders, along with an ‘on tap’ apple cider, are uniquely Australian.
“The Blueberry wines are a unique feature of our business,” said Alison who runs the cellar door while Eric is the grower, winemaker and brewer.
One thing that remains the same is the great view. Looking out over the Yarra River flats to the Warramate Hills beyond, it is a magnificent setting from which to enjoy a pint of cider, or a glass of blueberry wine on a warm, summer day.
Home-made preserves, including jams, toppings, relishes and pickles are also available.
Badger Creek Blueberry Farm cellar door offers something a little different to the mainstream wines that have made the Yarra Valley one of Australia’s premium wine-growing regions.
Include it on the itinerary for a unique wine and cider experience.
Badger Creek Blueberry Farm Cellar Door is at 11 Garnook Grove, Badger Creek. Phone 5962 1601 or visit www.blueberrywinery.com.au or www.stronanscider.com.au for more information.
