By MELISSA MEEHAN
SMOOTH curves and winding turns, and that’s just the car.
Driving through the Yarra Valley, onto the Black Spur a loud, bright red Ferrari 458 Italia sure gets attention.
Never before had I had the experience of driving a car so powerful, or even one that turned as many heads – my old Mazda 3 or newer Holden Barina doesn’t exactly have the same wow factor.
Already based in Sydney and the Barossa Valley, Prancing Horse has started its new venture that couples driving days with the best of the Yarra Valley.
“The idea is to bring people to this area, experience driving one of our cars, but also experiencing all that the Yarra Valley has to offer,” business partner Matt Thio said.
“We don’t want people just to come for the day, we want them to spend a night or two at a local Bed and Breakfast, visit local wineries and enjoy everything that is here.”
It sounded great, so when Prancing Horse invited my partner and I to see for ourselves, we just couldn’t refuse.
Our first stop was Balgownie Estate for a quick safety briefing and photos with the red beast of a car. Even here, it was turning heads at a conference being held at the winery.
Then it was all systems go, as we hopped into the car.
Still nervous to drive such an expensive and powerful machine, I let my partner take the wheel.
The only way to describe his excitement is like a kid at Christmas time. I have never seen anyone so happy.
We followed Matt down Maroondah Highway and the Black Spur to Dom Dom Saddle, where it was my turn to get behind the wheel.
My nerves were calmed by the fact that Matt was driving ahead of us, radioing in about any traffic hazards up ahead.
Never having driven a manual car, the paddle gear system was interesting – the car was manual, but there was no clutch.
I quickly found that the louder the car got, the sooner I should drop a gear, or is it go up a gear? Either way, it was like nothing I had ever done before.
Soon enough, the drive was over and we were treated to a delicious two-course meal back at Balgownie Estate.
Their tagline is fast cars, slow food and spirited drives in the beautiful Yarra Valley – and it’s true.
Tailored for couples (with cash to spare) it’s a great day out.
Prancing Horse Ferrari 458 Italia ‘Drive and Dine’ Experience – Yarra Valley
Call on 1300 30 70 50 or visit online at www.prancinghorse.com.
* Special pricing: $770 per couple incl. GST (normally $880) – Available most dates during March, April ’15
This experience is also available using other ‘non-Ferrari’ supercars – priced at $550 per couple incl. GST.
<http://prancinghorse.com.au/driving-experiences/ferrari-458-italia-drive-and-dine-yarra-valley/>
Experience details
This full-day experience is designed for couples only (i.e. 2x drivers or 1x driver plus a ‘non-driving’ passenger)
Starting from Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa – Yarra Valley (4.5 star), or Chateau Yering – Yarra Valley (5 star)The new Ferrari 458 Italia (‘rossa-corsa’ exterior and ‘tan’ leather interior) plus a collection of different exotic supercars*
200km (about) journey featuring designated driver-passenger and car interchanges to ensure guests receive equal driving opportunities
The route features a return drive which starts from the Yarra Valley and winds towards Lake Mountain (elevation 1500m), via The Black Spur and Marysville.
Three-course lunch or dinner at Innocent Bystander, Savoia, Stones of the Yarra Valley, Yarrawood or Rae’s Restaurant – Balgownie Estate
Private instruction and two-way radio communication with a dedicated support vehicle driven by two hosts from Prancing Horse
Espresso upon arrival, refreshments enroute and full tanks of fuel (Shell V-Power)
Comprehensive vehicle insurance for two drivers – no bond required (conditions apply)**
Existing schedule for March and April ’15 – Prancing Horse will be returning for September and October ’15:
