By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THE Yarra Valley is the ultimate home of cold-climate wines, but with an unusually warm season, the vintages have arrived early at wineries around the region.
Indulging in the beauty of the Yarra Valley and the magnificence of the wine and food on offer is a summer pursuit equal to none. Experiencing the absolute best of the region on offer in glass and on plate is a must when visiting the area. Here are just eight of the more than 70 wineries and vineyards in the Yarra Valley that make the perfect summer escape.
Giverny Estate- Toolangi
Open stunning garden with people encouraged to suit by water lily pond- a decent thing to do this time of year.
We grow the kiwi fruit, we are kiwi fruit farmers, small in the scheme of things and therefore you have to think laterally about what you do with fruit. The year 1998 was when our first wine was made, and since then we have a wider range of wine and styles and cider as well. We do a desert wine, a dry table wine, sparking, liqueur schnapps and cider.
Badger Creek Blueberry Farm – Badger Creek
Wine from grapes is all well and good, but what about something a little different? Badger Creek Blueberry farm makes fortified, sparkling and other wines from, you guessed it, blueberries. The farm’s cellar door is located at the winery and offers a relaxed casual space for patrons to try wines and ciders as well as enjoy a regional platter of local foods. There is a summer patio surrounded by the hills of the Yarra Valley for your eyes to feast on while you sip wines outside the usual.
TarraWarra Estate – Yarra Glen
Multi-award winning wines and cellar door is what you will find at TarraWarra estate. A 10-minute drive from Healesville’s historic town centre, TarraWarra Estate boasts some of the most decorated wines in the Yarra Valley. Most recently, TarraWarra was awarded the Victorian Trophy for White Wines of Provenance for their Reserve Chardonnay at the Melbourne Wine Awards. The Trophy recognised, particularly, the 2014, 2008 and 2004 vintages of the Reserve Chardonnay, a must try with a visit to their spectacular cellar door.
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate – Dixons Creek
You can easily knock over a few of the Yarra Valley’s more prominent attractions in one day with the De Bortoli Wine & Wildlife Self Drive Package. This package allows visitors to experience the wonder of Australian Wildlife in their natural habitat at the Healesville sanctuary before driving back through the magnificent landscape of the Yarra Valley to the De Bortoli Wines vineyard for a two-course lunch at De Bortoli’s Locale Restaurant and wine tasting. The day is then topped off by a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for a sweet indulgence.
Sir Paz Estate – Wandin East
Sir Paz is the continuation of a family tradition and promise carried through the generations of the Zapris family. The estate has a newly opened cellar door where visitors can experience the masterfully crafted wines of the estate overlooking the rolling hills and rivers of the valley. Offering a gourmet Mediterranean platter with the wine, Sir Paz keeps alive the traditions The Zapris’ brought to Australia to share with you today.
Hanrahan Vineyard – Gruyere
A family owned and run vineyard on the banks of the Yarra River, Hanrahan Vineyard is a great little hideaway from the world. Warm and welcoming cellar door and award winning wines make this particular wine spot one for those seeking a more close-knit feel. You can also expect a warm reception from resident one-canine welcoming party Darcy.
Coombe Farm Wines – Coldstream
Surrounded by the famous Melba Estates, Coombe is a premium wine and dining destination. Only made in small quantities, these wines are both expressive and exclusive to the superior growing region offered by the Coldstream area of the Yarra Valley. Coombe Farm in unique in that it has two cellar door dining experiences to offer, at ‘the Farm’ and at The Melba Estate house. Each cellar door has its own particular flavour and feel but both offer top-of-the-range food and wines for their visitors’ pleasure.
Innocent Bystander – Healesville
A Healesville institution, Innocent Bystander is more than just a winery. While they offer their own wines they stock other wines and local foods, artisan baked bread, roast coffee, and host events. When visiting the Yarra Valley, it would be a mistake to skip a visit to Innocent Bystander. They also offer a cheese selection picked out by winemaker Steve Flamsteed, who won a Queen’s Trust scholarship to study farmhouse cheesemaking in France. Innocent Bystander has absolutely everything you could want for a day of culinary indulgence.
