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10.07.13
Wine.Food.Hotel Guide to the Yarra Valley
With only a 45 Minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD many local Melbournians often forget how close the Yarra Valley really is and for a quick overnight retreat it’s the perfect getaway. There’s no need to look far for fabulous food and wine and the Yarra Valley always over delivers on an outstanding paddock to plate foodie experience.
The chilly winter weather may make the idea of trekking away from home seem quite daunting but the region is definitely worth the drive and the delicious food, wonderful wine and luxurious yet cozy accommodation will have you returning again and again.
Wine.Food.Hotel visited the Yarra Valley for a weekend away and have put together a list of some of our personal favourites for you to enjoy when making the journey yourself...
Wine:
Wine is a standout feature for the Yarra Valley and any visitor could easily spend a week versus a weekend to cover off the abundance of vineyards on offer. When visiting for a weekend take a peek at these venues, each specializes in different wines and offers a unique experience.
Dominique Portet – A French winemaker that has passed on 18th century traditions created in Bordeaux down to the Yarra Valley. The father and son team make wine with a boutique flair and standouts for us were the 2012 Dominique Portet Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, 2011 Fontaine Shiraz and 2010 Vendages Tardives.
Mac Forbes – Mac Forbes is one of the original young guns of the Yarra Valley and has been impressing the wine industry in Australia with his edgy creations inspired from his time in France. Wine.Food.Hotel is a big fan of this vineyard and you can visit the cellar door from 1pm – 4pm on the last Friday of every month. If a Friday tasting does not coincide with your plans the Mac Forbes wine is heavily featured on the Healesville Hotel wine list and is readily available in quality wine shops around the area.
Tarrawarra Estate & Museum – Best known for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Tarrawarra is set amongst beautiful landscape and aims to share a special experience with their visitors. Visit the Tarrawarra Museum of Art after a glass or two. We highly recommend the current exhibition “Animate/Inanimate” featuring contemporary artists exploring connections between animate and inanimate worlds.
Yering Station & Domain Chandon – These two wineries should definitely be on your list, especially if you’re a fist time visitor to the Yarra Valley. Both estates are always impressive and famous for their wine. When visiting Domain Chandon we recommend the Chandon Vintage Brut and when visit Yerring station the Sangiovese is a must
Accommodation:
Furmston house –
When staying in the Yarra Valley we highly recommend the Furmston house for a home away from home feel. The property offers modern and contemporary interiors and plenty of space with a comfortable living room, well-equipped kitchen, spacious bedroom and a fireplace to sit and enjoy the gorgeous wine you bought during the day. The house is situated in the heart of Healesville and has a grand balcony overlooking the town and the rest of the Yarra Valley. Harvest Farm is another accommodation on offer from the Healesville Hotel, and is similar with a slightly more rural, rustic experience.
Furmston House is perfect for couples, small groups of friends or for a quiet family break. Being located just behind the Healesville Hotel means you don’t have to wander far for brekkie, coffee, lunch or dinner at ‘Harvest’, the hotels restaurant.
When heading out for the day top up on wholesome supplies from K&B Kitchen & Butcher Shop, located next door, where you’ll find most food has been produced on site or within the local area. Everything here at the Healesville Hotel is about luxurious yet cozy accommodation and providing that element of quality in every aspect of your stay.
Food:
Healesville Hotel: Whether or whether not you choose to stay at Furmston house, we recommend the Healesville Hotel for an extensive menu, excellent service and an understandably large wine list that’s representative of the local area. All staff have great and extensive knowledge of the local produce featured across the menu and can recommend a wine that will match perfectly with your meal. Wine.Food.Hotel tried the pub menu, which was hearty and delicious, but a degustation menu and matched wines is also on offer. A tip when booking: ask for the table next to the fire.
Yarra Valley Dairy – Well known for their handmade farmhouse cheeses, the Yarra Valley Dairy is the perfect place to stop for lunch or to pick up some gourmet supplies on the way home. Lunch entails a great wine selection, fantastic coffee, a deli and of course the fromagerie.
The Gilded Lilly – This is a great little stop for a coffee and to sit back and take in the small town buzz.
Bella Vedere: For a truly organic and paddock to plate experience, Bella Veder showcases their evolving menu around what local producers are growing and assures that your meal is made with only pure and fresh ingredients. If you’re not in the mood for a big meal, stop by the Bella Bakery for a loaf of stone milled, freshly baked bread. Every loaf, roll and baguette is made on site with biodynamic flavours and organic fruit and olives.
As far as what is on offer in the Yarra Valley, we’ve only just scratched the surface on the different things to see and do. There’s plenty more wineries and great restaurants and cafes for you to discover. So come on Melbourne, grab your coat, Uggs and gumboots, and head on down for a weekend in the Yarra Valley. It’ll just remind you why you love living in Victoria with destinations like this right on your doorstep.
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