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12.08.13
Winter Escape to Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley
Sometimes the best way to cope with winter is to simply embrace it. And there is a lot to celebrate during these colder months when it comes to wine, food, hotels and travel… Like weekends away in the country, feasting on hearty winter menus, drinking beautiful pinots and the comfort of relaxing in front of a big fireplace. If this sounds like a great winter escape, then you should check out Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley, just a short one-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa in the Yarra Valley is part of the Mercure stable of Accor hotels. Mecure Hotel's typically specialise in 3-4 star accommodation, but in this instance, Balgownie Estate is rated 4.5 stars and well and truly punches above its weight. Everything about this experience reflects the service, facilities and environment of a luxury resort, combined with one of Australia’s award winning wineries.
Balgownie offers visitors to the Yarra Valley an intimate, high-end wine, food and hotel experience, whilst still offering some of the creature comforts of the Mecure brand, such as a relaxed and family friendly environment.
Enjoy some outdoor chess with a view of the Yarra Valley
On check in, book in for a treatment at Natskin Spa and we’d also recommend a cellar door tasting to sample Balgownie Estate’s extensive range of wines, before relaxing in your one bedroom suite and enjoying views only the Yarra Valley could deliver.
Views of Yarra Valley
Make sure you reserve your table for dinner at Rae’s Restaurant to sample a range of dishes inspired by local produce. The Asian influenced and European inspired menu perfectly compliments Balgownie Estate wines. A two-course menu is priced at $60 per person, or three courses for $70 per person. Personal favourites from this menu included, Beef Carpaccio and the Seared Sea Scallops for entrée, the 18-hour lamb and Kangaroo Fillet for mains and finally the Assiette of Desserts to share.
Seared Scallops for Entree at Rae's Restaurant
If you’re up for exploring the local area then consider the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery, on the Old Healesville Road in Yarra Glen, only a short drive from Balgownie Estate. You’ll be welcomed by the sights and smells of a pure chocolate indulgence surrounded by picturesque Yarra Valley vistas. Leave your conscience at the door, because there’s thousands of premium and handcrafted chocolates to tempt you, from local and international brands and producers. The Chocolaterie’s own product range features fruits and nuts grown from their orchard of cherries, plums, apricots, citrus, quince and almonds.
If you prefer a more savoury option and are up for a short drive, then The Yarra Valley Dairy, on Mc Meikans Road in Yering would be a welcomed alternative. The Dairy is a Yarra Valley icon and lives up to their reputation. Their cheese shop sells farmhouse cows and goats milk cheeses from their original 100 year old milking shed, right next door to their cheese factory. It doesn’t get anymore more local and homegrown than this.
The drive into the Yarra Valley Dairy
Pull up a seat, watch the cows and goats grazing and dig into a cheese platter accompanied with local fresh breads, olives, relishes or any of the extensive provisions available in-store. The Dairy also offers a select range of boutique and local wines from producers such as Mac Forbes, and Timo Mayer.
If you get your weekends rights, on the third Sunday of every month is the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group Farmer’s Market at Yering Station Winery. This market was founded over 12 years ago in the Yarra Valley and is the longest growing market in Victoria. Of all Yarra Valley experiences, definitely don’t miss this for the ultimate foodie experience! Without question you could say this is one of the best food and produce markets in Australia. Every producer is unique to the region and gourmet. A personal favourite of ours was ‘My Greek Kitchen’ – why can’t everyone make baklava like this… needless to say this stall and many other will ensure you’ll be back again.
The Yarra Valley Farmers Market
On your way back to Melbourne and to conclude an epic food and wine weekend, we’ve got one final stop, Rochford Winery. Rochford is well known to Melbourne locals for its Day on the Green events, but with a new Winter Lunch Menu just released by Rochford’s Head Chef Claran Butler, they’ve given you the perfect reason to make one final stop. Rochford is an award-winning winery and has an extensive wine list available in the restaurant with friendly, helpful and informed staff on hand to match a wine perfectly with your meal selection.
Isabella's Restaurant at Rochford Winery
Highlights from the restaurant’s lunch menu include the Pork & Cheek Scallop featuring Galway Bay free range heritage pig cheek, diver scallop, black garlic puree and dashi jelly or the Duck Egg and with wild foraged mushrooms on grilled brioche for entrée. For mains we’d highly recommend the Yarra Valley Confit Duck with fondant potato, pickled red cabbage, game chips and plum jus or the Darling Downs Waygu Rump Steak with bubble and squeak, calvero nero and Rochford pinot noir jus. As tempting as the desert menu is, after a weekend of food and wine indulgence, it just wasn’t possible.
Any two courses for Lunch at Isabella’s Restaurant on Saturday is $55 and Sunday $65. Or if you’d prefer a three courses option, Saturday is $65 and Sunday is $73.
To book your weekend away at Balgownie Estate visit http://balgownieestate.com.au/
Or to reserve your table at Rochford
http://www.rochfordwines.com.au/Our-Venue/Facilities/Restaurant
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