Recent bushfires threatened the Yarra Valley wine industry, but the cellar doors and restaurants of this great wine region are still open for business and it’s well worth a tour. This VisitVineyards.com itinerary gives you some hot picks for a great day of wine tasting and eating on the outskirts of Melbourne.
A little sparkle - Domaine Chandon
Everything at Domaine Chandon spells class from the beautifully kept gardens down to the roses in the vineyard and the delightful views. Most importantly, their range of sparkling wines is superb. Order a tasting flight of bubbles which comes with a complimentary taster’s plate of regional produce (light lunches also available). Getting to sample all the sparkling varieties is a wonderfully decadent way to start your day in the Yarra Valley.
Open: Daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm
'Green Point', Maroondah Highway
Coldstream VIC 3770
Tel (03) 9738 9200
Rock Fest - Rochford
One of the grooviest spots in the Yarra Valley, odds are you’ll find yourself at Rochford for a festival or music event in the near future. The Rhythm and Vines festival in March and Salsa Beats festival in May get the vines shaking, but there’s something going in the amphitheatre and sound shell most weekends. Their tutored wine tasting sessions are a great way to get a feel for the business of sniffing, swirling, sipping and maybe even spitting.
Open: Daily from 10am to 5pm
Corner Maroondah Highway and Hill Rd
Coldstream VIC 3770
Tel (03) 5962 2119
Big lunch - Giant Steps
No trip to the Yarra Valley and Healesville would be complete without a visit to the Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander cellar door and restaurant. It doesn't matter whether you are after a snack, a light lunch or a celebratory dinner, Giant Steps has achieved the impossible and is outstanding in all things. The food here is delicious and the atmosphere is noisy and fun. The popular wood-fired pizzas use their own sourdough base simply topped with tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil - some say it is the best pizza outside of Italy! Add a glorious cheese room, a fantastic cellar door, enthusiastic, energetic staff and it is no surprise that they won The Age Good Food Guide 2009 inaugural award for Best Winery Restaurant.
Open: Mon to Fri 10am-10pm and on Sat & Sun from 8am for breakfast
336 Maroondah Highway
Healesville VIC 3777
Tel (03) 5962 6111
Take home flavours - Kitchen and Butcher
Head for Healesville and enjoy the drive! Healesville is another leafy tranquil spot with some wonderful places to stock up your fridge, pantry and wine cellar. The providore Kitchen and Butcher showcases locally grown seasonal produce and products such as Yarra Valley Pasta, Cunliffe and Waters Jams and Kennedy and Wilson Chocolates. Fabulous cured hams, local and imported cheese, olive oils and vinegars and the quality of the fresh meat in the butcher's window make it impossible not to buy something from this wonderful store. With its enticing shelves of unusual, fascinating and beautiful ingredients you will want to rush home immediately and start cooking. They also stock a large selection of delicious take home meals that come complete with recipe cards
Open: Mon to Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
258 Maroondah Highway
Healesville VIC 3777
Tel (03) 5962 2866
Main thoroughfare - Punt Road
A great cellar door to relax at on your way back to the city. It’s easy to get comfortable here, especially if you’re a master petanque player. The specially designed court is a great distraction for children, and the big kids, while you sample Punt Road’s range.
Open: Daily 10am to 5pm
10 St Huberts Road
Coldstream VIC 3770
Tel (03) 9739 0666
This article has been provided by VisitVineyards.com, Australia’s new independent guide to wine, food and travel.
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