Victoria's vine country
The wineries and restaurants in Victoria's Yarra Valley are a must for a mini-break
An hour from Melbourne's humming cityscape, there's charming countryside in the Yarra Valley. From grand picture- perfect vineyards producing world famous wine to home-style restaurants with organic vegetable gardens, the valley crows that its tastes and beauty are Victoria's best-kept secrets.
It's a balmy spring morning when we leave the heart of Melbourne for the region where rolling hills are strung with vines, rose gardens and elm trees.
More than 80 vineyards populate the Yarra Valley, and each year more than two million litres of wine is exported from the region.
It is renowned for its sparkling wine and classy chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. But pinot noir, shiraz and merlots are making waves locally and worldwide.
Nestled in the valley is Domaine Chandon, the Australian winery of French champagne giant Moet & Chandon. Built in 1985, the spectacular estate has become a tourist magnet. Daily tours give a simple spin on the wine-making business but its Green Point tasting room produces surprises – the sparkling pinot shiraz and the cuvee riche were our favourites.
With a backdrop of vines, green paddocks and a pond, the restaurant hosts a mix of lovey couples, busloads of camera-toting tourists, families and wine-lovers. Among them is a 20-strong hen party decked out in glitter, feathers and show-time colour.
For a change of pace we travel down the road to Bella Veladore, a cute Italian restaurant on the Badger's Brook winery estate. With its own organic sourdough bakery and a garden path leading out to farmlands it has a home-style buzz.
There is a greenhouse and garden - growing the restaurant's vegetables - gnomes, a cheery scarecrow and blooming flowers. It is a tranquil setting for a relaxed lunch. We leave hours later after hearty meals and many drops from the fine wine list, coffees and a wander through the garden.
Our next stop is Yering Station. Planted by the Ryrie brothers in 1838 it is the oldest vineyard in the region. With its cooler climate the wine industry boomed in the 1860s-70s, but then ceased early into the next century. Replanting began in the 1960s and there are now more than 3800 hectares of vines.
An avenue of elm trees lead to Yering Station's historic buildings and a stony cellar door. A stream of tourists mill for tasting while we head upstairs to an open deck overlooking the vineyard.
Its big umbrellas shield from the scorching sun as the temperature spikes to 29 degrees, but it is the perfect spot for a chilled late afternoon wine with gorgeous views.
And on the way back to the city we stop in at Giant Steps and Innocent Bystander in Healesville.
Its chic, independent and not all about the wine. We are greeted by the smells of freshly baked breads and pizza from an open fire, watch as they make pasta from scratch and taste beer and wine. There is also coffee roasting and stalls with a vibe like a Sunday market.
A day in the valley is a million miles from the hustle-bustle of the metropolitan. The wine and food are award-winning and from picturesque to earthy wineries - perfect for a weekend getaway.