If there’s any one thing Australia is famous for it’s wine. Perhaps you’re familiar with popular Aussie varietals like Shiraz, but how much do you know about the others? One of the best places to start to get a handle on viniculture Down Under is the Yarra Valley. Located just 30 miles east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley has endless miles of wineries, not to mention a popular gourmet trail and delicious vineyard restaurants.
As Victoria’s original wine growing district, wines in the region are diverse, so you can find just about any varietal from Pinot Noir and Cabernet to Sauvignon Blanc. A surprising fact you might not know about the valley is it’s a fairly young wine growing district. While the first vineyard was planted in the area in 1838, economic downturn ceased wine production in Yarra until 1960s. Since then, wine production has surely picked up. Today, there are over 80 wineries and it has garnered international reputation for super premium quality wine.
The valley is perhaps best known for its Chardonnays that take on a more refined acidic character than classic buttery and oakey Chardonnays you might be familiar with. No matter your taste in wine, Yarra Valley is a great place to explore new palates by going on a wine tour. Visitors to Melbourne will delight in the fact that the valley is only a one-hour drive away.
A small group food and wine tour offers not only private tastings but also the chance to meet wine makers as well as enjoy cheese tastings. Then, take a two-course lunch paired with wine at Domaine Chandon or Tokar Estate before visiting Coldstream Hills Winery, home of Australian wine critic, James Halliday, followed by afternoon tea with a wine maker.
To make the experience even more memorable, take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the vineyards. You’ll spend one hour in the air taking in the views set against the rising sun. Afterward, toast your adventure over a gourmet champagne breakfast where you’ll enjoy your choice of fruit and yogurt as well as hot breakfast items like bacon, hash browns, sausage, and tomatoes.
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