Top 3 spots for a Yarra Valley tipple
Lastminute lovely Lauren and I are exploring the enchanting Yarra Valley, which is one of Australia’s most well-known wine regions. We’re pretty excited about tasting our way through the delightful wineries and breweries, but we’re trying not to show it. “Fiiiiine, if we HAVE to” 😉
It’s hard to narrow it down, but here are my top three Yarra Valley picks for a beauteous bevie.
TarraWarra Estate
Entrance to TarraWarra Estate
I’m not a massive Chardonnay (“kardonnay”) or a Pinot Noir drinker – I’m a Shiraz-and-anything-bubbly kind of gal. So when I arrive for a tasting at TarraWarra winery and hear that they’re famous for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, I must admit that I’m not that excited. Well, I soon eat (actually, drink) my words! I discover a new respect for both varieties after sampling a Pinot Noir rated 97 points and an internationally recognised Chardonnay. So. Damn. Good.
We get a sneak peek into their storage area, but unfortunately the barrels are too big to smuggle into my bag 😉
Too big for my handbag – TarraWarra Estate
Sampling some delicious vino 🙂
Aside from the amazing wine, TarraWarra Estate is home to some pretty impressive scenery and sculptures. Check it out!
TarraWarra Estate
View from a deck built on and around peppercorn trees
Rochford Wines
Rochford Wines
Rochford Wines is famous for its premium vino and grandiose estate, which sometimes holds concerts for up to 12,000 people. Lucky for Lauren and I, we visit while they’re setting up for A Day on the Green, so we get an exclusive sneak peek.
Setting up for A Day on the Green
Over a scrumptious lunch at Isabella’s at Rochford (roasted Maryland with fennel, dukkah, and barley risotto – yum!), I sample one of the estate’s Merlots. Again, I’m not normally a Merlot drinker (I sound super fussy, don’t I?), but I really love it! Isabella’s has got the fine-dining experience down pat. From the white tablecloths and napkins to our attentive waiter, it’s pretty hard to beat.
My scrumptious lunch at Isabella’s at Rochford
Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse
Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse
Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse is the type of place you walk into and feel instantly cool. Think open-plan, exposed-brick ‘Melbourne-esque’ warehouse with trendy ‘hipster-esque’ staff. We’re here on a Saturday and the place is bustling with peeps – the vibe is super fun! To top it off, the brewery boasts majestic views over fields of pear and apple trees.
Napoleone has also started making its own beer, which you can watch brewing behind the bar. It’s only available for drinking on site and isn’t distributed anywhere else – now, that’s what I call a ‘boutique’ beer!
So cool – the bar at Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse
Beer and cider tasting paddles
The perfect spot for an afternoon bevvie
Tokar Estate, Yarra Valley!
Try their Tokar Estate The Aria (Red blend) sensational! One of the best full reds Australia has to offer. Thumbs up!