{"id":40742,"date":"2015-05-01T07:48:59","date_gmt":"2015-04-30T21:48:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/blog\/?p=40742"},"modified":"2018-05-14T07:06:47","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T21:06:47","slug":"top-3-spots-for-a-yarra-valley-tipple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/top-3-spots-for-a-yarra-valley-tipple\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 3 spots for a Yarra Valley tipple"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lastminute lovely Lauren<\/a> and I are exploring the enchanting Yarra Valley, which is one of Australia\u2019s most well-known wine regions. We\u2019re pretty excited about tasting our way through the delightful wineries and breweries, but we’re trying not to show it. \u201cFiiiiine, if we HAVE to\u201d \ud83d\ude09<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It’s hard to narrow it down, but here are my top three Yarra Valley picks for a beauteous bevie.<\/p>\n

TarraWarra Estate<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Entrance<\/a>

Entrance to TarraWarra Estate<\/p><\/div>\n

I\u2019m not a massive Chardonnay (\u201ckardonnay\u201d) or a Pinot Noir drinker – I\u2019m a Shiraz-and-anything-bubbly kind of gal. So when I arrive for a tasting at TarraWarra winery and hear that they\u2019re famous for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, I must admit that I\u2019m 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.\u00a0 So. Damn. Good.<\/p>\n

We get a sneak peek into their storage area, but unfortunately the barrels are too big to smuggle into my bag \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

\"Too<\/a>

Too big for my handbag \u2013 TarraWarra Estate<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo3\"<\/a>

Sampling some delicious vino \ud83d\ude42<\/p><\/div>\n

Aside from the amazing wine, TarraWarra Estate is home to some pretty impressive scenery and sculptures. Check it out!<\/p>\n

\"TarraWarra<\/a>

TarraWarra Estate<\/p><\/div>\n

\"View<\/a>

View from a deck built on and around peppercorn trees<\/p><\/div>\n

Rochford Wines<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Rochford<\/a>

Rochford Wines<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019re setting up for A Day on the Green, so we get an exclusive sneak peek.<\/p>\n

\"Setting<\/a>

Setting up for A Day on the Green<\/p><\/div>\n

Over a scrumptious lunch at Isabella’s at Rochford<\/a> (roasted Maryland with fennel, dukkah, and barley risotto \u2013 yum!), I sample one of the estate’s Merlots. Again, I\u2019m not normally a Merlot drinker (I sound super fussy, don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\"My<\/a>

My scrumptious lunch at Isabella’s at Rochford<\/p><\/div>\n

Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Napoleone<\/a>

Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse<\/p><\/div>\n

Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse is the type of place you walk into and feel instantly cool. Think open-plan, exposed-brick \u2018Melbourne-esque\u2019 warehouse with trendy \u2018hipster-esque\u2019 staff. We\u2019re here on a Saturday and the place is bustling with peeps – the vibe is super fun! \u00a0To top it off, the brewery boasts majestic views over fields of pear and apple trees.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 now, that\u2019s what I call a \u2018boutique\u2019 beer!<\/p>\n

\"So<\/a>

So cool \u2013 the bar at Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Beer<\/a>

Beer and cider tasting paddles<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a>

The perfect spot for an afternoon bevvie<\/p><\/div>\n

Do you have a fave Yarra Vallery winery or brewery? Cast your vote in the comments!<\/strong><\/h2>\n