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The Yarra Valley
A great option for a Day Tour to the local countryside, there are many tour operators who conducted tours to this area on a regular basis. The Yarra Valley is easily accessible from Melbourne being just a one hour drive from the CBD and is beautiful year round, especially in Autumn.
WINERIES
The Yarra Valley wine region dates back to 1838 and lead the Victorian Wine making industry, it is now a World Class wine producing region for cool climate wines. In particular the region in known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a must try if you are in the region. There are many wineries scattered throughout the Yarra Valley, from small boutique growers who will only sell through their cellar doors to some of the larger wine producers who export to all around the world. Many of the larger wineries also have their own restaurants and most will have a tasting cellar for you to try the wines and have the opportunity to buy them directly from the vineyard.
De BORTOLI YARRA VALLEY ESTATE
The De Bortoli family have been producing wines in this region since 1928 and have 3 distinct vineyard estates in 3 parts of the region. The Winery Vineyard at Dixons Creek is the largest and is also home to a Cheese Shop, Cellar Door and their Locale Restaurant. The restaurant, Locale is, of course, Italian inspired and many of the ingredients are grown right on the estate, this would have to be one of our best restaurant picks for the Yarra Valley.
DOMAINE CHANDON
Does the name sound familiar? Yes, Domaine Chandon was established by the French Champagne House, Moet Chandon in 1986 and is dedicated to producing methode traditionelle sparkling wine as well as cool climate still wines. You can take a tour of the beautiful estate and they also have their own restaurant on site. Tasting is available - their "Sparkling Selection" is a must for all lovers of sparkling wine. You can taste four different premium Chandon Sparkling Wines and then have a full flute of your favourite for just $20. The grounds of the winery and quite extensive and beautiful to wander around.
BALLOONING
The Yarra Valley is also home to several hot air ballooning companies who offer packages including a balloon flight and options for a champagne breakfast after the flight. Watching the sun rise over the patchwork vines of the Yarra Valley is a beautiful sight that will stay with you for many years to come.
SEGWAY TOURS
The Yarra Valley is also home to the beautiful family owned, Rochford Wines. The vineyard and winery incorporates an acclaimed restaurant, cellar door and shop, together with other purpose built facilities – a pavilion, amphitheatre and lakeside deck - to service fabulous outdoor concerts, summer food and wine festivals, and a host of other functions and events. In addition it is also home to an exhilarating Segway Tour around their beautiful property run by Segway Victoria. The tours runs at 10.00 and 13.00 hrs weekends and Public Holidays and icludes all safety gear and training required as well as a deliscious one course lunch in the restaurant.
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