Grapes of and graze in the Yarra Valley
As we enter lockdown 5.0 (ugh Vic we just can’t win) and all of the feels are hitting me in ways I can’t explain lol, I thought it was the perfect time to reminisce on my beautiful weekend in the Yarra Valley and share my musts and misses when visiting this iconic region!
Now don’t get me wrong, there are plentttty of places that I’ve either previously visited or have the intention of visiting that I won’t speak to today, because a girl can only do so much eating and drinking in one weekend (with champagne taste on a beer purse) *worth it*. So come with me on this journey, as I re-live what I would call, my version, of truly living my best life.
Punt Road Winery
Guided tastings, refundable upon bottle purchase at $10pp for 5 wines - this is the perfect place to visit before lunch at another. Punt Road Winery's quaint venue, cozy fireplace and extensive wine shelf is where it’s at.
I could imagine being here on both a chilly winter’s day as well as on a sunny spring outing, as they have both in-door and out-door options for selection. The region - and this winery in particular is best known for their Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Think stone fruits for their whites, which make them particularly palatable…they also offer a range of cheese and crackers available for purchase and grazing at the table, from the Yarra Valley Dairy.
For something a little off the beaten track to start your Yarra Valley winery experience, start it here!
Stones of The Yarra Valley
Stones oh stones - what a delight! I’d been wanting to visit this Yarra Valley great for some time and I was not disappointed. Located on St. Huberts Rd, walking distance to other greats like Meletos, Punt Road Winery and Copperhead Wines, this is the perfect place to stop in for the ultimate food & wine experience.
The Barn at Stones is open for lunch Saturdays and Sundays, with the option to immerse yourself in a two or three course a la carte menu. The venue itself is enough to be wowed over, thinking floor-to-ceiling windows with views of over 200 acres of vineyards. Featuring a range of wines from the regions best, the staff are in a perfect position to recommend pairings to match their curated menu.
We opted for the three course option - naturally. Some of their hero dishes include the heirloom carrots with grilled halloumi, herb crusted cauliflower and radish salad from entrees, herb crusted lamb rump with eggplant relish from mains and Dobson potato with confit garlic and herbs from sides - YUM.
Weddings, food, winery wandering and more, this place is one you’ll want to revisit for sure!
Four Pillars Distillery
Before speaking to this distillery delight, I should point out that if you’re visiting in covid times, be mindful your seating time is limited to one hour. You’re able to revisit but have to line up again outside, which is less than ideal when its bloody freezing!
However, nonetheless, I obviously enjoyed my visit greatly! This place is winning Gin awards globally and there is a reason why. Offering a range of Gin’s with various botanicals and their famous Limited Edition Bloody Shiraz Gin, it would be simply rude to come here and not do their G&T tasting paddle.
If you’re wanting an immersive experience, book in for one of their distillery tastings and masterclasses or maybe a tour - the possibilities are almost endless! They also have an amazing cocktail list, created and curated to hero their Gins in a variety of new and interesting ways. All in all, if you’re coming to Healesville, you must stop in here for a cocktail or two!
Payten & Jones
We stumbled across this place, after giving up on our time waiting in line to re-enter Four Pillars, because it’s literally across the road and my advice, forget the re-entry, this place is your go to! Not only did they have a seafood truck out the front, which we grabbed a dozen oysters to throw back as we washed down some wine (truly what a vibe), but this funky, urban venue has all the allure that will keep you coming back for me.
Offering both cozy in-door seating options, as well as their shed style, unique outdoor space, grab your mates and wine drinking hat and settle in for an afternoon of delight. I was sipping on and particularly impressed with their 2019 Payton & Jones Chardonnay, which was the perfect buttery accompaniment to my salty, briny oysters, but I’m all the more excited to come back for more and try their Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. Sold? I think yes.
Domaine Chandon
I feel as though I can’t quite give you a full insight into the experience offered at Domaine Chandon (which is elite might I add) because this visit was a last minute decision *aka me peer pressuring Alec to visit sparkling wine winery the second the sun comes out, knowing full well he hates sparkling wine* - oops! However, my advice, pre book this visit, make sure you’re hungry and come here for an all inclusive food and wine experience - what a treat it will be.
This long standing venue has truly set the winery bar, because while they’re super well known and offer their range of sparkling to wine lovers far and wine, their winery itself has revamped over the years, all while keeping its boutique, personable and premium feel. Now offering a range of tasting experiences, that provide a real insight into the varietal outcomes, when it comes to producing sparkling wine in a cooler climate (aka Victoria, Australia), this is one that, put simply is a MUST. I opted for the premium range tasting (which includes a Sparkling Pinot Noir) and what a delight. Served alongside some sweet potato crips - chef’s kiss, *it’s the little things that count* - right? Whether you’re hitting up their relaxed Grazing menu, or opting for something a little more (their Gathering menu), from Chardonnay cured Ocean Trout, to a selection of local Cheeses with Sourdough and shaved Prosciutto, you simply can’t go wrong. Need I say more? Just go.
Coldstream Brewery
Now we all know the whole reason I called this blog Michelin Star 2 Mie Goreng is because I truly am your boujee to basic gal. Hence, I simply HAD to head to the local brewery for a tasting paddle and a big fat parma and I was not disappointed. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, somewhere to come with the whole fam, then Coldstream Brewery is the place for you. Located on Maroondah Highway (as your gateway to most of the Yarra Valley wineries), it’s the perfect venue to visit on your way out or way in, depending how game you are.
Now I must be honest here, because I was expecting big things and while I enjoyed their Pale and Golden Ale, I wasn’t overly mad about the rest of the beers and I don’t drink cider, so that was too sweet for me. However, it’s not a massive investment at $12 for a paddle, so give it a whirl, see what you like and use that to guide the rest of your choices.
This place is known for their Chicken Parmas and they are truly filthy, large and perfect all at that. Come here hungry, because you’ll only get half way through otherwise. I can honestly say, as the girl who is always chasing the best parma around, this place is up there for me. So, for somewhere to sit in the sunshine, have a few beers and have her Parma requirements satisfied (lol), I and you, leave as one happy camper.