Another trip to Yarra Valley

Took the parents for some wine tasting Yarra Valley because it's always so fun to go there. It was another beautiful day, though a bit brisk now that we are fully into winter. All the vines are trimmed down. The views of the mountains remain gorgeous. First stop was De Bortoli cellar door. I always see this wine in restaurants so I presume that it's a good sample of the region' better wines. I would say that they are pretty good. and We got a good deal on half dozen bottles of the 2008 Shiraz viognier for $50. Its a lighter version of the normally sharp Shiraz. We are stocked, but not for long.

I think the parents enjoyed themselves. Didn't indulge too much. Mom was only into the whites and dad tried a few sweet versions of a reisling. Found some yummy cheeses at the awesome dairy. And then ate more cheese at Domain Chandon restaurant. Not so crazy about the meals there. So if you go, just get the cheese and charcuterie platters with a hefty glass of something tasty. The views and the grounds are amazing. I've already planned my next wedding.

Now that I'm comfortable with the yarra valley, I want to check out the mornington peninsula vines next.

Autumn visit to the wineries

It was so gorgeous when we went for a day trip to the Yarra Valley wineries back in May. Autumn was in full swing and all the colors were swirling about on the vines and throughout the country landscape. I forgot how much I love fall, not having experienced it for the past 3 years. Usually it signals the start of a holiday season, but alas, here its Autumn in June and Christmas is a long way off. 

Again, this was an excursion with Lindsey during her visit, a trip made possible by my new friend and fellow expat-turned Melbournite, Lisa. Hi Lisa. This was a great day - perfect weather, good company, I am inspired to repeat the trip again with my parents when they come. 

Yarra Valley is one of Australia's wine regions, just an hour or so out of Melbourne. Our destination this trip was Healesville, a little town with a few shops ranging from gourmet/expensive to crafty/kitsch. Along the way we stopped at the big wineries Domain Chandon, Dominque Portet, Giant Steps and Innocent Bystander and some others, eating tasty cheese along the way. We finished up at Yering Station and on home before rush hour traffic, each carrying 2 bottles of something yummy with us. Not an expert wine taster I am slowly developing my palate, but I definitely know my preference for Sav blanc and Cab Sav, and starting an appreciation for Pinot Noir. Now thats is winter time, I am all for a cosy glass of red.