Category: Winery

Beechworth in Victoria is a magnificent town. Rich in history dating back to the 1850s Victorian Gold Rush. The imposing sandstone architecture and wide streets make an indelible ink and lasting memories for visitors. Yet as we know, the hidden nuggets for travelers are often found just between the towns we travel. The unexpected finds down the road that await the curious ones.

 

Travel back to the Old World
Just a short 6.5 km drive from the Beechworth post office (whose tower rises in the above picture), you’ll find yourself thinking you’re driving along the roads in Tuscany! You might actually think you have been transported back in time as winemaker Vinny Webb and his wife Sharon follow Old World principles, minimal intervention, wild ferments, and time underground, to truly support Beechworth’s envious reputation for high quality artisan wines.

A Cellar Door Experience to Remember
Organise some time to visit wine maker Vinny Webb, and his wife Sharon to enjoy a truly personal and unique wine tasting experience. A planned visit can include all or some of this journey, including underground barrel tastings and sharing a local platter of Everton olives, Milawa cheese and Italian- style Beechworth salami in a wonderful purpose built old Gold fields building, with a few modern climate control conveniences.

Discover the History of Baarmutha Wines
Enjoy the stories of Vinny and Sharon’s journey in building Baarmutha Wines included every facet of pouring fine wine into glass, from the Oenology and Viticultural studies at CSU, to the variety and clone selection, planting and establishing of our small low yielding vineyards, hand weeding, mulching, nurturing to hand selecting the fruit at harvest with family and friends.

How the Baarmutha Salami is Made
Enjoy this video made by Vinny’s son. It’s amazing!

White Glove Valet to Vineyard Service
For wine tastings, Vinny and Sharon will organise to pick you up and return you to your Beechworth hotel. Really? Yes indeed! The cost is $90 for (per couple) as it lasts for an hour and includes a current release bottle and the platter. Gotta love that! And you must try the home made Salami. It’s the local secret yet we’re happy to share it with you! Vinny and Sharon very much like to meet and greet fellow foodies and wine lovers, so be sure to phone ahead so that they can organise a time and date that best suits you!

And if you are traveling, just ask Vinny or Sharon to arrange a 6 pack of wines to be sent ahead to your home address. They are beautifully packed and will await you on your return home. #BeechworthNewGold.

BUY BAARMUTHA WINES ONLINE

I am sure you’ll agree that Brad and Nicole and the team at Kimbolton Wines have built an amazing visual experience for you to taste world class wine in.

Pop one of Kimboton Wines’ bottles open and enjoy wine the way you want to enjoy it. Taste it with your eyes first, if you like. We’ll top up your glass wherever you roam and have you feeling right at home. And no need to swill, swish, or smell your wine, either.

A Family-Owned, Family-Run Cellar Door

Kimbolton Wines is a family-owned, family-run cellar door offering wine made by people who love drinking our product as much as we enjoy making it.  Bringing together Nicole’s fun spirit with Brad’s unwavering attention to detail, each Kimbolton vintage is the culmination of thoughtful, hard-earned process—one we invite you to explore with us. 

Try a ‘Visual Tasting‘

More importantly, the good people at Kimbolton Wines genuinely want you to enjoy wine as much as they do. No pretense or highbrow stuffiness. Just good wine and good, good people. 

Kimbolton Wines are proud to be the first winery in Australia, perhaps the world, to offer curated ‘visual’ tastings, designed to introduce you to each of our wines and flavour profiles. They’re informative, fun, and beautifully produced. Most importantly, they take out the guesswork and pretending, so that all that’s left to do is enjoy the wine you hold in your hands. 

Relax overlooking the Vineyard

I am sure you’ll agree, Kimbolton Wines offer a sophisticated yet relaxed cellar door to enjoy a hip filled wine tasting session with family and friends. Langhorne Creek is a must do on your next cellar door tasting trip and be sure to put Kimbolton Wines at the top of your bucket list.

BUY KIMBOLTON WINES ONLINE

An Elegant Boutique Family Winery

Blewitt Springs Wine Co is a boutique, family winery owned and run by Phil and Nina Tabor. It is situated 40 minutes south of Adelaide in picturesque Blewitt Springs, which is home to some of the oldest vines, has the highest altitude, highest rainfall and coolest winters in the McLaren Vale wine region.  

Certified Organic Vineyard in McLaren Vale

The certified organic Shiraz vineyard sits on ancient sands over clay and silt stone which dates back to 750 million years. As the winemaker, Phil utilises organic practices throughout the vineyard with a philosophy to work with nature, rather than against it to boost the vineyard’s biodiversity. His goal is to create a vineyard which is a self-regulating, natural ecosystem and all his practices are intended to achieve this.

The fruit is chemical free with minimal additives and coupled with the ancient soils the vines grow in, adds to the terroir which influences the quality and taste of our wine. Using minimal water results in lower fruit yields, but the flavours are more intense and fruit quality is far higher.  The working winery produces a portfolio of wines which showcase the high-quality fruit and reflects Mediterranean varieties and styles. Included are an award-winning Shiraz, Grenache and Fortified Shiraz. 

Self Contained 1930s Stone Cottage Deluxe Accommodation

As one of the parcels of land given to the returned soldiers following World War 1, this property is a piece of local history. The original 1930’s stone cottage has been lovingly renovated into luxury self-contained accommodation and offers stunning views across the vineyard and out to the Mt Lofty ranges. This stylish homestead style house which provides original charm and modern amenities. Guests are treated to a beautiful house with gorgeous views and enjoy thoughtful touches and attention to detail throughout.

The purpose-built gazebo is the perfect spot to sit back in comfort, take in the sublime views and sip on a glass or two of the complimentary wine. The stunning views and quiet rural setting allow provides the perfect place for guests to relax and unwind and let their stresses melt away. 

McLaren Vale is less than 10 minutes’ drive away and gateway to a beautiful wine region filled with world class wineries, abundant local produce, diverse culinary experiences and specialist shops.  

The Mural at Blewitt Springs Wine Co.

And before you leave the beautiful country surrounds, be sure to take a photo in front of the mural. I’m sure you agree, it’s pretty hip!

BUY BLEWITT SPRINGS WINE ONLINE

Rosby Wines is Mudgee’s most exclusive wine label, borne out of a lovingly tended block of 35-year-old cabernet sauvignon and shiraz grapes owned by the Norton-Knight family. Originally planted by vigneron Gerald Norton-Knight, his wife Kay, and their four daughters, the vineyard is closely managed throughout the seasons to facilitate high-quality, low-yield crops of no more than two tonnes an acre.

Wine Tastings at The Hut

This low-impact farming philosophy marries with the Norton-Knights’ personalised approach, with Rosby Premium Wines only available for tastings in their custom- built mud hut overlooking the property. Hand-crafted out of trees felled on site and mud bricks from the family’s dam, The Hut now stands as a beautiful, highly usable testament to the honest, hard-working philosophy underpinning the Rosby brand.

Art Workshop at Rosby Wines

Throughout the year, The Hut becomes a unique space designed to host a series of Art Workshops in an environment that ensure the learning experience is a truly unique and immersive one. Whilst admiring the picturesque vineyard and natural surrounds, they’ll also be treated to a wine tasting with the vigneron followed by a tour of the vines.

Luxury Accommodation overlooking Mudgee Valley

A new addition to the Rosby stable brings similar opportunities to enjoy the picturesque Mudgee valley and its people, in the form of a sprawling luxury Guesthouse. Recently transformed from a family homestead into boutique four-bedroom accommodation, Rosby Guesthouse now offers stylish weekends away for four couples or a group of friends.

Bespoke finishes like hand-sewn cotton linen and soft furnishings, premium bath products, custom breakfast hampers, original artworks in every room, and of course complementary bottles of Rosby wine, make for utterly memorable weekends away.

 BUY ROSBY WINES ONLINE

About 135 kilometres (say 90 minutes drive) from Melbourne heading north along the Calder Freeway, you’ll find a town called Heathcote. Or as Melbournians know it, the area where big bold Durif red wines come from. The earthy Durif taste is distinctive given the Heathcote region is at elevations between 160 metres and 380 metres. One of the finest Durifs from the region is made by Andreas Greiving, winemaker at Domain Asmara. Watch the video below for a wonderful view of the vineyards.

Hand Made Premium Durif, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Heathcote Wines

Born in Germany, Andreas is a Chemical Engineer and has worked all over the world. Together with his wife Henni, who is an Indonesia dentist, they created Domaine Asmara after the Indonesian word Asmara, which means love and passion.  Andreas and his team only use garden scissors (known as secateurs) and do not use any machines in the process of making his premium wine.

Bed & Breakfast at Domaine Asmara

Imagine walking the vineyards early in the morning with Andreas, watching how an experienced winemaker works and learning about the winemaking process. Staying at the Domaine Asmara Bed & Breakfast amongst the vineyards, you will enjoy this unique experience followed by a fully cooked country breakfast on the verandah. Find bookings, please contact Domaine Asmara.

 View from Mt Ida lookout in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park

After a lovely visit and tastings at Domaine Asmara’s Cellar Door, before leaving Heathcote, be sure to enjoy the breathtaking view from nearby Mt Ida. The cracking sunsets are amazing with the pink sky over the Heathcote-Graytown National Park.

BUY DOMAINE ASMARA WINES ONLINE

Have you ever dreamed of the escaping the city and staying on a vineyard. Well at The Blok Coonawarra winery, you can actually stay at The Winemakers House! And the house sleeps 8 people so bring your friends and enjoy a weekend or better still a long weekend at The Winemakers House at The Blok. Sitting amongst the vines the 3 bedroom house is walking distance to many of the fantastic winery cellar doors of Coonawarra.

Relax in Style and Taste Wines with a Home Cooked Meal

The house boasts a fully equipped kitchen for you and friends to cook up a magnificent meal with fresh produce from local farms, 1.5 bathrooms and a wood fire for the colder months. Visit wineries by day and then enjoy a home cooked dinner that you and friends can prepare together. The house can sleep up to 8 guests so everyone can enjoy quality time together with plenty of space outside to walk around.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Perfect compliment to Local Cheeses

Coonawarra is famous around the world for its “terra rossa” soil that produce world class Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These rich, firmly structured red wines are the perfect compliment to bring out the flavour and texture of locally made cheeses.

Cellar Door Tastings at The Blok Coonawarra

The cellar door is open 10am to 4pm Thursday till Monday. The Blok Coonawarra is open all public holidays except Christmas Day. Wine tasting by appointment outside of these hours please use the contact form or the details below. When visiting The Blok Estate in Coonawarra, you will be greeted warmly by the team and you’ll be sure to enjoy learning all about the Coonawarra from Luke Trotter, owner and winemaker.

BUY THE BLOK COONAWARRA WINES ONLINE

If you’re from interstate and thinking the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula is “the” wine region in Victoria, then you haven’t heard of Jack Rabbit Vineyard or the magnificent Bellarine Peninsula.  If you’re looking for cool climate excellence (hint: think chardonnay, pinot and shiraz – all regional signatures) you’ve landed in the right place.  You just can’t beat the vibe of Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Located less than a 90 drive from Melbourne and only 30 minutes from Avalon Airport, if you’re planning a trip to Victoria’s wonderful wine regions, Jack Rabbit Vineyard and the gorgeous view of Port Philip Bay from the House of Jack Rabbit Restaurant and the House of Jack Rabbit (Cafe) should be on the top of your travel list!

Dine in Splendor Overlooking Vineyards with Bay Views

The Jack Rabbit Restaurant has world class food coupled with great views overlooking Corio Bay. The perfect setting for that special someone in your life! Travelers from Melbourne can catch the ferry over from the Docklands. For those wishing for a more relaxed scene, the House of Jack Rabbit (Cafe) offers a casual style lunch and dinner menu. Go on, order up the cake and desert wines as you can walk it off around the expansive grass area later. Or even better, sign up for Yoga in the Vines at Jack Rabbit Vineyard. It’s very popular with the locals and the perfect excuse to revisit while you’re visiting the Bellarine Peninsula.

Best Friends Forever Memories Abound

Not too many winery restaurants command a ‘vibe’ like the House Jack Rabbit (Cafe). It’s full tilt for friends who want to relax in style and enjoy the elegance in a bayside atmosphere. Views over the Corio Bay interlaced with casual yet fashionable patrons is the perfect way to snap that Instagram photo and keep the memory of the afternoon with family and friends forever. Put the Rose wine on ice, adjust the sunglasses and kick back to enjoy the Spring and Summer breeze while you toast to good health.

Cellar Door Open 7 Days a Week

Open from 10am – 5pm daily, the Cellar Door and tasting room in the House of Jack Rabbit (Cafe) is very popular with groups of friends. Dine a la carte or else ask the friendly Jack Rabbit team about the Group dining options (which need to be pre-booked) – there are quite a few that will get you jumping for joy!  Guided wine tastings are $5 per person but complementary for those dining.  Bookings are highly recommended, Jack Rabbit is the local hot spot for good reason!

BUY JACK RABBIT WINES ONLINE