BIANCHET Winery, one of the oldest vineyard/wineries in the Yarra Valley is under new management.
The popular Bianchet cafe remains under the helm of Robert Leybourne with new exciting dishes and a revamped wine list featuring wines from small producers of the Yarra Valley and some interesting labels from beyond.
The cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday nights for dinner.
The cellar door is also open Wednesday to Sunday.
For bookings phone 9739 1779.
Tokar Estate
THE Aria is the latest wine release from Tokar Estate.
It is a unique blend of Reserve Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and although it has been in bottle for a short time, it has already won international acclaim with a silver medal at the New Zealand Wine Show.
Tokar Estate is proud to be the first in the Yarra Valley to grow Tempranillo, Spain’s most popular grape.
Tokar Estate’s cellar door is open daily for tasting and the restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine is open for lunch Monday to Sunday.
Phone 5964 9585.
Henkell Vineyards
OVERLOOKING the breathtaking hills of the Yarra Valley, the Cellar Door and Cafe at Henkell Vineyards offer beautiful music, fine wine and outstanding dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
The menu, now under the guidance of new host and head chef Barbara DeSilva, boasts a blend of international cuisine from warm and cold entree platters to delicious main courses, light snacks and mouth-watering homemade desserts.
Master of wine Andreas Lehmann will greet guests at the wine tasting counter.
A wide range of exclusive entertainment is also on offer from live jazz to open air opera, and guests can even plan their own wedding, birthday or other special event at the venue.
Wild Cattle Creek
WILD Cattle Creek Wines recently won a gold medal at the 2005 Yarra Valley Wine Show for its 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, and a bronze medal for its 2005 Sauvignon Blanc.
The winery grows Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris on about 26 hectares near Yarra Junction and at a smaller vineyard at Wandin.
Adjoining its Wandin vineyard is the Wild Cattle Creek Cellar Door, which is open for sales and tasting from 11.30am to 5pm seven days a week.
The cellar door is run in conjunction with Rustic Charm, one of the Yarra Valley’s most popular and highly acclaimed restaurants.
Fergusson Winery
THE Fergusson family has been at the forefront of wine making and tourism in the Yarra Valley for 30 years.
The first vines were planted at the Dixons Creek vineyard in 1968 and the family opened its cellar door and restaurant in 1978.
The Fergussons work with local soils and climate to produce the finest handcrafted cool-climate wines, which are matched with regional cuisine, produced by master chef Louise Fergusson in winery restaurant.
As well as the wonderful a-la-carte menu, the signature dish is the prime aged beef, gently roasted on the turning spit.
Add to these gourmet delights great entertainment and you have a match made in heaven.
Balgownie Estate
BALGOWNIE Estate Yarra Valley has a new face – Balgownie Estate Retreat and Spa.
With the cafe becoming a restaurant, Balgownie will be able to offer a more extensive menu with some wonderful food options.
The restaurant will soon be open for dinner with al fresco dining on the verandah, and before long the restaurant will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
The new conference and function room will be available for special events, and the new 32-room resort accommodation opened last weekend.
Every apartment has a balcony offering spectacular views of the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs. For more information phone 9730 2669.
