THE unique sandstone cellar door at Yileena Park has been recessed back into a steep hill to ensure cool cellaring of its premium wines.
Climb the superbly timber panelled staircase to the warmly inviting tasting room which is swathed in Tasmanian Myrtle and features an open fireplace, ornate Victorian mantle, tastefully painted cornice and a beautifully detailed granite-topped bar.
French doors open onto an expensive deck affording spectacular views of the vineyard and the valley beyond.
Enter and enjoy the ambience of a bygone era when quality, integrity and understated elegance were not fashion statements but hallmarks of a true boutique experience.
This superb building is available for intimate events and open for tastings Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Phone 9730 1977.
Yarra Valley Wine Hub
THE Wine Hub is the cellar door for a group of emerging artisan winemakers that make small amounts of wine in traditional ways.
Located at the Yarra Valley Dairy, the Hub offers sales and tasting of wines with distinctive vineyard characters for wine producers that do not have their own cellar door.
Winemaking practices amongst the producers are traditional and natural, resulting in wines that are complex, savoury, and representative of the nature of a specific vineyard site.
The Hub is located on the corner of St Huberts and McMeikans Roads, Yering. Phone 9739 0637 or email infor@yarravalleywinehub.com.au.
Fergussons Winery
ESCAPE to the vineyard studio rooms nestled amongst the vines at Fergussons Winery in Yarra Glen.
The new, large carpeted studio rooms feature queen size and twin beds and have been furnished with taste and elegance.
The bathrooms have large tiled showers, toilets and magnificent on-counter basins. Spa rooms are also available.
Guests will feel relaxed as they take in the breathtaking views and attractions of the valley. Private verandahs with vineyard views await.
Breakfast is served in the award-winning Fergusson Winery Restaurant. In the afternoon sample some of the Yarra Valley’s finest wines before enjoying a relaxing dinner.
The studio rooms also feature a television, DVD player, ironing board, iron, refrigerator and much more.
Phone Fergussons Winery on 5965 2237 or email info@fergussonwinery.com.au for bookings and information.
Lillydale Estate
ONE of the Yarra Valley’s hidden delights, Lillydale Estate produces outstanding wines, with the 2005 Chardonnay, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc and 2004 Gewürztraminer all gold medal winners at wine shows across Australia.
Lillydale Estate invites you to visit and taste its award-winning range, along with many other celebrated wines from the McWilliam’s portfolio at its premium cellar door and restaurant facilities. Open from 11am to 5pm, seven days a week, the cellar door has an array of quality wines which can be carefully paired to suit any festive event. Lillydale’s famous indoor barbecue (open weekends) enables visitors to cook their meal, with a gourmet menu offering the best and freshest local produce. With amazing views, Lillydale Estate is also a perfect venue to host functions and events over the Christmas season.
Lillydale Estate is situated at 45 Davross Court, Seville. For further inquiries and information please phone 5964 2016 or see www.lillydaleestate.com.au.
Tokar Estate
TOKAR Estate, located in the iconic dress circle of the Yarra Valley, is not only aesthetically pleasing with sweeping 360 degree views of the vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges, but offers guests a relaxed atmosphere while not compromising on quality or value for money.
Now a proven favourite with locals and visitors alike, Tokar Estate is pleased to announce our 2007 Australia Day celebration. Join in on 26 and 27 January for a weekend celebrating the estate’s superb food culture. Spit roast lamb with all the trimmings, as well as traditional desserts are on offer, in addition to the regular a la carte options. Live entertainment is also planned, so book your table now to avoid disappointment.
Tokar Estate is open seven days a week for lunch, on Saturday evenings for dinner and other times by arrangement. Phone 5964 9585.
Warramate Wines
FROM the intimate tasting area, sample first class Riesling, Cabernet, Shiraz, and Pinot, whilst enjoying the magnificent views.
Warramate is a family run winery offering premium estate-grown wines from 35-year-old non-irrigated vines.
Founded by Jack and June Church in the late 1960s, it is one of a handful of wineries responsible for the renaissance of the Yarra Valley as a wine-growing region in the 1970s.
The Church family is renowned as producers of small quantities of elegant and refined hand-grown and hand-harvested vines.
The winery, open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm is also a unique setting for small ceremonies and gatherings.
Warramate Wines is located at 26 Maddens Lane, Gruyere. In addition to normal trading hours, it is also open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day from 10am to 6pm. Phone 5964 9219 or email infor@warramatewines.com.au.
