If fresh fruit to enjoy over summer is what you’re looking for, look no further than a trip into Wandin where many many local producers welcome customers into the fields.
The area is rich in agriculture production and tourism, with the warmer weather kicking off the seasons for many farms.
In Wandin East, Jay Berries is a family run and owned berry farm run by John and Jola Stewart.
It offers visitors a pick-your-own experience in Wandin East.
John and Jola have grown strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries for over 25 years and have diversified into tourism for the past nine years.
The weigh and pay system for u-pick gives visitors value for what they take home, especially for family groups where some people want large quantities of luscious fruit and others a small amount.
There is a small entry fee, making it an affordable great day out for families, with tours of the farm also available.
The farm is operated on safe-to-eat practices where chemical sprays are not used on any of the u-pick fruit or vegies.
Freshly picked berries are also for sale in the shop and many people pre-order to ensure they get what they need.
Jay Berries at 140 Wandin Creek Rd, Wandin East VIC 3139 is open six days a week 8.30am-4.30pm and closed every Saturday. The farm’s berry season runs from October to May depending on the seasonal weather.
Over in Wandin North, Wandin Valley Farms are lovers of cherries and has proudly been in operation since 1893.
The Sebire family has grown “only the finest fresh cherries”, beginning with their first orchard at Mont de Lancey farm in Wandin North.
Wandin Valley Farms is now fully owned and operated by the Sebire and Jones families, with three generations of the family actively involved in the business.
The delicious red gems are sourced from three farms across Victoria and Tasmania; each site has been chosen for its ideal and specific growing and climactic conditions.
Wandin Valley Farms’ cherries are then packed at its state-of-the-art packing and distribution facility in the Yarra Valley. This recently upgraded facility provides packing and dispatch services to a wide range of domestic and international markets.
During the packing season of late October to late January, the Wandin Valley Farms shop is open to cherry lovers who are invited to come and pick up a delicious treat.
Pick up a box (or two, or three!) of fresh cherries direct from the farm, or take home one of the beautiful cherry jams, relishes, sauces and pastes so you can enjoy the flavour all year round.
The shop is located at the packing and distribution facility at 47 Hunter Road, Wandin North. During packing season the shop is usually open 9.00am to 5.00pm, seven days a week, however this will vary according to supply.
Please check the calendar at www.wandinvalleyfarms.com.au/shop for scheduled opening hours.
