If you’re taking a break from the grape juice du jour, this article isn’t for you. In fact we advise you look away. For the swillers and the tannin experts however, a day trip is on the cards. What better way to escape the concrete jungle and take an adventure. These wineries are serving up fine food, delightful drops and a location you just can’t beat. Oh and all within a deso driver’s reach of Melbourne.
#1 Fergusson Winery
The menu at Fergusson is a celebration of the locally grown wares from the Yarra Valley, along with the fruits of their labour. Born of classic French grape varieties, you can pick your poison from their Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling among others. Wonderfully fragrant in taste, you’ll enjoy sipping in the rustic surrounds – a high ceiling timber dream. Make sure finish with their fine Muscat, a dessert wine with choc-berry notes, to seal things off perfectly. You’ll come home with a refined palette no doubt.
#2 Zonzo Estate
Authentic Italian food just like Nonna makes it and a drop so good you’ll be carrying a case home as a momento. After your day of lingering long lunch style with wine flowing free, don’t forget to marvel at the bottles. If you’re the type to pick by the label (aren’t we all?) this casing will cast a spell on you. French bottles, wax pressed seals and impeccable minimalist design, you’ll be reluctant to open it. They describe their Pinot Noir as “broody”, and if that’s not enough to win you over then you truly are impossible.
#3 Polperro By Even Keel
A picnic beneath the vines? Don’t mind if we do. With rustic lunch in tow, roam the grounds in search of the perfect shady spot. A matched menu in your basket, that goes hand in hand with your tipple of choice. From charcuterie selections to a seafood selection, take your pick. And then there’s the vino of course, they recommend the Rosé for those toting their lunch. A savoury crisp taste with delicate notes of strawberry. This Mornington Peninsula haunt is a real delight.
#4 T’Gallant
Fusing all things European with Australian flair, T’Gallant is a must on any Mornington adventure. It’s built for European style grazing, an extensive pizza menu and ever flowing wine supply for you to devour. Their white offerings are influenced by the Italian style, making them a wonderful match to a lighter slice. The T’Gallant Claudius is ideal, boasting the texture of a red with the matching ability of a white.
#5 Acacia Ridge
Nestled in the Yarra Valley is a winery that celebrates the past. A small vineyard sits beside 1850’s architecture and a rustic program of eats. Gourmet BBQs on offer provide a casual alternative to the high class affair of wineries surrounding. Including hearty sirloin, gourmet chicken and family made salads to share. Break bread with friends as you swill Moscato Rosso, a wine that’s both ‘spritzy and fresh’
Image source: Two Dapper Lane, Portraits Of Melbourne, Zonzo, Polperro, Good Times Tours,
