Episode 09: Beechworth
The town of Beechworth in the High Country has so much more to offer than just its history with Ned Kelly. Join host Shane Crawford the Postcards as they explore this great weekend-getaway village.
Beechworth Honey and Larder Fromagerie
Beechworth Honey is a fourth-generation family run business that has become an iconic Australian brand. The Beechworth Honey Experience is an exhibition about the stages of the honey making process and owner and bee-keeper Jodie Goldworthy is on hand to help point out the Queen and explain why bees are responsible for producing two-thirds of the food we eat.
Beechworth locals are making a beeline to Larder Fromagerie, a speciality cheese store with an exceptional range of international and Australian cheeeses and other gourmet goodies. There's also a bit of a buzz about their coffee. Owner and barista Gina Bladon is proud to bring a bit of Melbourne to the town with St Ali, a specialty coffee from South Melbourne.
Beechworth Honey Experience
Corner Ford and Church streets, Beechworth
Ph 03 5728 1432
www.beechworthhoney.com.au
Chrismont Wines and Accommodation
Chrismont Wines is in Cheshunt, in the heart of Victoria's north-east. A family run business for two generations, the Pizzini's were originally tobacco famers before changing into viticulture in the 80s. They now produce some of the most acclaimed wines in the region and are proud to be one of the few wineries in Australia to make Prosecco, a sparkling Italian-style wine. To completely enjoy your Prosecco, you can stay amongst the vineyards in the Tuscan guesthouse. The self-contained villa has a spacious living area and a rustic kitchen stocked with treats like olives, prosciutto, three kinds of Italian cheese and local smoked trout.
Chrismont Wines
251 Upper King Road, Cheshunt
Ph 03 5729 8220
www.chrismont.com.au
Pedal to Produce Tour
For a bike ride along the beautiful Beechworth trails, Sally Rodgers can show you the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, that goes from Beechworth to Porepunkah at the base of Mount Buffalo.
Glen and Sally's first stop was the Bridge Road Brewery for some award-winning beers. This 150-year-old building sits behind Tanswells Commercial Hotel and is open every day for lunch and on Sunday nights for dinner. Next stop was The Myrtleford butter factory, that's run by mother and daughter Naomi and Bronwyn Ingleton. After setting up a cafe in the old butter factory, they started producing butter in 2010 by popular demand and haven't looked back since. For an all day breakfast or lunch, one of the most popular stops on the ride is The Rail Trail Cafe, an old butchers shop where owners Jesse and Lucy and offer food with a Mexican flair.
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
Ph 1800 801 065
www.murraytomountains.com.au
Dal Zotto Wines
The Dal Zotto winery is a three and a half hour drive from Melbourne. Everyone is welcome at Dal Zotto and the man behind this family-owned winery is Otto Dal Zotto. Son Michael is also an accomplished wine maker and the rest of the clan lend a hand. For an authentic Italian feed, the Dal Zotto team ensure that nobody goes home hungry. And they'll join you in a friendly game of bocce amongst the beautiful vineyard surroundings.
Dal Zotto Wines
4861 Wangaratta–Whitfield Road, Whitfield
Ph 03 5729 8321
www.dalzotto.com.au
Freeman on Ford and Wardens
Freeman on Ford is one of Victoria's finest B&Bs. The two-storey brick building was built in 1876 and was once a bank. Ned Kelly didn't rob it, but the town legend stands guard outside. Freeman on Ford offers four exquisite Victorian era rooms upstairs and two 1930s classic rooms downstairs
It's easy to get caught in the past in Beechworth, but today's visitors also love the food. Wardens Food and Wine is a town favourite and this modern European restaurant has had a consistent one-hat rating for the last five years. And there are new tastes to be had, with new head chef Andrew Roscouet, who trained with the best in Europe and has worked at Melbourne restaurants such as Matteo's.
Freeman on Ford
97 Ford Street, Beechworth
Ph 03 5728 2371
www.freemanonford.com.au
Wardens Food and Wine
32 Ford Street, Beechworth
Ph 03 5728 1377
www.wardens.com.au
Postcards diary
Maize Maze
If you're heading to the Mornington Peninsula, don't miss the Maize Maze at The Enchanted Maze Garden.
Where: The Enchanted Maze Garden, Mornington Peninsula
When: until 30 April 2011
More: visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
Rip Curl Pro
The action is on the surf coast at the annual Rip Curl Pro.
Where: Bells Beach
When: 19–30 April 2011
More: ripcurl.com.au
Bendigo Winemakers Festival
Join the winegrowers of Bendigo in the magnificent Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
Where: Castlemaine
When: 24 April 2011
More: 1300 656 650 or www.bendigowine.org.au