4 November: Yarra Valley

The Grand Hotel & Antique Centre
The Yarra Glen Grand Hotel was built in 1888 and is one of the landmark buildings in the area. Situated in Yarra Glen about one hour's drive from Melbourne, it offers 10 guest rooms including a Balcony Suite. You can enjoy a coffee in the café, dine casually in the bistro or have dinner in Farrell's restaurant, which has a menu that changes seasonally and serves local wines. Step outside and straight across the road is the Yarra Valley Antique Centre. For lovers of beautiful things there is fine china, as well as things for the kids and, for those who adore vintage, hats galore and even a mink collar. All this and much more is what collectables expert Bobbie Pearce works with daily

The Yarra Glen Grand Hotel
19 Bell Street, Yarra Glen
Ph 03 9730 1230
www.yarraglengrand.com.au

Yarra Valley Antique Centre
8 Bell Street, Yarra Glen
Ph 03 9730 1911

Dominique Portet
The Yarra Valley is home to 55 of the world's leading wineries and is internationally recognised as one of the great wine growing regions. As a ninth generation wine maker, Dominique Portet is a pioneer of the industry in Australia. He has worked with some of the best in the business in places including the Napa Valley in California. Plus, he has had vintages with global Champagne giant Moët et Chandon. Closer to home Dominique helped establish Taltarni and Clover Hill wineries and in 2000 we saw the beginning of the Dominique Portet Label here in the Yarra Valley where the family tradition continues. In keeping with the French theme at the winery, you can have a game of croquet or petanque whilst enjoying a glass of wine.

Dominique Portet Yarra Valley
870 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
Ph 03 5962 5760
www.dominiqueportet.com

Yarra Valley Pasta
Live Life, Eat Real Pasta...it's a great statement to make and something very few could dispute, or ignore especially when walking up to Yarra Valley Pasta in Healesville. Join Loz as he learns the art of pasta making. Just 60 kilometres east of Melbourne on the Maroondah Highway, Yarra Valley Pasta provides us Aussies with the freshest, most authentic Italian style pasta around. These age old recipes have been passed down to the dedicated team at Yarra Valley Pasta who busily churn out over half a tonne of this precious stuff every week.

Open daily 325 Maroondah Highway, Healesville www.yarravalleypasta.com.au

Araluen Lodge
Besides the Dandenongs, the Yarra Valley has the second highest number of bed and breakfasts in Victoria. Set in its own private garden and backing onto the Kinglake National Park, the stone construction allows this country lodge to fit perfectly into this natural environment. The family run property consists of four luxury king size suites offering a comfortable and relaxing stay. With locally sourced produce of home made muesli, seasonal fresh fruit, farm fresh eggs, ham and cheese and freshly brewed tea and coffee you'll be able to jump start your metabolism and set yourself up for another day of leisure in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

Packages start from $315 per couple
Ph 03 5965 2013
www.araluenlodge.com.au

De Bortoli Winery
De Bortoli's winery is located an hour from Melbourne at Dixons Creek off the Melba Highway. The company was founded by Vittorio De Bortoli 79 years ago when he left Italy to move to Australia and buy a fruit farm in Griffith, New South Wales. There was a grape surplus one year, which enabled him to make his own table wine and that's how it all began. The property's restaurant is run by head chef Cameron Cansdell who uses the best local produce available in keeping with the Italian style of cooking the De Bortoli's grew up with. Finishing off a meal with cheese is always a bonus and the restaurant's cheeses come from the winery's newest attraction, the Cheese Room.

Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek
Ph 03 5965 2271
www.debortoli.com.au

What's On

Compass Windows Kyneton Cup
Head to Kyneton next Wednesday and enjoy all of the fashion and excitement of the country racing at Kyneton's biggest race meeting, The Kyneton Cup.
Where: Macedon Ranges
When: 7 November
More: Phone 03 5422 1866 or visit www.kynetondistrictracingclub.com.au

Saturday Degustation – six courses
If you are into good food and wine then head to Stillwater at Crittenden on the Mornington Peninsula and enjoy their Saturday night degustation menu.
Where: Stillwater at Crittenden, Dromana
When: Every Saturday night
More: Phone 03 5981 9555 or visit http://stillwateratcrittenden.com.au

Budburst Wine and Food Festival
Budburst, the annual Macedon Ranges Wine Region celebration begins next weekend and is a great opportunity to explore this picturesque region, including the gardens of Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock.
Where: Macedon Ranges
When: 11–18 November
More: Phone 03 5422 0326 or visit www.budburst.com