Episode 36: Wineries Special

Mitchelton Winery
Mitchelton Wines was founded in 1967 on what was once an old grazing estate. Since that time, the winery located at Nagambie - a 90 minute drive north of Melbourne, has developed a reputation for its high quality wines. Theres also a restaurant on site and accommodation. Art is another important feature of the winery with a gallery showcasing ever changing exhibitions. Mitcheltons boosts a tower you can climb to view the district below. Theres picnic areas and restaurants where you can dine in comfortable surrounds and enjoy a good meal. In fact you could make a weekend of it all and book out the Blackwood Park Country House. It has all the comforts of a home away from home from fully operational kitchen to comfy lounge and three bedrooms sleeping 6 adults.

Mitchelton Wines
Mitchellstown Rd, Nagambie
Ph: 03 5736 2221
www.mitchelton.com.au

Dominque Portet
The Yarra Valley is home to 55 of the worlds leading wineries and is internationally recognized as one of the great wine growing regions. As a ninth generation wine maker Dominique Portet is a pioneer of the industry in Australia. Hes worked with some of the best in the business in places like the Napa Valley California and hes 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 the crowd favourite, petanque while enjoying a glass of wine.

Dominique Portet Yarra Valley
870 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream Vic, Australia 3770
PH: 5962 5760
www.dominiquportet.com.au

Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon in Victorias Yarra Valley has been happily popping their corks since 1991. Today you can still sample their full range of sparkling and still wine by the glass but the recently revamped behind the scene tour is providing visitors with a fascinating insight into a winery at work. The perfect blend of food and wine is a journey like no other and while sparkling wine has evolved from a pre-dinner drink to a wine for all seasons and all occasions, Domaine Chandons Vintage Brute is raising the quality to a new excellence. Once youve seen how its done, its time to settle back at Chandons Green Point Room for a exceptional flute of sparkling wine with a complimentary platter of fresh bread, cheese and home style relish. Guided tours are free and run three times daily.

Domaine Chandon
Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream
9738 9200
www.domainechandon.com.au

Gapsted Wines
Gapsted winery is situated right in the heart of the King and Alpine valleys in Victorias High Country. You might have noticed it passing through on your way to the snowfields. This is one of the only places where youll find Saperavi, a unique wine in Australia thats only grown in North Eastern Victoria. The grape variety originated in Southern Russian around the Crimean region. Basically its a cool climate wine that shows structural complexity as well as vibrant ripe fruit and spice aromas and flavours. At Gapsted not only can you learn about wine, but you can also indulge in the food that compliments it. The winery offers The Taste Bud Tour which is a perfect way to choose your very own perfect drop.

Gapsted Wines
Corner of Great Alpine Road and Snow Road, Gapsted
5751 1383
www.gapstedwines.com.au

All Saints- Young Bloods
All Saints Estate would have to be the most impressive vineyard in Rutherglen with its big castle and tree lined driveway leading to a massive red brick winery. You can go there to enjoy the cheese provedore and some of the regions finest sparkling and fortified wines. These days the Queen of the Castle is Eliza Brown and her younger brother Nick is heir to the throne. They are part of a group called Youngbloods who are the sons and daughters of Rutherglens legendary winemakers. All Saints Estate is a great place to relax, theres a cellar door for tasting and stocking up, the Terrace Restaurant for lunch and dinner and a hectare of garden for lazing about.

All Saints Estate
All Saints Road, Rutherglen
Ph: 02 6035 2222
www.allsaintswine.com.au

What's On

Jazz, Food & Wine Festival
Get into the swing of things this coming long weekend at the Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival providing a non-stop program that caters to all tastes.
Where: Mildura
When: 31 Oct - 3 Nov
More: Ph 1800 039 043 or visit www.jazzwine.com.au

Toast to the Coast
And more gourmet delights are on offer in Geelong at this years Toast to Coast, the regions annual festival devoted to food, wine and music.
Where: Geelong
When: 1 2 November
More: Ph 1800 620 8888 or visit www.toast2coast.com

The Southern Gippsland Summer Starters
Foodies will be in for more treats at The Southern Gippsland Summer Starters winery celebration on next weekend.
Where: Southern Gippsland
When: 1 - 2 November
More: 03 5683 2441 or visit www.southerngippslandwine.com.au