Episode 23: Gourmet Getaways

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 and there is a gallery showcasing ever changing exhibitions. Mitcheltons boosts a tower you can climb to view the district below. Theres a picnic area and restaurant 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 a fully operational kitchen to a comfy lounge and three bedrooms sleeping six adults.

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

Bellbrae Harvest Restaurant and Boutique Accommodation
Bellbrae Harvest is a true foodies retreat. It not only offers a place to stay but a highly acclaimed restaurant on the same picturesque property. Set on 15 acres in Bellbrae, its a 90 minute drive south west of Melbourne. The kitchen is run by chef James White with his cuisine recommended by The Age Good Food Guide. Bellbrae Harvest Restaurant focuses on seasonal produce and looks to local suppliers for quality ingredients. They source these daily to ensure the very best of fare is served. Just next door is Bellbrae Harvest Boutique accommodation which has three chalets. Each is split level with a kitchenette, breakfast provisions provided and all the usual comforts to make your stay there thoroughly enjoyable.

Bellbrae Harvest Restaurant and Boutique Accommodation
45 Portreath Rd, Bellbrae
Restaurant Ph: 03 5266 2100
Accommodation Ph: 03 5266 2090
www.bellbraeharvest.com.au

Moorooduc Estate
Moorooduc Estate is a true gourmet holiday destination situated at the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula. There is a winery, a restaurant and some beautiful accommodation in a building thats a bit of a surprise. Designed by Gregory Burgess, the dramatic lines, soaring observation tower, rammed earth construction and vaulted ceilings sure do make an architectural statement. Winemaker Richard McIntyre looks after the vines while his wife Jill creates the rustic Mediterranean Provencal food that her restaurant, Jills is known for. Downstairs is the accommodation which comprises of four ensuite rooms each with an Asian feel, complete with sliding panels, curvy ceilings and streamlined furnishings.

Moorooduc Estate
501 Derril Rd Moorooduc
Ph: 03 5971 8506
www.moorooducestate.com.au

Georges
Georges Culinary Retreat is a luxury B&B with an in-house gourmet cooking school thats located at Arthurs Seat, on the Mornington Peninsula. Throughout the year they run three day cooking workshops for small groups, each with its own theme, from classic French to the flavours of South East Asia. Master chef Duncan White-Robertson runs the classes. Wanting to perfect a simple chocolate cake Duncan took Shane to visit Mornington Peninsula Chocolates, where you can find some of Australias most delicious and beautifully presented hand made chocolates. The icing on the cake at Georges is the luxurious architecturally designed suites. All have the modern conveniences you could want, bathrooms that are to die for and stunning views across the Bay.

Georges Boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat
776 Arthurs Seat Rd, Arthurs Seat
Ph: 03 5981 8700
www.georgesonarthurs.com.au

Mornington Peninsular Chocolates
3494 Frankston- Flinders Rd, Merricks
Ph: 03 5989 8490
www.mpchocolates.com.au

Chris's Beacon Point
Nestled high above the township overlooking Bass Straight Chris Beacon Point is on Scenes Creek Road just out of Apollo Bay. Over the years its become one of the most popular eateries on the coast and owner Chris has created a unique style of cuisine described as contemporary, with Southern European and Middle Eastern flare. If you start to take a bit of a shine to the type of hospitality on offer here at Chris you might not want to leave. You can choose between two types of accommodation right next to the restaurant. Theres the studios which are fully self-contained with polished floors and enough room for two. And then theres the Villa accommodation with two rooms that can sleep up to four guests and just like the studios you get to take in breath taking panoramic views from Cape Patton to Apollo Bay.

Chris's Beacon Point
280 Skenes Creek Rd, Apollo Bay
Ph: 03 5237 6411
www.chriss.com.au

What's On
Echuca Moamas Winter Blues Festival
If youre close to the Murray next weekend why not relax and enjoy the ambience of some soulful music at this years Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival.
When: 26 - 27 July
More: Ph 1800 804 446 or visit www.winterblues.com.au

Melbourne International Design Festival
The fourth annual Melbourne International Design Festival is on until July 27 at Federation Square and will feature an exciting range of public exhibitions and forums.
Where: Federation Square
When: 17 - 27 July
More: Ph 9654 6335 or visit www.nationaldesigncentre.com

Ultimate Alpine Dinner
And if you happen to be at Falls Creek next weekend then stick around for Monday nights 6 course Ultimate Alpine Dinner at the award winning Summit Ridge restaurant.
Where: Summit Ridge Falls Creek
When: 28 July
More: Ph 5758 3500 or visit www.summitridge.com.au www.summitridge.com.au