What's On In The Yarra Valley
Discover a Wealth of Gourmet Delights on a Day Trip to the Valley
May 7, 2009 Alison Stieven-Taylor
The Yarra Valley was ravaged by the bushfires in February, but already you can see signs of new growth amidst the blackened hills. Many of the wineries and other tourist attractions in the region were not damaged physically, but have suffered in the aftermath as visitors stayed away.
Now is the time to return to the Yarra Valley and here are some tempting reasons to do so.
Domaine Chandon Sunday School Winery Tour
Domaine Chandon was established in 1986. Known for its cool climate and sparkling wines Domaine Chandon hosts a two hour wine discovery tour every Sunday. This tour is for both novices and enthusiasts who are keen to learn more about the brand’s wines and are interested in a behind-the-scenes look at wine production. for details.
The tour includes sampling of wine in progress, discussion of the nuances of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes and the wines they are used for and a demonstration on how ‘Méthode Traditionelle’ sparkling wine is made.
This intimate event, the group is limited to 8, is held from 11am to 1pm and bookings are essential. Visit Domaine Chandon
Yarra Valley Cooking Schools - De Bortoli Wines
Kicking off its 2009 programme on Saturday May 16 the De Bortoli On the Vine Cooking School will host the popular 100 Mile Food session showcasing the fantastic produce that is available in the Yarra Valley.
Head Chef Tim Keenan will take participants through a morning cooking demonstration before they adjourn for a long lunch to enjoy the fruits of Tim’s labours. The food is of course matched to the De Bortoli Wines.
The session runs from 9.30am to 3pm and numbers are limited. For more information visit De Bortoli.
De Bortoli Wine And Cheese Matching
While you are at De Bortoli visit the Cheese and Maturation Room. Here you will find a staggering array of cheeses from all over the world and learn how to match wine and cheese.
Richard Thomas (pictured), De Bortoli’s resident cheese "affineur" comments on the custom built cheese room that has become such a feature of this winery. "We have an extraordinary maturing room: cold and damp as a cave with natural air flow. (Here) we mature natural cheese on wooden shelves that have nurtured Italian cheeses for almost 50 years. This maturing room turns good cheese into great cheese - and, in turn, great cheese responds and improves with further ageing. We have become cheese maturers "affineurs" as the French would say. People who finish cheese off and make it complete."
The Cheese Room is open daily for tastings and you can select cheeses to take home to the match the wines you purchase. You can also book private tasting sessions for groups. Contact De Bortoli for more information.
2009 Shortest Lunch
Celebrating the Winter Solstice over the weekend of 20/21 June, the boutique wineries of the Yarra Valley are banding together to present 2009’s Shortest Lunch comprising entrée sized portions, finger foods and desserts matched to the local wines.
Sixteen wineries are participating in the event and visitors are encouraged to meander through the Valley from one winery to another enjoying the range of foods, wines and entertainment on offer.
For more information visit Yarra Valley Small Wineries
Richard Thomas De Bortoli Cheese
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles