This place is so old school I sort of felt bad using technology to take a picture.
Then it was time for a chocolate croissant from this lovely bakery.
My pick-up for the tour was across from this great old theatre. Under the eves of another theatre. I like this town.
I didn't end up making it back to the Dracula cabaret (awkwardly pictured from a moving van, over there behind these random people), but I will look it up when I get back.
The Yarra Valley is just north of Melbourne, and contains all good things - aside from the wineries, there are orchards, strawberry fields, chocolatiers, a gin still, and cattle. It's also quite beautiful. I made friends with a couple who was also on the tour, and we had a grand time at all of the tastings. First up, Punt Road. I wish I could give you a detailed review of all of my tastings, but that was nine months and a great deal of wine ago. Suffice it to say, a good time was had by all.
The vineyard is also an orchard, though they do have to take some precautions to protect from the local bird population.
The gardeners do some good work down there...
Next up was the Balgownie Estate. I wanted to bring multiple bottles home from this place, but due to luggage constraints I settled for one bottle of their fortified shiraz - the best way to describe this is that it tastes like Christmas. I am very much looking forward to getting another bottle of it someday.
Our next stop was Yering Farm, which makes a delightful cider in addition to wine. It's a smaller, funkier place.
The final stop on the tour was the Chandon Estate. Sparkling wine is especially popular down here over Christmas, as it is lovely to have with the Christmas roast (or barbecue) in the heat of summer. If I recall correctly (and I may not), I wrapped up the tasting with a sparkling pinot noir, which tastes much better than it ought...
An example of earlier machinery used on this estate.
And its modern equivalent. There are some bottles that are still hand turned during their seven year maturation period. Apparently to qualify for this job, one must attend special schooling in France.
One last shot before hopping back on the bus to return to Melbourne. It was a lovely day!
