Mike Smith
Deep inside this Valley, you will see the vast stretches of wineries. As you travel across them, you will smell the success story of wine in this territory called Yarra Valley.
Be it tasting, grazing, picnic hampers or whatever you need with wine, Kellybrook Winery is open from Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. You can taste wine for US5. You can also see their original wine-making building. In fact Kellybrook winery is the first producer of ciders in the valley. Its architects Phil and Gus Kelly entered the industry as far back as 1960s. You can also savour their champagne cider and apple brandy.
The cider is unique to the valley, as they are made straight out of the valley apples and pears.
It all started when five bosom pals got into the streets to produce boutique beers. That idea came to them after tasting some beers while on a holiday. You can taste a variety of beers such as pils, ale and cider. Do not miss their unique Grand Porter. Getting to the brewery is convenient if you stay somewhere such as Oaks South Yarra.
Like its fellow wineries, Napoleone had always adhered to traditional Australian style. Their specialty lies in winter beer. American Pale Ale, another drink unique Napoleone, goes easy with any drinker. Napoleone Brewers initiated their brewery at a dairy shed in 1860. And you will simply fall in love with their dining area. Not only the wine, but the meals they offer are really delicious. The large windows and the simple country-looking tables would take you to a few decades back. It will be a nice experience to have a beer paddle with a wine glass. One good glass of wine will increase your appetite to have a sumptuous trout salad along with a poached egg.
Both the brewery and the restaurant are run by a family. Here you will get drink the handcrafted ales made from indigenous ingredients. The food is also made from local ingredients. Following a sumptuous meal, you can reach Upper Yarra Valley countryside to take a deep glimpse into Yarra Valley wineries.
Perched in the State Forest, Giverny Estate is much famous for kiwi fruit. That means you get to drink kiwi wine. The whole kiwi fruit garden was planted in 1960s. This is located towards the edge of Yarra Valley. Be surprised to know that this vineyard now produces over 10 tons of finest quality fruit. Probably owing to the Yea River adjoining the grove and thereby offering a natural supply of water for the quick growth of the fruit. This is one of the breweries that supply wine to South Yarra hotels.
The fruit is usually picked July, and will be kept for eight weeks in stainless steel vats.
If you are fond of malted barley, then Buckley's is the place. The water is supplied from a spring, hence wine gives a unique flavor.
