Thursday 10/09/08 - Shiraz Wine
Melbourne and the Yarra Valley Wine Tour: A Traveler's Guide to Victoria
A few weeks ago, I had a month-long vacation in Australia, mostly in Melbourne. It was my third trip to this city and the best one yet. It seems like every time I visit Melbourne, I always discover something new and this time, it was the excellent wineries in the area. I was virtually raving to my friends about all the fine wines I had tasted on my visit. Hence, at their urging, I am writing this traveler's guide to Melbourne, with a special eye on its delightful wine.
Firstly, on any visit to Melbourne, I strongly suggest that first-time visitors take a day or two to explore this magnificent city. Among all of Australia's major cities, this is the one that will likely have that special attraction to even the most jaded, well-traveled and world-weary tourist. As the locals say, Melbourne can mean different things to different people. It may seem foreign at first but there is always something that is strangely familiar and which, on some level, reminds the globe-trotting visitor of home. I guess that's why they call Melbourne a chameleon city.
Melbourne is a city of diverse cultures and remarkable contrasts. Here, different groups have learned to co-exist comfortably with one another. For instance, the Italian neighborhood and the Chinese neighborhood, which are side by side.
Whether your lifestyle is beachside or bohemian, Melbourne has something that will appeal to you, be it the food, wine, art, style, customs, nightlife, businesses or beliefs.
Once you're ready to start your wine tour, the place to begin is the Yarra Valley, a prime wine-growing district that began making wine in the late 19th century. Its cool climate and rich soil are ideal for producing dry red wine, chardonnays and pinot noirs. Among the excellent small wineries are Yeringberg, Yarra Yering, St. Hubert's, Seville Estate and Coldstream Hills.
Sample the offerings of wineries such as de Bortoli, Yarra Yering and Domaine Chandon (sparkling wines). You can have lunch at one of the wineries and spend the night in the area where there are a number of first-class hotels with luxurious accommodations.
On your second day, begin with a hefty breakfast (Yarra Valley offers the popular option of having breakfast on a hot air balloon as you cruise the sky, interested?) before heading to Healesville Sanctuary to view the indigenous koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and platypus. A little way further will take you to the Mornington Peninsula and its 30 wineries. There are excellent accommodations in the area for an overnight stay.
On your third day, have breakfast and taste the wine at Karina Vineyard then head to Dromana Estate for lunch and more wine tasting. The combination of the sea, cool climate and the area's excellent volcanic soil all contribute to the production of exquisite chardonnay and pinot noir. Spend the night in the vicinity.
On your fourth day, with your wine tasting tour over, you may want to ride the ferry to Queenscliff for a tour of the Great Ocean Road before heading back to Melbourne.
If you're visiting Melbourne in Victoria Australia - be sure to also take the time to go and check out the Yarra Valley. Home to more than 55 wineries plus some amazing restaurants, you can find plenty of great luxury Yarra Valley accommodation - chateaus, bed and breakfasts, retreats, estates, lodges and so forth. To see the full range of luxury accomodation reviews, visit Simply Lush at http://www.simplylush.com - and see the luxurious Melbourne hotels and Yarra Valley accommodation spots you can spoil yourself at. |
A synopsis on Shiraz Wine.
Melbourne and the Yarra Valley Wine Tour: A Traveler's Guide to Victoria
A few weeks ago, I had a month-long vacation in Australia, mostly in Melbourne. It was my third trip to this city and the best one yet. It seems like ...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Shiraz Wine Products we recommend
The FTD Garden Basket - Standard
This basket holds a sampling of many favorites including a red rose, a yellow lily, white daisies, yellow sunflowers, purple aster, white alstroemeria, and more. B24-3284S
Price: 46.99 USD
Current Shiraz Wine News
Why Invest In Hardwood Wine Racks For Wine Storage?
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:41:16 PDT
Important information on why a hardwood wine rack by Amish carpenters are a good way to store and organize wines
Wine Storage
Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:55:45 PDT
Discusses all aspects of storing wine including racking, wine refrigerators, and wine cellars.
Home Wine Rack: Why Bring Wine to The Restaurant For Dinner?
Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:43:26 PDT
Want to save money with wine? Great article on bringing in your own wine to restaurants to enjoy
Home Wine Rack: Why is it Important to Keep Wine Cool? | The
Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:53:24 PDT
Great article on why it's important to store your wine at the correct temperature.
How Wine Racks Can Accentuate Your Wine Collection
Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:57 PDT
Many wine lovers also become passionate wine collectors and as their collection grows they require space to store and protect their wine collection. Anyone with even a small collection of fine wines knows that it is essential to store their precious bottles in proper wine racks.
Wine Globe - Wine Accessories and Information
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:25:49 PDT
Metal wine racks can be a sensible choice when selecting a good way to store and protect your wine collection. They are durable, sturdy and long-lasting. But in addition to these more basic factors, in most cases you will also discover that a metal wine rack can almost be considered a work of art with the creative designs and the intricate detail.
North Coast Custom Crush Sparkles
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:49:38 PDT
Rack & Riddle has equipment and expertise for would-be sparkling wine producers
Best Wine
Pot Rack
Labels: Best Wine | Blueberry Wine
