The Yarra Valley

Last night, we went to CHINCHIN, another Melbourne institution, I am reliably advised.  To eat at both The Empress of China and CHINCHIN, one has to queue to book a table and then wait - no advance booking!! We adjourned to a nearby hostelry and were called two  hours later!! The food was amazing - a fusion of foods too complex to describe here but so delicious that even on a weekday afternoon, there is a queue for tables. There are fixed price tasting menus or one can order from the an a la carte menu.  We chose the tasting menus. 

Again the city was buzzing - a young person’s paradise with loud music everywhere!!   

The morning commenced with breakfast at Neds - a bakery in South Yarra. Having collected the car, we set forth for the Yarra Valley. It is a beautiful, warm morning with a balmy breeze. It's reputed reach 30 today. How will we adjust to the reported appalling weather at home??

Our first call was to the Chandon Winery, part of the Moet et Chandon group. 

It was very commercialised so we departed having sampled one sparkling wine. A few kilometers further on, we visited Helen’s Hill Winery. 

It was quieter here and they were generous with their samples. We lunched on a cheese platter. 

We continued our tour with a visit to the Four Pillars. 

This distillery is famous for its gin, including one made with the addition of a shiraz!!! Unfortunately, it is in so much demand that stocks had run out. 

Our final call was to Innocent Bystander. 

Though tastings were generous, it was in fact a wine warehouse in a village. 

We drove to Oscars - our overnight destination. It is located in extensive grounds on the banks of the Yarra. 

We planned to see the sunset on the deck but unfortunately clouds gathered and obscured the sun. 

Dinner consisted of Scotch steaks for CC and J and kangaroo sausages for me. Food was delicious but at this stage I’m fooded out!! 

Tomorrow, we explore the Mornington  Penninsula....,,,