Find Yourself - Melbourne's Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Find Yourself is the latest campaign for the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, stunning destinations just one hour’s drive east of Melbourne.
The evocative imagery invites people to explore these regions and uncover the rich tapestry of products, places and faces that abound across the Yarra Valley and throughout the Dandenong Ranges.
Along with the new campaign imagery, destination websites have also been launched which enable the discovery of trails and experiences; a quick four hour city escape, a romantic getaway or the ultimate long weekend for the food and wine lover.
Imagine an early morning balloon flight, rising through the mists of the valley and seeing the beauty unfold beneath you, followed by a close encounter with nature of another kind, upfront and personal with a platypus at Healesville Sanctuary. Lunch on the deck of TarraWarra, wine and cider experiences along the Coldstream trail and a final stop at the chocolaterie for a much anticipated sweet treat on the way back to your home away from home for the weekend, perhaps one of many beautiful bed and breakfast the area offers.
If it’s the hills you’re after, then head up the Dandenong Ranges on the scenic winding roads and discover the wonderful villages and communities scattered amongst the trees. Artist studios, tea rooms, antiques and crafts and beautiful cool climate gardens are all part of the discovery.
All these experiences and more feature on a number of illustrated trail maps that help visitors plan their trip. Whether it’s James Halliday’s Handpicked Yarra Valley trail, the Cider and Ale Trail, a Cool Climate Garden Trail or the Madden’s Lane Winery Trail, each path provides a rich experience for visitors with old and new discoveries just waiting to be found.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are dynamic regions with wonderful local operators who are constantly evolving the visitor experience. Whether it’s breathtaking scenery, absorbing culinary adventures, making your own dessert, creating your own cheese, getting involved in the beer brewing process or just spending time up close and personal with nature, there are many reasons to revisit these destinations right on Melbourne’s door step. Some of the new venues include:
Royalty and refinement at Coombe Cottage, the home of Dame Nellie Melba, with magnificent gardens from W.R. Guilfoyle, the same designer of the Royal Botanic Gardens
GelAperia is not only serving some of the best natural, house-made gelato in Victoria, owner Davydd Marrie is also hosting hands-on gelato making classes
The Independent in Gembrook is a converted mechanics warehouse, now serving delicious Argentinian dishes by highly-respected 5 star chef, Mauro Callegari
Napoleone Brewery and Ciderhouse - a working microbrewery where visitors can fully experience the beer making process behind the scenes from a third generation brewing family
Cake-making with best-selling author and pastry chef, Alison Thompson at Stones of the Yarra Valley is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, before sharing your freshly made cake with friends and family
Hands-on cooking classes with Locavore Studios. Learn to make cheese, design a dinner party or make the perfect martini with special guests Four Pillars Gin. Classes vary and include local produce
Along with the new, old favourites continue to provide an exceptional way to escape city life, with ongoing investment preserving the beauty of the region, new recipes and additional experiences including:
New head chef Zoe Birch serving exquisite food at Healesville Hotel’s renowned Quince dining room
Exploring the beautiful gardens and villages in the iconic Dandenong Ranges
Appreciating world-class wines with lunch at Oakridge Wines
Relaxing and taking in the view on the new expansive deck at TarraWarra Estate
Or sampling the wide range of specially-made beers available at Hargreaves Hill Brewery
Visitors to the region need as little as four hours to start to unwind and feel they have escaped the city. Those with more time on their hands can choose to build more lasting memories with an extended stay to explore any number of opportunities to relax, enjoy award-winning food and indulge in rare experiences.
There is also an opportunity for those seeking the essential urban escape to win the ultimate experience for two. The winners will find themselves enjoying all the region has to offer at first hand, including helicopter transfers from Melbourne CBD, a balloon ride at sunrise, a private winery tour and two night’s luxury accommodation at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa. Entries can be made by visiting either website:
#FindYourself
Rochford Wines - Melbourne's Yarra Valley
Rochford Wines is a versatile indoor and outdoor function, event and entertainment destination in the heart of the Yarra Valley catering for 2 to 7,000 guests. From intimate corporate dinners to incentive groups and product launches, Rochford’s large indoor spaces and expansive grounds are your blank canvas to create the ideal event.
Our Restaurant with floor to ceiling windows, frame the magnificent views, while timer and exposed beans create warmth and intimacy within. A kids menu is also offered each day. This impressive winery can host up to 240 people for a gala dinner or lunch function and over 300 people for a cocktail party.
For something more casual, the Rochford Wine Bar is open daily. A selection of shared platters, wine flights and Pizza is available until 5:00pm daily.
The courtyard with its shady elm as a central feature is a perfect location for private wine tastings or pre-dinner drinks accompanied by canapés made by our passionate chefs.
The café and patio are perfect for casual lunches or a seasonal platter with a glass of our premium wine while looking out over the vineyard and mountain views.
Our team of chefs create imaginative seasonal dishes using the freshest produce, sourced local where possible. Changing with the seasons, the wine list showcases Rochford Wines' full range of wine including those from award winning back vintages.
The Pinot Gallery is a light filled space via a spiral staircase suitable for private dining, meetings and cocktail parties. Or the Barrel Room, adjacent to the Cellar Door and is surrounded by wines maturing in French and American oak barrels, perfect for group tastings, intimate dinners and meetings.
Experience all that Rochford-Yarra Valley has to offer.
Open Daily 9am – 5:00pm. Reservations recommended.
Video Review: Oakridge Pinot Noir Yarra Valley
In this episode Spitbucket travels to the Yarra Valley to meet up with Oakridge chief winemaker David Bicknell.
The wines reviewed in this episode include:
Oakridge 'Lieu-dit' Pinot Noir (2010)
Oakridge '864' Pinot Noir (2010)
Let us know your thoughts on Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. If you've tried either of the wines in this episode let us know what you thought.