A Romantic Getaway in The Yarra Valley

Arts & Culture

Lush rolling hills, blue skies dotted with colourful hot air balloons, and cosy log fires.

Forget Paris, Venice and Rome, for a truly romantic getaway, the tranquillity of Melbourne’s Yarra Valley is hard to beat.

Think glorious gardens, gourmet lunches, lush rolling hills, blue skies dotted with multicoloured hot air balloons, cosy log fires, panoramic views, and tasting wine from one of the finest wine regions in the world.

Just 50 miles east of Melbourne, The Yarra Valley is a tranquil setting steeped in history. It is a place where time seems to have stood still in the charming hilltop villages, where names like Christmas Hills make you feel like you’re in a fairy-tale, and where endless narrow winding roads allow you to wander for miles.

The first vineyard was planted here in 1838 at the Yering Station. The wine industry grew rapidly during the 1800s and began to attract growing numbers of tourists until the depression of the 1930s saw the industry collapse. Thirty years later, however, a whole new generation of wineries was established. The area has been a world-class wine-tasting destination ever since.

These days there are over 80 wineries in the area to choose from, a pretty daunting task to even the most experienced wine Sommelier. If you want to experience a variety of the best, a good option is the Australian Wine Tour Company.

Day tours will pick you up from Melbourne in a deluxe ‘fun bus’ and start the day at Yarra Valley’s leading vineyard, Yering Station. Probably the most famous of the area’s wineries, Yering Station is a state-of-the art creation that manages to combine style and sophistication with traditional, age-old wine making techniques. At the Cellar Door, the technical term for the wine-tasting area, you can try 15 styles of wine. And if you’re wondering what the heck your guide is on about when he asks you if you can taste the freshly mown grass in your Cabernet Franc, or the hint of smoky tobacco in your Shiraz, fear not! The guides are skilled wine experts, on-hand to provide a bit of palate training should it be required.

Next on the itinerary is the stylish Balgownie Estate, where you will find five acres each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch while looking out over the perfectly manicured gardens.

For a more rustic look at wine making, the tour heads to the boutique Yering Farm, where you can taste some more traditionally-made wines and observe the antique copper wine making tools used by some of the industry’s pioneers. The day ends with a visit to the French Champagne Company, Domaine Chandon, where a glass of the finest French bubbly awaits you.

If you want a little time to yourself, consider a private tour with Wine Tours Victoria, specifically designed for couples. The tour whisks you away from the rest of the world and leaves you to wander through the stunning, deserted wineries, before visiting a selection of the valley’s finest, including Domaine Chandon. As well as wine tasting, the tour includes a lavish lunch, one night in a delightful B&B in the rural Macedon Ranges and dinner with a complimentary bottle of wine.

If you want to stroll around this exquisite land in your own time, Yileena Park Vineyard is a family-owned business nestled amongst the Christmas Hills. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are used to produce the vineyard’s 10 fine wines. Cosy up to the open-fire with a crisp Pinot after a hard day trying to distinguish your toasty French oak from your fine-grained tannin.

The De Bortoli Winery is another great option for a romantic jaunt in this stunning region. The third generation Italian winery has a huge selection of both its own wines and others from all over the world. The extensive selection can be enjoyed while gazing out over the expanse of vineyards from the acclaimed restaurant.

For a charming rural hideaway to bed down in for the night, try Chateau Yering. The historic boutique hotel is tucked away in the Yarra Glen area of the valley. With stunning Victorian décor, four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, open log-fires and a dedicated honeymoon suite, it’s a romantic’s dream.

Image Credits, evantravels, myszka, 3523studio