Let's Taste - Coldstream Hills 2004 Reserve wines
My first real wine job was working in the cellar door at Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley, which I did for 18 months from the beginning of 2006. One of my colleagues there lived at Coldstream Hills as her partner was one of the winemakers. She very generously put together a mixed dozen of back vintages of their Reserve wines, many of which are still in my cellar. I decided to open the three wines from the 2004 vintage (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon), and these are my impressions. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Coldstream Hills -
The Intrepid Wino -
Let's Taste - Coldstream Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2002
Back when I worked in the cellar door at Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley, one of my colleagues lived at Coldstream Hills as her partner was one of the winemakers. She was kind enough to put together a mixed dozen of reserve wines of various vintages, some of which are still in my cellar. I thought it was about time to open this bottle, the Reserve Pinot Noir 2002. What are your thoughts, do you agree? Let me know in the comments.
TRAVEL GUIDE: Yarra Valley Top Attractions and Wineries (Melbourne)
I'm not a wine expert but I'm down for a sip. My first time venturing to Yarra Valley ended with a sweet note. SUPER MAGICAL. Places of interest include:
1) Warratina Lavender Farm
2) Coldstream Hills Cellar Door
3) Hedgend Maze
4) Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
5) Yering Farm Wines
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Hi there! My name is Kevin Ching and I am a based in Melbourne/Kuala Lumpur. I upload weekly vlogs detailing my life as a fresh graduate entering the fun and chaotic world, as well as topic-focussed videos relevant in my life.
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Maddens Lane Winery Trail - Melbourne's Yarra Valley
The winery dress circle of the Yarra Valley
A meandering lane that holds all the history and prestige required for a visitor to truly experience what it means to drink an exceptional Yarra Valley wine. This spectacular natural amphitheatre, formed by the Coldstream and Warramate hills, holds the authenticity, history as well as the new wave of this internationally recognised cool climate region.
The wineries on this trail are a tribute to the area. Home to some of the oldest plantings in the Yarra Valley the true nature of Australia's premier wine producing region is on show here. Holding some of the oldest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines in Australia with its cool climate Shiraz and Italian varietals it is a tour de force of quality and dedicated craftsmanship. The winemakers along here deliver the traditional wines to perfection and the new wave blends with innovation that will impress any taste.
Whilst taking in the glorious slopes covered in vineyards you are often blessed with the opportunity to see a local mob of kangaroos bouncing through them, witness the winemakers at work tending the vines and watch the pickers at work taking bunches by hand gently from each vine.
Enjoy the cellar door experience, hear the local stories or stop of at one of the premium cafes or restaurants on this trail.
There are two ways to find this trail, take the scenic drive through the pastureland, orchards and strawberry fields of Coldstream and Gruyere along Killara Rd or start from Maroondah Hwy coming Healesville.
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
Yarra Valley Wineries - Dominique Portet (360 Guided Tour)
Tenth generation winemaker Ben Portet showcases the stunning winery he operates with his father, Dominique Portet. The beauty of the Yarra Valley frames the French country inspired cellar door where you can taste and buy from their exemplary range of sparkling wines, sauvignon blanc, rosé, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. High resolution 360 video tour featuring spatial audio.
Adelaide Wineries
This week the girls land in Adelaide and waste no time checking out the different Adelaide wineries....and all before lunchtime!! See what sort of trouble they got into on their tour of the Adelaide wineries!
DV- Dominique Portet Winery, Yarra Valley ( Melbourne, Australia)
DV- Dominique Portet Winery, Yarra Valley ( Melbourne, Australia)
Food and Winery in Yarra Valley, Melbourne Australia
It was 30/12/2018.... And we are headed for scenic driving routes, along Yarra Valley, and visited countless Wineries
#Australia #Melbourne #YarraValley #DrinkWine #Winery #FourPillarsGIN #InnocentBystanders #OakridgeWines #Chandon
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Let me breakdown some of the key information for you, as to where I have visited around Yarra Valley.
(Sorry if I have missed out Box Hill, did not spend much time there)
We started off at Four Pillars GIN, and it has really great ambience not only for GIN enthusiasts, but also coffee drinkers.
Facebook Page -
Address - 2A Lilydale Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Thereafter, it is lunch at Innocent Bystanders, good food and wines were okay, but except for its Moscato. It really stands out of the crowd (Just figured I am very innocent after drinking.... lots of it LOL)
Facebook Page -
Address - 316-334 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Oakridge Winery, was exquisite, and its target audience were mostly mature drinkers. (I am young nothing excites me, but they really have good knowledge about wines, and really good service it was).
Facebook Page -
Address - 864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Then for the finale was Chandon, sounds familiar? YES.... They used to sponsor Formula Podium Champagne and the McLaren F1 Team
Facebook Page -
Address - 727 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
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Asian Palate Meets James Halliday
Reowned wine writer, James Halliday AM, gives his opinion on the state of the Australian wine market in China.
Wine Tour In Yara Valley
Australia is one of the world’s top wine producers and Yara Valley has over 80 wineries and get place to go on wine tour. I went to Napoleon Brewery And Cider, Dominique Portet Winery, Rochford Winery and Killara Estate.
By the time I was done I was pretty toasted but best of all, we got sample wine at Killara while watching Kangaroos that passed through the winery
Let's Taste - Main Ridge Estate Chardonnay, The Acre and Half Acre 2014
Main Ridge Estate make my favourite wine in the world, the Half Acre Pinot Noir. Theirs was one of the first cellar doors I ever visited, back when I was still learning about wine. I visited a few months ago, I think just after the estate had been sold, bought some current release bottles and also placed an order for the soon to be released 2014 wines. I opened the three for the first time to see what they present, and perhaps give me an idea how long I should keep them.
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.
De Bortoli Wines - Melba Lucia and Mimi
Melba Lucia and Mimi are sister wines made by De Bortoli with rustic characteristics, both drinkable with lots of interest and like sisters one is a little bit naughtier than the other.
Punt Road Winery
Punt Road Winery and Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse are located at the entrance of Yarra Valley’s wine community just outside the township of Coldstream, an hour’s drive east of Melbourne. Everything we do comes from this one piece of dirt; ideas are born here, all fruit for our projects is grown here, and everything we make is crafted, bottled, and shared on site.
Here on our 300 acre property, there are 150 acres under vine, 150 acres of apples and pears, two cellar doors, a winery, and a brewery. Though we’re on a large acreage, we are a small team very closely connected to the Napoleone family who own and operate the property.
Fletchers - 193 Victoria Road, Coldstream - Robin Waterbury & Linda Drysdale
Surrounded by a majestic backdrop of rolling hills and lush pasture, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a beautiful family home atop a 104.75 acre approx. slice of paradise in the Yarra Valley.
Ready to become a premium vineyard, hobby farm or a magnificent residence alongside your cherished horses, breathtaking vistas stream across the deep wrap around verandah and into every corner. The substantial lounge and dining room with fireplace is balanced by a stylish living room, large meals with wood fire and a modern kitchen, extending out to a long sunroom.
The fine 4 bedroom floorplan features an expansive main bedroom with walk-in robe, elegant ensuite and a huge retreat with views of Mount Dandenong.
Existing infrastructure ensures the future success of this property. Steel cattle yards, electric fencing, 50 meg pumping rights, a large dam with articulated water to all paddocks, and a range of sheds including a massive machinery shed with office, kitchen, shower, toilets and extensive storage are all ready to go. Imagine farming strawberries, keeping cattle, or opening one of the nearest cellar doors to Melbourne. Within 3 mins of 4 golf courses, a 20 min. drive to Ringwood, 7 min. to Lilydale and Chirnside Park S/C, 30 min. to Doncaster, and 1 hour to Tullamarine.
Visit the Fletchers website to explore the property and view the Statement of Information.
Punt Road MVN, Yarra Valley 2008
Brought over by Phil Sexton (Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander) for a tasting superbly put together by John McDonnell of Wine Australia. This time the Yarra Valley, a cool climate area, known mainly for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This, however, is a Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Punt Road is sourced from the Napoleone Family's Emperor's Prize vineyard in Coldstream. While it says Cabernet Sauvignon on the label, there are small amounts of Petit Verdot and Merlot.
Made in very small quantities, we were very lucky to get some at the Yarra Valley tasting last week in Dublin. It's also made for extended cellaring. Full bodied, structured, elegant. At first tasting, I scribbled too much, too big, too young, too soon. It reminded me of a French en primeur tasting which we don't see too much of in Ireland these days.
Having been kept in the fridge for 2-3 days it really mellowed out and became a new wine. Dare I say drinkable? And it was.
Wine Writer Ray Jordan talks about Pinot Noir in Western Australia
Wine Writer Ray Jordan talks about Pinot Noir in Western Australia
Ray Jordan is a wine author of nearly 30 years' standing, writing for The West Australian and The West Australian Saturday Magazine, and contributing to Winestate magazine. He also co-authored a book on Margaret River. 6 PR radio wine show host, judge at the Swan Valley Wine Show, Barossa Wine Show, Perth Hills Wine Show, Geographe Wine Show and the Sheraton Wine Awards, Ray was also the winner of the WA Wine Press Club wine writing award and in 2006 was awarded the George Mulgrue Award for contribution to the WA wine industry.
Ray Jordan's WA Wine Guide is a must-have for anyone buying or interested in the wines of Western Australia.
GraysOnline - Giant Steps Bernard Clones Chardonnay
Winemaker Steve Flamsteed waxes lyrical on the Giant Steps Bernard Clones Chardonnay - and which foods it's good with.
Punt Road Wines a Winery in Melbourne offering Wine and Cheese
A great place for a glass of great tasting wine! Punt Road Wines is a well-known winery and vineyards in Melbourne. Serving wine tasting with a plate of cheese to go. They also serve delicious local cheese.
Punt Road Wines
10 St. Huberts Road Coldstream Melbourne VIC Australia 3770
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