Pyrenees Winery Wonderology
And you thought you needed to fly to get to the Pyrenees.
So you appreciate good wine and you’re familiar with the better-known wine regions of Victoria but perhaps that’s just because you haven’t been introduced to the great wines of the Pyrenees yet. Not the one in France, the one in our backyard, just a couple of hours by car from Melbourne.
The French connection in Victoria’s Pyrenees goes back to the 1960s when French brandy producer Rémy Martin established his eponymous chateau near Avoca. Victoria’s Pyrenees comprise the southern extension of the Great Dividing Range, and its foothills and ranges create a remarkable diversity of microclimates that provide a wealth of variety for winemakers and taste the savoury, spicy reds the area is known for, especially the premium cabernet sauvignon. Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc also respond beautifully to the soils and climate here, with some standout sparkling wines produced.
So relax, pour yourself a drink and let me take you on a tour of some of our favourite cellar doors.
Mount Avoca
Australia’s most highly awarded organic winery Mount Avoca is a must-visit on your Pyrenees adventure. Enjoy a relaxed tasting session with Matthew, Mount Avoca’s owner or David, their winemaker. Once you’ve chosen your favourite, take it outside to enjoy in the vineyard. Platters can be prearranged or there is a BBQ available for use along with a Petanque court.
Sally’s Paddock
The Robb family have been producing exceptional quality, handmade, estate-grown reds for 46 years. Their rustic cellar door is a great spot to taste their range and if the weather is kind, a glass of red and one of their platters enjoyed on the terrace soaking up the views is hard to beat.
Summerfield
You might start with their wines including my personal favourite, their rosé, but once you smell the wood fire oven burning you’ll almost certainly end up staying to enjoy their delicious pizza. Recent upgrades to their outdoor area mean you’ll find it hard to leave this one.
Blue Pyrenees
From the superb vantage point high on the high taste of Blue Pyrenees’ award-winning range of Sparkling, Red and White wines. Their onsite cafe showcases local produce superbly matched with their wines. Complimentary picnic rugs are available for those keen to enjoy the views or cosy up by the fire inside.
Bring your Pyrenees winery purchases back into your Wonder Inn experience.
We’ll have the wine glasses waiting at one of our unique luxury accommodations. And each time you sip back home, we’re sure you’ll remember the experience of Wonder Inns.
