QANTAS MAGAZINE

November 2009

VICTORIA’S YARRA VALLEY IS HOME TO GOURMET GEMS AND VINEYARD LEGENDS. JOIN THE FOOD AND WINE TRAIL HERE.

The Yarra Valley east of Melbourne held its breath for a while as last February’s Black Saturday bushfires raged through Victoria. It was a little close for comfort. However, the gods smiled and now it’s business as usual for the region synonymous with wine and good times ever since the first vines were planted in 1838, and Paul de Castella built a winery and grandly hospitable homestead in the 1850s.

The building, with its big shuttered windows, sits snug and low on the ground, reminiscent of a French farmhouse. Dominique Portet comes from long line of winemakers across three continents (his father in Bordeaux and his brother in California). His sons are the 10th generation to be involved. Most of the wines are made from Yarra Valley fruit, with the exception of the Heathcote Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The rosé is a benchmark. Tasting and light meals are available. Open daily 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.