5964 7654 or visit www.raynerstonefruit.com.au

Come and enjoy Christmas in July at Rayners Stonefruit Orchard. We believe it's just too long to wait to December and have planned something special to brighten up those cold winter days.

Our Christmas package includes: a traditional roast lunch; glass of homemade Champagne (non-alcoholic); mouth-watering roast peach pie and cream; and espresso coffee and an assortment of teas.

Your group can enjoy this Christmas delight while relaxing around our cozy fireplace and enjoying our peaceful views! Bookings are essential.

Cost: $29.50 per person

9738 9900

Choice of two courses, including a glass of Over the Shoulder wine, tea or coffee. Weekdays during May, June and July (excluding public holidays).

Time: Lunch

Cost: $35 per person

5962 6055 or visit www.healesvilleart.com.au

Karen Neal will be the featured artist at Heart Gallery.

Karen's mixed media artworks are inspired by the colours, patterns and moods of the natural world. Her artist of the month artworks feature favourite subjects of flowers, vines and trees. Celebrating each subject with the imaginative use of materials; texture, resin, metallic finishes and handmade tiles.

Open: Wednesday-Sunday (10am-4pm)

5964 4650 or visit www.warratinalavender.com.au

Throughout July the Tea Rooms will be featuring hearty winter soups and pasta dishes. Also, new items will be available in the Gift Shop. Please note: the Tea Rooms will be closed July 19-28 for renovations.

Time: 10am-5pm (Wednesday-Sunday)

5964 2088 or visit www.montdelancey.org.au

Works for exhibition and sale include Rudilf Steiner inspired Wood Sculpture by Lindsay Clarke. Wood turning by the Eastern Woodworkers, Quilting by Catharina's Country Collection.

Time: 10am-4pm (Wednesdays to Sundays)

Cost: FREE entry

5965 3528

This international smash hit is an utterly charming tale of food, feisty ladies and unlikely friendships. Broke and armed only with a glass of wine and a wry sense of humour, middleaged Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio) is pressed to entertain his elderly mother and three other lively mammas in their ancient apartment during summer. Multi-award winning, including Best First Film at Venice.

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: $8 per person (July 27) & $11 per person (July 31)

9761 9133

The Pianist and the Diva feature the stunning young pianist Stefan Cassomenos and the golden-voiced soprano Tania de Jong. The show blends virtuosic playing and singing with humour, interaction and a touch of seduction. Repertoire ranges from Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninov and Mozart to Puccini, Piaft, Gershwin and Lloyd Webber. This show has been created by Music Theatre Australia.

Cost: Adults $30, Concession $24

5965 2237 or visit www.fergussonwinery.com.au

Come and enjoy our Christmas in July festivities - eat, drink and be merry! Prices include: 3-course festive menu; Fergusson table wines, soft drinks, tea/coffee; festive decorations; and a gift for each person from under the Christmas tree. Bookings essential.

Time: 7pm-11pm

Cost: $80 per person

www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

Enjoy a buffet dinner and show.

5964 4650 or visit www.warratinalavender.com.au

Enjoy Scottish food and themes throughout August at Warratina Lavender.

Open: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy Richie Langford (pop and blues). Wine, meals and sensational Yarra River and mountain views.

Time: 3pm-5pm

Cost: FREE entry

5962 5148 or visit www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

Enjoy karaoke on the first Friday of each month at Sanctuary House.

Time: 6pm

Cost: $15 per person (buffet and karaoke)

5965 3528

Explore the art of natural dyeing using locally sourced plant materials in this eco-friendly experimental workshop. Find out what fabrics dye well and why, how to get dye from natural sources and how to mordant (fix) the dye to the fabric. Gain the knowledge to continue experimenting at home. Dyes and mordants provided Why not make a weekend of it with a few friends.

Time: 10am-4.30pm

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy Louie and the Fuzz (covers duo). Wine, meals and sensational Yarra River and mountain views.

Time: 3pm-5pm

Cost: FREE entry

9730 0100 or visit www.yering.com

Commission from sales will be donated the Leukaemia Auxilliary of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

Time: 10am-5pm weekdays & 10am-6pm weekends

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy the Dukes of Despair (original country blues).

Time: from 9pm

Cost: FREE entry

9739 0222 or visit www.vinesrestaurant.com.au

Relax and enjoy the warmth of Vines Restaurant on Friday evenings with the sound of smooth jazz, delicious local produce and wines. Our dynamic jazz band staring Will Purcell will be playing to warm the heart and dance the winter blues away.

Time: from 6.30pm

Cost: $35 per person (2-course set menu)

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy The Hannafords (country/bluegrass originals) CD launch.

5772 2432 or mtbullfight@bigpond.com

The mini series is a great way to introduce young skiers to racing. The event is run by a very friendly and supportive team of experienced skiers. Running over three different weekends during the snow season, it provides a great opportunity for families to come along and encourage the kids to race in these fun events. Offering three distances - 0.5km, 1.5km or 2.5km - it provides youth of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get involved.

Time: 1pm

5772 2195 or visit www.lakemountainresort.com.au

The Bullfight Charge is the major ski event of the season at Lake Mountain. Open to all ages and ability levels from beginner to elite.

Time: 11am

5957 7222 or visit www.lakemountainresort.com.au

Learn to skate with some of Lake Mountain's most experienced ski instructors, who will take you through the skating techniques on cross country skis. Course will run when a minimum number of 5 persons have booked.

Open to beginners, advanced and race training for the 2010 Hoppet.

Lesson includes: all day training; equipment hire; trail pass; resort lunch; and lesson DVD.

Cost: $85 per person (pre booking is essential)

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy The Hannafords (country/bluegrass originals). Wine, meals and sensational Yarra River and mountain views.

Time: 3pm-5pm

Cost: FREE entry

5965 2271 or visit www.debortoli.com.au

5965 2271 or visit www.debortoli.com.au

9237 3333 or visit www.chateauyering.com.au

The official Duck Crawl is just around the corner!

A spectacular two day event celebrating the unbeatable combination of Duck and Pinot Noir. Only at Chateau Yering.

Includes: afternoon wine tasting; pre-dinner drinks & duck canapes; eight course duck dinner, carefully matched to Pinot Noirs; competitions and trivia throughout the weekend; a relaxed Sunday morning Duck Brunch (just in case you're not Ducked-out!).

Cost: prices start from $350 (accommodation packages also available)

www.lakemountainresort.com.au

Why should skiers have all the fun? The annual tobbogan race day is a great day out for all, with fun for all ages and levels of ability. Sponsored by the local ski hire, great prizes and trophies are up for grabs.

With a carnival like atmosphere, music, balloons and showbags help to make the day even more enjoyable. The snow sculpting competition is a popular alternative to tobbogan races.

The staff rece at the end of the day creates lots of laughes from the crowd and a fitting end to a fun day!

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy Ewan Cloonan (covers and Australian-flavoured originals). Wine, meals and sensational Yarra River and mountain views.

Time: 3pm-5pm

Cost: FREE entry

9739 0222 or visit www.vinesrestaurant.com.au

Relax and enjoy the warmth of Vines Restaurant on Friday evenings with the sound of smooth jazz, delicious local produce and wines. Our dynamic jazz band staring Will Purcell will be playing to warm the heart and dance the winter blues away.

Time: from 6.30pm

Cost: $35 per person (2-course set menu)

9761 9133

Smooth soulful vocals, bluesy guitar, jazz inspired sax, the warm tone of double bass combined with the precise percussiveness of the drums.

Time: 8pm

Cost: Adults $30, Concession $24, Under 16 $18

5965 3528

Australian music legend Broderick Smith has worn many hats, he has been a clerk, storeman, soldier, advertising copywriter, graphic artist and actor, but it is as a singer-songwriter that he has made his name. In 1973 he helped form The Dingoes, a legendary country rock group that is a main inspiration behind the modern country rock explosion. Joined by long time music accomplice Matt Walker and Ashley Davies, Broderick is bringing his unique blend of country rock, R&B and bush music to Healesville.

Time: 8pm

Cost: Adults $24, Concession $20

dukesofdespair@gmail.com

Come and enjoy The Dukes of Despair. Wine, meals and sensational Yarra River and mountain views.

Time: 3pm-5pm

Cost: FREE entry

9730 0100 or visit www.yering.com

Commission from sales will be donated to the Leukaemia Auxiliary of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

Time: 10am-5pm weekdays & 10am-6pm weekends

5962 5148 or visit www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

Enjoy karaoke on the first Friday of each month at Sanctuary House.

Time: 6pm

Cost: $15 per person (buffet and karaoke)

9739 0222 or visit www.vinesrestaurant.com.au

Spoil Dad this Father's Day; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bookings Essential.

Breakfast - shared platter and hot breakfast $25 per person (8.30am-10.30am)

Lunch - three courses $60 per person (12.30pm onwards)

Dinner - a la carte menu (6.30pm onwards)

5965 3528

Feltmaking is an innovative craft making a popular resurgence from its ancient origins. In this workshop you will create a fine wool and silk felted wrap, while learning the technique known as nuno felting - the fusion of silk with wool to create a delicate felt fabric. Create your wrap starting with silk and embellish delicate textured details with wool and stitching techniques.

Time: 10am-4.30pm

Cost: $115 per person

5964 2088 or visit www.montdelancey.org.au

The 15th Annual Art Show will see the presentation of the fin Mont De Lancey Acquisition Art Award. The exhibition and ale of paintings will be held in the museum and give local artists their last opportunity to be represented in the Mont De Lancey Collection.

The fourteen works comprising the Collection to date will be on display in the gallery during the show. Artists resident in the Shire of Yarra Ranges are invited to enter.

Museum Entry: $5 per person

9737 7722 or visit www.tulipfestival.com.au

Discover four weeks of dazzling spring colour - get together with friends and family for a magnificent day out amongst the brillian colour of over a million spring flowers. Discover how the flowers are grown, plus the rich history and interesting past of the Tulip. Discover the amazing variety of the bloom, with over a hundred different types in all sizes, shapes and colours. Best of all discover a great festival packed with entertainment and splendour.

Time: 10am-5pm daily

Cost: Adults $18, Concession $15, Children under 16 FREE (if accompanied by adult). Mad Mondays - all tickets $10

Pre-book tickets by phone or online to avoid queues on the day. Group tickets must be pre-booked.

www.yvopenstudios.net.au

70 Artists are opening up their secret working spaces in the Yarra Valley in September 2010.

Yarra Valley Open Studios is back! The group exhibition at Sticks Yarra Valley opens on September 5, and the Open Studios Weekend will be held on the weekend of September 17-19. Put it in your diary now! This is a once-a-year opportunity to see artists in their private studio workspaces is a unique chance to get an intimate insight into the creative mind and process of some extraordinary artists. Be amazed by world renowned artists, and inspired by people who make art their lives.

9739 0222 or visit www.vinesrestaurant.com.au

Why not treat yourself to a night beyond your expectations. The journey starts with a main meal not like any other matched with a glass of wine; it then leads you into three exquisitely prepared desserts all accompanied by a little something sweet. Bookings Essential.

Time: from 7pm

Cost: $65 per person (four courses with tasting wines)

5964 2088 or visit www.montdelancey.org.au

The 15th Annual Art Show will see the presentation of the fin Mont De Lancey Acquisition Art Award. The exhibition and ale of paintings will be held in the museum and give local artists their last opportunity to be represented in the Mont De Lancey Collection.

The fourteen works comprising the Collection to date will be on display in the gallery during the show. Artists resident in the Shire of Yarra Ranges are invited to enter.

Museum Entry: $5 per person

9737 7722 or visit www.tulipfestival.com.au

Discover four weeks of dazzling spring colour - get together with friends and family for a magnificent day out amongst the brillian colour of over a million spring flowers. Discover how the flowers are grown, plus the rich history and interesting past of the Tulip. Discover the amazing variety of the bloom, with over a hundred different types in all sizes, shapes and colours. Best of all discover a great festival packed with entertainment and splendour.

Time: 10am-5pm daily

Cost: Adults $18, Concession $15, Children under 16 FREE (if accompanied by adult). Mad Mondays - all tickets $10

Pre-book tickets by phone or online to avoid queues on the day. Group tickets must be pre-booked.

5962 5148 or visit www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

Enjoy karaoke on the first Friday of each month at Sanctuary House.

Time: 6pm

Cost: $15 per person (buffet and karaoke)

5965 3528

Mick Thomas's warm, familiar voice wraps itself around the deceptively simple sound of his lyrical lifelike sketches and songs about everyday life and the mysteries inside everyone. Songs about mates, ratbags, races, places, weddings, parties, anything. Thomas works genuine human territory like no-one else. He can be funny, poignant, and devastatingly bittersweet. He will talk the leg off an old chair, play the life out of a guitar, sweat the shirt of his back and lay you in the aisles.

Time: 8pm

Cost: Adults $24, Concession $20

5964 2088 or visit www.montdelancey.org.au

Mont De Lancey's sixth Blacksmiths' Weekend will begin the blacksmiths firing up the forges at Saturday's Country Market.

Sunday is the big day with working machinery displays, sparks flying in the Blacksmiths' shed, machines steaming and pounding in the back paddock. There's a medieval theme this year with an encampment, re-enactors and armour-making. It's a fun day for the family with free horst rides and showbag for the kids.

Cost: Adults $10, Children FREE

5962 2119 or visit www.rochfordwines.com

Simply Red will play their very last concerts in a series of indoor shows and a day on the greek winery events nationally, including Rochford Wines. The tour's very special guest will be Australia's favourite Queen of Soul and disco diva Marcia Hines.

Time:

3.00pm          Gates Open

4.15pm          Black Sorrows

5.30pm          Marcia Hines

7.00pm          Simply Red

9.00pm          Event concludes (approx)

Cost:

General Admission    $105 plus booking fee

Gold:                        $175 plus b/fee

Silver:                       $149 plus b/fee

Concert & Dining:      $395 plus b/fee

All tickets available through ticketmaster.com.au or 13 61 00 and Rochford Wines.

www.wineyarravalley.com.au

Take the right turn onto the Yarra Valley's Warburton Hwy for Shedfest 2010.

The picturesque Warburton Hwy in the Yarra Valley is home to some of the most invitint wineries in the regin. A great time to visit is during the Shedfest Wine Festival, held annually on the second weekend in October. Now in its eighth year, the festival was established to showcase the unique charm of some of the wineries and vineyards along the southern side of the Valley.

It's an ideal weekend to relax, chat to the makers, taste local produce, be captivated by stunning views, tap your toes to some fine tunes, be entertained and watch the kids have fun, all while sipping delightful wines.

5964 2088 or visit www.montdelancey.org.au

In October, Mont De Lancey is conducting its first Photography Competition and Exhibition with a wide range of prizes for creativity and technical excellence.

The total prize pool for the competition is anticipated to be around $5,000 including a wide range of incentive awards for various age groups.

The Exhibition will be open to the public on October 16, with presentation of awards in all categories to be announced by Christine Fyffee MP on Sunday October 24.

As Mont De Lancey is a non-profit organisation, and in the spirit of the volunteer group that runs the property, the competition entry fees have been kept to a minimum.

Entry Fees: Open category $10, Student entries FREE

9730 0723 or visit www.balgownieestate.com.au

Flattery and flirtation, lust and intrigue... few events can rival an evening of Mozart at this seductive best. Join us in 2010 as we take you on an enchanting journey through the life and time of this musical genius, led by superb performers in full period costume. Add the breathtaking surrounds of the vineyards and you have the perfect setting for a night of romance!

Time: arrive from 4.30pm to indulge in the fine local wines and food at the Estate's food fair

Cost: $268 per person (dinner & performance)

5965 3528

Learn how to create your own unique jewellery pieces using the age old technique of wax carving. Intricate pieces can be made using this process and the technique can be used at home with minimal tools. In this workshop you will design and create a wax model of your own unique ring, which will be professionally cast in silver. Suitable for Adults - Beginners to intermediate skill levels.

Time: 10am-4.30pm

Cost: $165 per person (additional cost for metal and casting)

5966 4500

Join Sioux Dollman for this magical workshop. Design and create your own outdoor mosaic garden bowl using a selection of glass and ceramic tiles, pebbles, mirrors and if you choose, your own recycled pieces. Chipped or broken crockery, glazed ceramic tiles or glass pieces are all suitable - a lovely way to recycle and preserve your old favourites. In session one develop and create your mosaic design. In session two your piece can be grouted and finished, ready to take home to use as a bird bath or garden decoration. A delightful way to spend a weekend! Suitable for Adults & older children. No experience necessary.

Time: 10am-5pm

Cost: $135 per person

5962 2119 or visit www.rochfordwines.com

The legendary performer will play his only Victorian concert at Rochford Wines with Kate Ceberano and Vika and Linda as supports.

The concerts will once again feature John Farnham's long-time and hugely acclaimed band, featuring Chong Lim, Angus Burchell, Stuart Fraser, Brett Garsed, Steve Williams, Bob Coasin, Craig Newman, Lindsay Field, Lisa Edwards and Dannielle Gaha.

Together they will work through John's phenomenal songbook, giving audiences the chance to once again see this consummate singer and entertainer in full fight. These select shows will also give fans an exclusive sneak preview of some brand new songs that he is currently recording for his new album.

Time:

Gates Open              2.30pm

Michael Paynter        3.30pm

Vika & Linda              4.45pm

Kate Ceberano         6.00pm

John Farnham           7.30pm

Concert Concludes  9.00pm (approx)

Cost:

General Admission $105 plus b/fee

Gold Reserve           $175 plus b/fee

Silver Reserve         $149 plus b/fee

5965 3528

The accent of this workshop is to interpret a photographic landscape image into a successful painting. See natural colour in shadow areas and learn to understand the importance of composition elements and tonal values in the creation of a strong painting. The workshop will include a demonstration, painting time and evaluation of completed paintings in an appraisal session. Suitable for Adults Intermediate & advanced skill levels.

Time: 10am-4.30pm

9761 9133

THE CAVE TO THE RAVE- THE STORY OF DANCE

Comedian Damian Callinan takes us from the earthen floor of prehistoric man to the polished parquetry of modern dance in his one man show The Cave to the Rave. By the end of the show you'll have learnt that it's not a good idea to crowd surf at the wiggles concert; understand why women dance in a circle around their handbags & learn that asking someone to dance in a lift is awkward. Choreographed tributes & 80's film clips will have you laughing.

Time: 8pm

Cost: Adults $30, Concession $24, Under 16 $18

5962 2119 or visit www.carsoftheworld.com.au

Rochford Wines Cavalcade to the Vines!

Join us for a mass convoy through the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley prior to the event. Assembling at Wheelers Hill Hotel (Cnr Jells & Ferntree Gully Rds) at 8.45am. Last car out by about 9.30am. Proceeds to assist youth development programs at Blind Citizens Australia.

Once at Rochford Wines, there will be a wide range of entertainment including live bands, face painting and lots more. There will also be a trade stall for motoring orientated businesses. Keep a watch on the website for more updates.

Display Car Fee: $25 per car

Food & Beverage Package: $25 per person

Spectator Entry: Gold coin donation to CFA

www.marysvilletourism.com

Come and enjoy the Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

Monday: Gala Dinner - 5 course degustation menu with matching wines and live entertainment. More details soon.

Tuesday: Undercover event in big marquee. Sparkling wines for sale, food outlets, live music, big screen for the race!

5962 5148 or visit www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

Enjoy karaoke on the first Friday of each month at Sanctuary House.

Time: 6pm

Cost: $15 per person (buffet and karaoke)

5965 3528

The Cave to the Rave takes us from the earthen floor of prehistoric man to the polished parquetry of modern dance with a few side steps and knee slides along the way. It's a dance class for comedy beginners, intermediate and advanced. By the end of the session you will have learnt that it's not a good idea to crowd surf at a wiggles concert; understand why women dance in a circle around their handbags and learn that asking someone to dance in a lift is awkward even if there is music playing.

Time: 8pm

Cost: Adults $24, Concession $20

5962 5148 or visit www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

Enjoy karaoke on the first Friday of each month at Sanctuary House.

Time: 6pm

Cost: $15 per person (buffet and karaoke)

5962 2119 or visit www.rochfordwines.com

They're two of music's most acclaimed bands boasting two of music's most compelling front women - Deborah Harry leading the wondrous Blondie and Chrissie Hynde fronting the mighty Pretenders. As a double-bill, it's a world firts!

As always 'a day on the green' is pleased to showcase two Australian artsits as support acts; Melbourne five-piece Little Red and Magic Dirt's Adalita.

Time:

3pm                   Gates Open

4.30pm-5pm        Adalita

5.30pm-6.15pm   Little Red

6.45pm-8.00pm   Blondie

8.30pm-9.45pm   The Pretenders

Cost:

General Admission $110 plus b/fee

Gold (A reserved seat at front of the stage) $175 plus b/fee

Silver (B reserved seat at front of stage) $145 plus b/fee

9730 0723 or visit www.balgownieestate.com.au

Celebrate the occasion in style at Balgownie Estate with a sumptuous Christmas lunch buffet in Rae's Restaurant. Experience the warm hospitality and fine food with a joyous afternoon amoung family and friends. Complete with a visit from Santa and gifts for the children, you'll relax in this idyllic setting and create special memories for years to come.

Time: 12pm-3.30pm

Cost: $130 per person (includes selected Balgowne Estate Wines and soft drinks) and $78 for children under 16 years

9739 0222 or visit www.vinesrestaurant.com.au

Celebrate the New Year with friends at Vines Restaurant overlooking the Yarra Valley; toasting the New Year in with great food, wine and views.

Four Course degustation menu along with Helen's Hill Wines and jazz from Will Purcell and band. Bookings Essential.

Time: 7.30pm-12.30am

Cost: $125 per person