Meander on the Melba Highway and discover family operated cellar doors, reframe your old favourites by trying something new and travel the world in your glass as you taste international wine styles right here on the Alternative Taste Trail. Punctuate the vineyards with gardens, orchards, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and - of course - lunch.
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Try something new! While pinot noir and chardonnay are the traditional wine heroes of the Yarra Valley, a new world of wine is evolving. There's alternatives to try and this is how to do it. Road Trip Yarra Valley
Virtual tastings are available with a Taste The Road Trip 6 pack of reds. Pop over to The Regional Pantry order your wines and start your visit from home as soon as you can! Your 6 pack comes with 6 handpicked reds from the trail, a guided tasting from our Yarra Valley winemakers and 3 recipes to try at home and really create your very own Yarra Valley at-home experience.
Need some itinerary ideas while you dream of travel? We've popped together two excellent ways plan your Alternative Taste Trail adventure today.
Road Trip - Alternative Taste Trail - 1 Day Itinerary
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We’ve highlighted some real life family owned and operated businesses for a truly bespoke experience – close to the source. With a distinctly relaxed vibe, the area is easy to get to and home to some truly unique wineries and activities – and wine varietals just waiting for you to discover them.
Road Trip - Alternative Taste Trail - 2 Day Itinerary
With 16 different (and new) varieties of wines to try in this micro region alone, you will be quite an accomplished wine lover by the time you’ve explored this gem of a trail. The Alternative Taste Trail can be savoured over two or more days so here are some suggestions to get you started. An overnight stay brings a relaxed vibe and lets you explore more wine and pop in a gorgeous garden break and more.
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RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH OUR TASTE THE ROAD TRIP - RED 6 PACK:
Wine loves food - and we love wine. Guess what that means? We've asked a couple of our wineries to supply their favourite recipes that match wines form the Taste The Road Trip 6 pack. If you've bought one already you'll have received your printed copies. Winemakers are superstars at matching flavour and texture that has you remisining about vineyards, good times and great stories. We suggest you try these yourself ... the Yarra Valley is only a bottle and a great meal away. (Best enjoyed with friends via Zoom or IRL - whatever we're currently allowed!)
DE BORTOLI - GNOCCHI WITH PINE MUSHROOMS STEELS GATE - PARIPPU (VEGAN) ZONZO - SLOW COOKED LEG OF LAMB
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Sutherland Estate is a boutique, family owned enterprise located at Dixon’s Creek in the premium, cool climate, wine growing region of the Yarra Valley.
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De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate is where the family philosophy of great wine, food and friends has come together in a magnificent setting only one hours drive from Melbourne.
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The Fergusson vineyard was originally planted by the Fergusson Family in 1968. The vineyard is planted to classic French grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Mandala Wines proudly crafts wines of character and finesse, designed to be enjoyed with good food and great company.
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Immerse Vineyard, Restaurant and Accommodation is the place where lovers of good wine and food can discover, relax and indulge themselves in the Yarra Valley. The 25 year old vineyards produce fruit of intense flavour and consistently high quality.
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Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley sits high on the hill at Yarra Glen and commands one of the best views in the region. The Cellar Door and Eatery, Conference centre and Spa Suites offer everyone a chance to relax and unwind in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
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YARRAWOOD ESTATE’s Cellar Door & Café enjoys outstanding 360-degree views over our immaculate vineyard, picturesque lake, and the Yarra Valley beyond. Visitors are welcome to sample our full range of YARRAWOOD Tall Tales wines, or simply just relax with a glass of wine and a delicious meal.
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Alowyn Gardens provides an informative and educational experience for anyone interested not only in gardening, but also the enjoyment of a beautiful garden. It has been designed with shade and comfort in mind.
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Delight in the experience of tasting, seeing and indulging in quality products in our spectacular showroom and cafe nestled amongst sweeping valley vistas. Open 9am-5pm daily (except Christmas Day).
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Corniola Wines is a family owned and operated boutique vineyard and winery, focused on making small quantities of premium handcrafted wines.
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Joanne & Simon invite you to Yarra Valley’s smallest vineyard, winery and cellar door to join them for a guided wine tasting at Steels Creek Estate. We are proud to say that the delicious wines we pour are the product of our own passion and toil.
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Greenstone Cellar Door invites you to relax with friends and family. Enjoy a glass of wine on the deck while taking in the best panoramic views in the valley. Try wines from Yarra Valley and Heathcote vineyards. Live music from 1 pm to 4 pm most Sundays and now also conducts tour of the winery.
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Steels Gate comprises of two hand-crafted boutique vineyards within the Yarra Valley. Hand Crafted, Estate Grown.
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Restaurant, winery and wedding reception, boasting some of the best views in the Yarra Valley. We specialise in Italian cuisine, the wood-fire pizzas being a highlight. The Italian custom of the 'shared table' brings friends and family together for an unforgettable experience.
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