NOW AVAILABLE - Australia's "Cool" Yarra Valley
Melbourne, Australia
Thursday, January 9, 2020 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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The Yarra Valley has an enviable reputation for being one of the world's greatest wine regions. From architectural statements to rustic tin sheds hidden among the fines, the Yarra Valley has a wonderful range of cellar doors that reflect all the diverse styles of wine made in this cool-climate region, only a stone's throw from Melbourne.
The first grapes planted in this part of Australia were in the Yarra Valley in the mid - 1800's. Over the years the vineyards matured and this appellation is now considered to be one of the premier winemaking regions in the world. The generally cool climate favors the classic Burgundian grapes - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - as well as the production of excellent methode champenoise sparkling wines. Other grapes grown in smaller quantities include Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Your guide today is Australian sommelier Samantha. As a wine-competition judge and writer, Samantha will educate and entertain you during the hour and half journey from the pier in Melbourne to the Yarra Valley. Your first stop is at the cellar door of Oakridge Wines. Considered by many to have one of the region's best winemakers, Oakridge creates Chardonnays that excite both the public and critics alike. Here you will enjoy tasting a special selection of their best wines.
A twenty-,minute ride down the road is Seville Estate. Founded in 1972 by Dr. Peter McMahon and his wife Margaret, their winemaking legacy now lives on with their grandson, Dylan McMahon becoming head winemaker in 2004. IN August of this year, James Halliday, the multi-award winning Australian wine write and winemaker, named Seville Estate his "Winery of the Year" in his 2019 Halliday Wine Companion. As Halliday recalls, when it came time to review his recent tasting notes for this year's awards, "with its absolutely dazzling array of great wines made over the 2015, '16 and '17 vintages, I instantly knew that it had to be the Winery of the Year."
Following your tour and premium wine tasting, you will enjoy a wine paired luncheon at the cedar door's restaurant. The menu focuses on locally sourced meats and produce, and highlights the many herbs and vegetables grown onsite at the winery estate. After lunch, the coach will take you back to the ship.