On Monday I sipped a glass of Pinot Gris, grazed on a colourful Charcuterie Plate; chooks scratching amongst the vines below, and drank in the sweeping backdrop of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in the distance.
On Friday I quaffed a beautiful Marsanne, feasted on local cheeses, watched two white geese diving for yabbies in a pond, and admired the vibrant autumn leaves blazing in one of Victoria’s premier wine regions.
It was one tough week!
Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville QLD
Flame Hill Vineyard, perched on the stunning Blackall Range, near Montville, has some wonderful wines and a sweeping view of the entire Sunshine Coast. I’m a Victorian originally so I was surprised to discover great wineries in the north. But, sure enough, the wines we sampled at Flame Hill were delicious.
The Barbera had been recommended, a light, yet peppery and complex Italian red. However we opted for the chef’s recommendation of Pinot Gris with our delicious Charcuterie Plate.
It was a glorious sunny day and the world was filled with that special golden light that shines from the late afternoon sun. From the chooks foraging in the vineyard to the distant ocean, everything seemed to glow – or maybe it was that third glass of Pinot.
All Saints Estate, Rutherglen VIC
On Friday we drove down the oak-lined driveway that marks the entrance to All Saints Estate near Rutherglen. We were ‘down south’ visiting family nearby and decided, semi-spontaneously to call in to All Saints en route between family visits. Aren’t those spur-of-the-moment detours the best!
Autumn was in full swing in Victoria while we were there, such a beautiful time of year. The trees were a blaze of golds and crimsons, and the autumn light gave everything a deep radiance.
My partner and I hit the tasting room while my two young sons sat and drew pictures at a kids’ table, equipped with paper and crayons… Good thinking All Saints.
We sampled some gorgeous wines. My fave’s were a Marsanne – a crisp, fruity white, much nicer, in my opinion than a Sav Blanc; and a Sangiovese Cabernet – a match (or blend) made in heaven.
Next we wandered over to Indigo Cheese Co., housed in a building close to the tasting room. They have a delicious selection of Australian cheeses, from which you can assemble a platter to enjoy in the garden. We chose a Marinated Fetta, a Double Brie and a Blue – with a bottle of their gorgeous light and cheeky Marsanne.
We finished our All Saints visit with a game of catch on their lush, green lawns and a coffee to go – from their a la carte restaurant. I leafed through the menu while I was waiting for my flat white and resolved to come back for a meal soon.
For more information visit:
Flame Hill Vineyard: http://www.flamehill.com.au/home.php
All Saints Estate: http://www.allsaintswine.com.au/
Leonie Orton is a passionate traveller and freelance writer. If you would like her to write for your business, contact her at:
Web: http://leonieorton.com
Email: leonie@leonieorton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonieortonwriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/leonieorton