This was published 9 years ago
Weekend Away: Boynton's Feathertop Winery, Porepunkah
By Sue Wallace
Boynton's Feathertop Winery.
Sue Wallace soaks it all up at Boynton's Feathertop Winery, Porepunkah.
THE SETTING
The peaks of Mount Buffalo dance across the horizon with manicured vines covering the gentle hills at Boynton's Feathertop Winery, the domain of Kel and Janelle Boynton. Kel's handy rockwork, the magnificent mountain views, red geraniums and trailing vines, create scenes reminiscent of a little patch of Italy and entice you to sit back and indulge in the Great Alpine Valley. With the Ovens River just across the drive and the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail passing right by, there's plenty to do. The accommodation is 10 kilometres from the centre of Bright and three kilometres from Porepunkah.
Some of the local fare.
THE SPACE
The newly renovated Peggy Adelaide one-bedroom suite was named for Kel's mother, who loved the finer things of life. Janelle, an architect, designed the compact suite with a private balcony perfect for gazing over the vineyards and watching the comings and goings of a busy winery. The cellar door, gourmet deli and restaurant are a few steps away. You can almost see the grapes ripening and there's nothing as sweet as the heady aroma of luscious drops maturing in oak.
THE KIT
Step through the antique Balinese doors and climb the steps to the chic self-contained suite and you are soon cocooned in a cosy retreat that is ideal for a short stay. The bedroom has a king-sized bed, large flat-screen television, iPad loaded with news sites for quick reference, a Sonos sound system and pleasing decor - three antique wooden angels from India watch over you as you sleep. But the feature lights that resemble wine goblets remind you where you are. The resort-style bathroom is spacious and has lights that change colour and enhance your mood. There's a small kitchenette with fridge, microwave, coffee machine and sink and a bench top made from candlebark from the property. The balcony acts as another room, with an outdoor bath and table and chairs that overlook scenic vistas. In another nod to the winery, the balcony has shutters made from wine barrels.
COMFORT FACTOR
Fill up the deep bathtub, light the candle, pour the bubbles - into both the tub and glass - switch on the outdoor heater and lay back and take in the views. It offers one of those precious moments to appreciate the finer things of life amid leafy trees and vines.
THE FOOD
You don't have to go far for great food and wine - guests get a complimentary bottle of Feathertop wine - named after Mount Feathertop, the second-highest mountain in Victoria that can be seen from the vineyard. There's a welcome deli pack in the room and continental breakfast supplies with muesli, juice and toast. Guests can start a tab downstairs and pay on departure. Chef Simon Buckley showcases the best in season at Feathertop's Alfresco restaurant. Keen to sample the best produce of the region, we enjoy a Proudly Porepunkah set two-course lunch that showcases Mount Beauty eye fillet and the Tawonga South rabbit with some of Feathertop's best drops. For a sweet finale we opt for a lemongrass and lime leaf panna cotta and the dark chocolate duo mousse with warm brownie, local cherries, hazelnut praline, and thyme creme fraiche - accompanied by a glass of Feathertop Lush. Fortunately we don't have to drive and instead take a walk through the vineyards and say hi to the Boyntons' pigs and chooks on our way. Next day we stock up on supplies from Feathertop's DIY Deli store with local produce items including smoked meats, Milawa cheeses, Mount Buffalo olive oil, olives, pestos and local trout and head out for a picnic near the Ovens River. Kel invites us to gather some supplies from his impressive vegetable garden that supplies the cafe and restaurant.
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Channel the inner winemaker in you and immerse yourself in winemaking activities such as picking grapes, moving wines and even some pruning with the Boynton team. The rail trail goes directly past the winery and there's almost 100 kilometres of sealed dedicated cycle path through the region. You can hire bikes from Cyclepath in Bright; call 03 5750 1442. See murraytomountains.com.au.
THE VERDICT
Wine lover's haven - how often do you get to sleep in the midst of a vineyard?
HOW TO GET THERE
Porepunkah is 320 kilometres north-east of Melbourne via the Hume Highway and Great Alpine Road.
ESSENTIALS
The Peggy Adelaide Suite at Boynton's Feathertop Winery, 6619 Great Alpine Road in Porepunkah, features a one-bedroom suite. Phone 03 5756 2356. Monday to Thursday the price is $275 a night and at weekends and public holidays it is $300 a night - including a continental breakfast. One-night stays are available. The larger Mount Buffalo View apartment right next door is also available, for $600 for the two suites a night with a minimum two-night stay. See boynton.com.au.
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