This was published 9 years ago
Australian vineyard getaways: Six of the best
By Winsor Dobbin
Mona Pavilion, Hobart, Tasmania.
MONA PAVILIONS
TASMANIA
Not only do the eight high-tech pavilions offer the most luxurious vineyard accommodation in the Hobart region, they are part of the sensational MONA museum complex. Eat at the Source restaurant, where French chef Philippe Leban is in full stride, overlooking the Moorilla vineyards and the Derwent River. Guests can also taste the Moorilla range at the wine bar, as well as sampling Moo Brew beers. Ultra-modern pavilions featuring eclectic artworks from the collection of owner David Walsh range from $430 to $950 a night.
See mona.net.au.
CHATEAU YERING
YARRA VALLEY
Historic Chateau Yering, a heritage-listed Victorian mansion on more than 120 hectares with English-themed gardens, is walking distance to several Yarra cellar doors. Built in 1854 and a luxury hotel since 1997, Chateau Yering is next door to Yering Station, one of the Yarra's slickest cellar-door eateries. There are just 32 suites on site, while dinner at exquisite Eleonore's restaurant, where chef Mathew Macartney has an Age Good Food Guide hat, is de rigueur. Bed-and-breakfast packages range from $495 a couple to $895 in a top-of-the-range Yering Suite.
See chateauyering.com.au.
THE LOUISE
BAROSSA VALLEY
There are myriad accommodation choices in the Barossa but for exclusivity it is hard to go past one of Australia's top boutique vineyard retreats (and a new member of Relais & Chateaux), which has a comprehensive program of wine experiences available to its in-house guests. Suites feature king beds with crisp linen, in-room fireplaces, large dual spa tubs, outdoor showers, heated flooring, and terraces overlooking the vines. The service is top notch and there is free Wi-Fi. Appellation chef Ryan Edwards offers superb nightly tasting menus matched to rare local bottles. Luxury spa suites start from $525 a couple a night.
See thelouise.com.au.
CASA LUNA
NORTH-EAST VICTORIA
Milawa and the King Valley offer a treasure trove of gourmet discoveries. This little gem at Myrrhee features affordable, stylish luxury in just two queen and two king suites. With views over the Symphonia vineyards, this guesthouse is close to several cellar doors. Host Gwenda Canty serves sumptuous three-course dinners on request and the breakfasts of free-range eggs, smoked bacon, vine-ripened tomatoes and home-made preserves are legendary. Ideal for couples looking to wind down. Suites begin at $225-275 a couple including breakfasts. Phone (03) 5729 7650.
See casaluna.com.au.
SPICERS VINEYARDS ESTATE
HUNTER VALLEY
A laid-back retreat in bushland and vineyard surroundings, Spicers is on the doorstep of the Hunter's many restaurants, cellar doors and golf courses. Four new luxury spa suites make a total of 12 rooms and the newly built Spa Anise offers massage, beauty and therapeutic treatments. An outdoor pool and spa are popular, while dinner at Restaurant Botanica features mod Australian cuisine paired with a wine list highlighting many local boutique offerings. B&B rates start from $395 midweek and $495 at weekends. Phone 1300 192 868.
See spicersretreats.com.
CAPE LODGE
MARGARET RIVER
This secluded Cape Dutch-style lodge with swimming pool has been an icon destination for more than a decade. Award-winning Cape Lodge sits on its own vineyard within 20 hectares of manicured grounds on the edge of a small forest. There are suites, a two-bedroom self-contained cottage and a private residence. The spa suites, overlooking a small lake, are furnished luxuriously and the on-site restaurant, where chef Michael Elfwing recently took over, has a 14,000-bottle wine cellar. The lodge hosts regular cooking classes and culinary weekends. B&B rates start from $399 a couple with packages available. Phone (08) 9755 6311.
See capelodge.com.au.
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