This was published 10 years ago
Weekend Away: Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen review
Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley.
Sue Wallace is smitten by the little quirks and comforts of idyllic Yarra Glen.
THE SETTING
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa is at Yarra Glen, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, home to more than 80 established wineries and 55 cellar doors, as well as new arrivals. The rolling hills are dotted with quaint cafes, restaurants and provedores.
THE SPACE
The resort, with 69 suites, is set in sprawling grounds with rose beds and manicured lawns. It overlooks rows of Balgownie's own pinot noir vines. There's a variety of accommodation options, from garden terrace rooms to two-bedroom suites.
THE KIT
The Privilege Spa Suite has a spacious lounge room with a private balcony, ideal for enjoying views of the renowned wine district. You may also see a kangaroo grazing close by. There's a king-size bed in the separate bedroom and an inviting full-size spa bath. The basic kitchenette features a microwave, a good coffee machine and a small dining table. Tennis courts, walking trails and a health club with an indoor heated swimming pool, gym and steam room will keep you busy.
COMFORT FACTOR
Balgownie Estate's cellar door is at your doorstep, offering complimentary wine tastings from its two vineyards - on-site and Bendigo. There's also a great selection of local produce for sale. As well as imbibing red wine, try the two-hour Vinotherapy Ritual ($260) at the on-site Natskin Spa Retreat.
THE FOOD
It's just a minute's walk to Balgownie's award-winning restaurant, Rae's, where a pre-dinner glass of bubbles can be enjoyed by the roaring fire. The regional tasting plate for two, piled with fresh produce, chargrilled vegetables, local cheese, pates and smallgoods, is a great start. The tender kangaroo fillet and pear and honey mille-feuille are also standouts, served with a good local drop. Start the day with Rae's Balgownie Big Brekky, with fried, poached or scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, tomato, mushroom, hash browns and grilled ciabatta, or a healthy option of fruit and muesli.
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Chocoholics can almost sniff the indulgent aromas from the nearby Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where six European chocolatiers create a feast for the senses. Step through the doors and it's chocolate heaven, with towers of treats and sweets in every flavour. As tempting as the chocolate, lamb, mint and caramelised onion sausage sounds for lunch in the cafe, I can't say no to a honeycomb ice-cream and a giant hundreds-and-thousands "Freckle". The OTT hot chocolate is a definite winner.
Trawl the streets of Yarra Glen and step into quaint shops - perfumed soaps, chunky-knit scarves and cashmere gloves were some of my finds. Enjoy a coffee fix, along with plump scones, lashings of whipped cream and raspberry jam at any of the cosy cafes. If you're after a bird's-eye view of the area, take a hot-air balloon flight over the many vineyards (globalballooning.com.au).
You can follow food, wine and cider trails across the region, and winery hopping is a popular pastime. The Yarra Valley is also a veritable food bowl - in summer, think bright-red berries and plump strawberries; in autumn it's all about mushrooms and shiny brown chestnuts; in winter, steaming soups and crusty artisan bread; and in spring, freshly picked asparagus and bright-green globe artichokes. The Yarra Valley Farmers' Market is held at historic Yering Station on the third Sunday of each month. Fill your basket with fabulous artisan breads, home-made pasta, buffalo sausages and more.
THE VERDICT
Great for a romantic getaway or a girls' weekend.
HOW TO GET THERE
A one-hour drive, or 65 kilometres, north-east from central Melbourne.
ESSENTIALS
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, 1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen. The Privilege Spa Suite and breakfast is priced from $300 - packages available. Phone (03) 9730 0700; see balgownieestate.com.au.
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