Come in for a taste

FOR one weekend only, businesses in the Yarra Valley will throw open their doors, allowing visitors to climb over the farm gate, peek behind shed doors and indulge in some unique experiences not usually available to the public, as part of Yarra Valley Open For Inspection.
The Open For Inspection weekend, on 14 and 15 May, is a new event for the Yarra Valley and an opportunity for visitors and locals to step behind the scenes of some of Victoria’s premium wineries, restaurants and hotels and dine with local winemakers and chefs and learn the tricks of the trade from the owners themselves.
Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing CEO Mark Challis said the event would provide a look behind the scenes of the Yarra Valley, showcasing aspects of wineries, businesses, art galleries, local producers and restaurants that the general public would never get the opportunity to see.
“Just think …..dining with the chef in his own kitchen at a restaurant, create your very own personal blend of wine with the winemaker themself, meet a local artist in their own studio,” said Mr Challis.
Some of the signature events at the Yarra Valley’s Open for Inspection include:
– Rochford Wines, famous for its Day on the Green concerts and producing premium cool climate wines, will be opening up its cellar door to hold special wine blending sessions, a fun and educational opportunity to blend a wine to match a famous Rochford Wine blend.
– Home Hotel, an OFI sponsor, positioned along the Warburton Highway, is offering an array of exciting activities over the weekend.
Local artist Janette George Shambrook will be personally exhibiting both days and then Saturday night the hotel will host an all-inclusive cocktail party featuring swing, jazz and boogie band The Shuffle Club.
Enjoy Yarra Valley’s finest food, wine, bubbles and beer while dancing in one of the Valley’s undiscovered secret locations.
Sutherland Estate will throw open its doors with a special one-off Melba 150th Anniversary Concert, coupled with a sneak peek of the new yet-to-be-released Sutherland Estate Sparkling.
Rayner’s Stonefruit will open their farm gate to allow you to experience a pruning demo, ride on a tractor, visit the cool room and packing shed and browse the store shelves for fresh fruit.
Enjoy an all-day French brunch including crepes, coffee and croissants, in the winery barrel room at Dominique Portet Winery then head to Domaine Chandon for the Saturday Sundowner where you can take an after-hours tour of the winery and taste the renowned sparkling wines.
A number of accommodation venues will be opening their doors for inspection, too.
Visitors can explore the luxurious accommodation options at Immerse Yarra Valley, Balgownie Estate and Linden Gate and they will be booking their next overnight stay in no time.
Dine with local winemakers at Sebel Heritage YarraValley or Belle Vedere Restaurant featuring St Hubert’s, or put on an apron and learn the processes used by Yarra Glen Quality Butchers to produce top quality cuts of meat.
Try wines never normally offered as part of DeBortoli Yarra Valley Estate’s Hidden Wine delights or head to the Healesville Hotel to roast chestnuts over a bonfire and delight in the Pinot Tasting Tent in the hotel garden.
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, an Open for Inspection partner and Victoria’s newest regional museum, will open its doors for the first time allowing you to be part of the museum launch and make memories, create history and be part of this exciting new cultural destination.
These experiences are only available on 14 and 15 May in Victoria’s premier wine and food region, the Yarra Valley.
Brought to you by Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing, along with major sponsors and tireless community supporters, Courtney Colour and Max Brown Real Estate.
The full list of Yarra Valley Open For Inspection events is available at the website www.yarravalleyofi.com.au and in the Yarra Valley OFI Guide which can be picked up from all participating venues and information centres in Yarra Valley.