A Day in the Yarra Valley - Part 1
This month, I was invited by
Yarra Valley Regional Food Group to experience some of the highlights of the spectacular
Yarra Valley... Brook from Yarra Ranges Tourism and Orson from Yarra Valley Transfers hosted a group of bloggers for a day of indulging in the culinary
delights and wines of the Yarra Valley.
Growing up in Croydon and
having a chef for a Dad, I have enjoyed many outings to the Yarra Valley to explore
its wonderful wineries and produce. However, I learnt so much from this farmers’
market and produce trip and suggest that you should explore some of the secret
treasures of the Yarra Valley as well as the more well-known attractions.
We arrived at The Yarra Valley Gateway Estate where we met Brett Spurling who gave us a tour of the
hydroponic greenhouse and told us about his family business and superior produce.
They operate a 5000 square metre high tech hydroponic greenhouse which produces
around 80 tons of capsicums, 35,000 pots of basil and 7 tons of
strawberries every year. The capsicums are grown up very tall strings which you
can see from their café. Their zero waste closed loop irrigation system uses
substantially less water compared to field crops and is perfect for drought
affected environments. Gateway Estate also produces many times the yield of
field crops using a fraction of the chemicals, sprays, water and fertilizer due
to the irrigation system and their Integrated Pest Management techniques.
After the tour, we had breakfast in their café. We ate egg, bacon and cheese toasted sandwiches that tasted scrumptious! This was due to the quality ingredients and the Sweet Capsicum Relish which you can pick up in their shop. To accompany the sandwich, I had a lovely tasting latte made with local Yarra Coffee.
Next to the cafe is the cellar door where we tasted some of their strawberry port, liqueur and crème. It was absolutely delicious!
Also, their Gourmet Farm Gate
Store showcases some of Yarra Valley’s best produce including berries, apples,
stone fruit and vegetables. You can also purchase gourmet products from the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group. Stop by here on your way to the wineries and take
some of this fantastic produce home so you can cook up a storm in your own
kitchen.
Address: 667 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream VIC
Phone:
03 9739 0568
Opening
Hours: Everyday 9.00am – 5.30pm
Next, we set off for the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group Farmers’ Market. This popular market is held on the
third Sunday of each month in and around The Barn at Yering Station. The first
market was held in 1998 and is Victoria’s longest running monthly market. I
often visit the market to buy quality, local produce and artisan goodies to use
in my own cooking. You can really taste the difference and I prefer to know
where my ingredients are sourced. At the market, you can meet the producers and
sample products before buying.
I daresay you foodies have seen the meringues from Unforgettable Products when you have been out experiencing Melbourne’s culinary scene. They are perfect for when you need to throw a quick dessert together for an impromptu dinner party. Eton mess, anyone? Well, they also have a range of curds including lemon and passionfruit.
Going gluten-free?
Nutritionist Georgina Smith has created g. luxe, a tasty and healthy
gluten-free muesli and snack bar range.
Vegans are not forgotten
either here at the market. The Surprise Vegan offers a range of very tempting
baked goods including cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and doughnuts. As some of
you may already know, I’m a big supporter of animal welfare so it was
heart-warming to learn about her ‘rescued residents’. Read about the gang on
her website.
Ricci’s Bikkies are free from
preservatives and additives. My favourite flavour is the Garlic, Parmesan and
Olive but the Cinnamon Sugar is ideal for those with a sweet tooth.
It’s hard to walk past Lady Paella and not be enraptured by the aroma and vibrancy of her authentic Spanish
paella. They are gluten, dairy and egg free. My favourite part of paella is the
seafood but vegetarians can try the Paella
Vegetal which contains eggplant, currants, herbs and vegies.
Afterwards, it’s divine
lounging on the lawn and feasting on your gastronomic finds whilst soaking up
the atmosphere in such gorgeous surrounds.
Don’t forget to visit the market next month on Sunday 20th September...
Address:
The Barn at Yering Station
38
Melba Highway, Yarra Glen VIC
Time:
9.00am – 2.00pm
Instagram: @yarra_valley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yarravalleyregionalfoodgroup and
https://www.facebook.com/YarraValleyandTheDandenongs
Twitter: @yarra_valley
Our means of transport for
the day was taken care of by Orson from Yarra Valley Transfers. Yarra Valley Transfers is an accredited bus
and tourism operator which provides transport services in and around the Yarra
Valley. Yarra Valley Transfers also offers gourmet wine tours as well as a
whole range of other services. Having a driver is a great way to immerse
yourself in the Yarra Valley’s wine culture without the worry of being over the
alcohol limit, which can be a problem with wine tours! Orson is very
knowledgeable about the area so give him a call next time you have a special
occasion or group function.
Phone: 1800 146 706
Thanks again to Brook, Yarra Valley Regional Food Group, Yarra Ranges Tourism and Orson from Yarra Valley Transfers for an amazing day.
‘A Day in the Yarra Valley -
Part 2’ coming soon...
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