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Healesville is home to a lush new wine garden

Images via Innocent Bystander

There’s a lot to love about a wine garden. Shady, secluded spots to sip on your favourite drop. Tranquil greenery to absorb the day’s worries. They are the perfect place to unwind and soak up the summer sun.

And we can thank the good people at Innocent Bystander for bringing Healesville the newest leafy oasis, The Garden of Innocence, where one can enjoy award-winning wine without the fuss.

Nestled between Grace Burn Creek and the Innocent Bystander’s cellar door, the wine garden is all about enjoying the best of summer in a relaxed yet COVID-safe environment. The space increases their outdoor dining capacity to 70, meaning there’s plenty of room to bring your mates and maybe make a few new ones.

Wine-lovers will be in paradise looking through Innocent Bystander’s extensive list. With plenty of new vintages on offer – from 2020 Rose, 2019 Pinot Gris and Chardonnay perfect for summer drinking, to the old favourites like Pinot Noir and Prosecco – there’s a drop for every taste. 

And if wine isn’t your thing, don’t fret. In November, Innocent Bystander launched a brand new cider made in collaboration with Yarra Valley’s Hargreaves Hill, made with local pink lady apples. Then there are the stellar cocktails like a Rose Gin and Tonic, a Pinot Noir Negroni, or Tempranillo Old Fashioned. You will be ‘cheersing’ to your newfound freedom is utter style.

Of course, no wine garden would be complete without a grazing menu and the team have gone above and beyond to provide the ultimate fresh, locally grown eats. From authentic wood-fired pizzas and classic paella, to house-cured salmon gravlax and decadent cheese boards, all meals are crafted with sharing in mind. 

Officially opening Friday the 13th of November, all outdoor dining is unreserved and walk-in friendly. So set the date and get ready to enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere Innocent Bystander is famous for!

THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Innocent Bystander’s ‘The Garden of Innocence’
WHERE: 316-334 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
WHEN: November 13th 2020
MORE INFO: Innocent Bystander


	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Outcast Episode #5 – Dirty Three Wines

		

					

	


		

		
Watch the latest episode of ‘Outcast’ as Mike chats to Marcus Satchell from Dirty Three Wines in Gippsland. 


Marcus has an impressive background in winemaking and currently runs three vineyards in South Gippsland that produce some stunning Pinot Noir. This one is all about wine, winemaking and of course, there’s some tasting too.

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
OHO in ISO: Jayden Ong from One Block

		

					

	


		

		
Jayden Ong is an independent winemaker specialising in cool climate, single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. Jayden and his wife, Morgan, are first-generation winemakers and the team behind One Block.


What is happening with the winery at this stage?


Being at the start of winter, we have just finished vintage. The 2020 wines are now safely in barrel. We have cleaned down and will now show some love to our two vineyards over the winter months. Pruning the vines, adding compost, and at our home vineyard, a shallow plowing undervine and aerating the soil. 


We have seen some crazy weather this year, but the fruit we harvested was excellent quality, giving us wines we look forward to drinking. The 2020 wines will sit in barrel over winter, and the wines from 2019 that are now in the tank will settle out during the cold period, and we will look to bottling these in the spring. 


How has your family been coping?


We have had a great few months, albeit more cautious than usual. We live in a quiet part of the world, and it’s times like these that make us grateful for where we live. We have space, we still have food growing in the garden, our water tanks are full and we have lots of dry firewood. And we are all healthy which is the most important thing in all of this. The Yarra Valley is spectacular in autumn and we love winter the most! We live on top of a mountain at 700m above sea level and we get snow a number of times each year, which we are very excited for. 


What has the current crisis taught you about business?


If you’ve got a good product made with integrity and a lot of love, people will support you at any stage. We have been very lucky. We’ve had to be flexible and pragmatic but have remained positive, which is the key. We are positive in our outlook and in the wines we have made, and since covid changed everything and with restaurants closing, we have been able to communicate with our customers directly more than before, which has been the silver lining for us. 


We have recently launched our new wine club, Magnum Opus, and are currently working on a new website, so it’s all systems go. We have been shown a lot of support from customers Australia-wide, as well as our international markets which have come back earlier than expected.


How do you think things will go now restrictions are starting to be downgraded?


We hope that people stay safe and sound, and continue to look out for each other, as well as caring for the people in the community that need it most. Hopefully, we can all learn to be more respectful of each other, and this beautiful country we live on. 


What adventures are you planning as restrictions ease?


We are enjoying all the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley, the sunrises and the sunsets. Supporting the fantastic local businesses around us, maybe a lunch in the city with friends, and dinner on the mountain cooking outdoors over an open fire. 


A little more wine might be nice as well.




The Details:


Jayden Ong Wines is currently offering free shipping to your door, for 6 or more bottles. Just head to their website to take a look at the range. 

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
OHO in ISO: John Harris from Mitchell Harris Wines

		

					

	


		

		
After 8 years at Domaine Chandon, working with winemaking teams from all over the world, John had the desire to create his own brand. After moving back home to Ballarat and joining forces with his wine-loving in-laws, the Mitchells, Mitchell Harris was born.


What is happening with the restaurant business at this stage?


Apart from a couple of days at the start of the crisis, we have been able to keep our doors open, although trading under a very different business model. During the two days that we were closed, we remodelled our bar into the Mitchell Harris Take Away Wine and Convenience Store, and our kitchen team created a new Take Away & Heat at Home menu. One of our bar managers is baking bread and we’ve been able to keep our whole permanent and part-time team on board, doing deliveries, taking orders, cleaning, doing maintenance and even making donuts!


How did harvest go and what impact has the lockdown had on this part of the business?


Luckily, we had just finished harvest by the time the first lockdown laws were announced, and we handpicked the last blocks practising early safe distancing. Yields were considerably lower this year but the quality is very high. 


Sadly the lockdown laws prevented the Curious Winemaker program team from coming together to help press off their batch of Pyrenees Shiraz. However, Craig (Mitchell), our kids and I, got our hands dirty and pressed it off whilst we live streamed the process via Instagram and WhatsApp.


How do you think things will go for Ballarat once restrictions are downgraded?


There will be some short-term, acute pain for some no doubt, but the long term growth prospects for Ballarat are still very good. We have seen our sense of community strengthen during the pandemic with greater connection between local business and the community. 


Perhaps people will reassess their desire to live in densely populated urban environments and will realise that they can work at home or remotely.  Ballarat with its world-class education and medical facilities, growing industry sector and thriving hospitality scene will continue to shine and prosper.


How do you stay positive in this time?


I guess for the first few weeks, amongst all the unknown and the fear, we had the somewhat perverse feeling of exhilaration as we essentially started a new business. All of a sudden we were thrust into start-up mode and peddled frantically to turn our winemaking and wine bar business into a takeaway delivery model. 


We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received from our regular customers, our fellow hospitality colleagues and the community in general. Being able to deliver the same Mitchell Harris service and quality into peoples homes and to keep putting smiles on their faces has been immensely rewarding.


What have you been watching or reading in iso?


Sadly, I haven’t necessarily had any additional spare time. Between business survival and homeschooling, I have read a lot of spreadsheets and financial reports but also a couple of brilliant Tim Winton books, The Shepherd’s Hut and The Boy Behind the Curtain. At home in the evenings I’ve been raiding the cellar and watching the new series of Ozark, Life After Death and revisiting The Fall on Netflix and we were captivated by The Capture on ABC iView.




Details:


Mitchell Harris

38 Doveton St, North Ballarat


Mitchell Harris is currently doing take-away and delivery to homes around Ballarat. The venue will be reopening to a limited number from June 1. Check their socials for updates.

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
The best booze deals to get you through quarantine

		

					

	


		

		
As always in any national emergency, the most important thing is to stay calm and be positive. And what better way to do that is with some bloody good booze delivered right to your door.


Lucky for us, we live within delivery range of some of the best brewers, distillers and winemakers on the planet. Even better, is that some of them have put together fantastic deals to make quarantine just that little bit more enjoyable.


So support local and order direct, life’s too short to be drinking crappy wine!



                

                
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                    
        


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King Valley’s Food & Wine Festival Really is a Weekend Fit for a King

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Marnie Bodin 
Images supplied


If you’re searching for a regal exploration of food and wine over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (6 – 7 June), then head to the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for a King.


The annual food and wine festival celebrates everything the cool-climate wine region has to offer, from its Italian-influenced wines and fantastic local produce to local artists and family-friendly atmosphere.


With family roots in the region dating back to just after the first world war, Grace Darling, from Darling Estate, knows that the King Valley is particularly special. 


The valley has an awesome community spirit. Everyone works together to create an amazing weekend… It’s a real celebration of the food, wine and hospitality that the King Valley has to offer.


Darling Estate Wines, are celebrating the family’s 100th year in King Valley. To mark the occasion, there’ll be a few special vintages available to taste alongside the winery’s current releases. Once you’ve tried the range, grab a glass of red and a famous home-made sausage and cosy up by the fire pit. There are activities for the kids too, so everyone can sit back and relax. 


At the valley’s oldest winery, Brown Brothers, take a tour of the family cellar and taste the full range of wines, while the kids can entertain themselves with a giant chess set or on the playground. 


Architecture lovers should pay a visit to Chrismont, where, inside the award-winning building, you’ll find tastings of all Chrismont and La Zona wines, while the restaurant will offer slow-cooked Italian dishes to celebrate the season.


Dal Zotto continues the Italian-influence with pizza, pasta and prosecco all weekend long, alongside live music and kids entertainment, while King River Estate will showcase its range of traditional and alternative varietals with Italian street food providing the ideal accompaniment.


The exceptional combination of Italian fare, a wide range of tastings, live music and fun for the kids is also available at Pizzini, Sam Miranda and Politini wineries. 


At La Cantina indulge in family recipes, including Nonna’s lasagne, before browsing the market stalls to find local produce, handmade goods and coffee. You’ll also want to enjoy tastings of wines made in a traditional Tuscan manner, with no added preservatives, all while you’re serenaded by live music. 


If you prefer an amber brew, King River Brewing is also worth a visit. The full range of craft and seasonal beers will be available to purchase but it’s hard to go past a tasting paddle on the day. 


It’s not all food and wine though – the King Valley Art Show also takes place this weekend, showcasing works from artists near and far.


If you’re worried about the June weather, Grace Darling thinks it won’t be a problem. “The weekend is somehow always blessed with good weather, even though it’s the middle of winter”. 


Your $25 festival ticket includes access to participating wineries, free tastings, festival menus, entertainment, and either a Spiegelau tasting glass (drinkers) or reusable water bottle(non-drinkers) to take home. Kids play free. 


#getbacktohighcountry




THE DETAILS


WHAT: Weekend Fit for a King

WHERE: Participating Wineries and Venues. King Valley (view the full list)

WHEN: 6-7 June

MORE INFORMATION: winesofthekingvalley.com.au

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Sedona Estate

		

					

	


		

		
The Yea Valley is a wine region you might not have heard of. Technically it’s “Upper Goulburn”, but that really doesn’t adequately encompass the uniqueness of the Yea Valley.  It’s just a short drive on from the Yarra Valley, though some of the most stunningly beautiful high country in Victoria. Sedona Estate sits perched on a hillside overlooking the rolling hills of the Yea Valley, where Paul Evans and Sonja Herges have built a winery, cellar door, and a livelihood crafting wines to write home about.


Paul has an impressive resume (Chandon, Oakridge), but that’s not what’s important here. You’ll get lost in the moment, the gorgeous surrounds, and the impeccable wines. Yes, there’s a shout to his past  experience with some stunning sparkling wines, but he’s so passionate about what their piece of dirt is capable of producing that you’ll soon get lost too in the heady peppery cool climate reds produced from this estate. The Sangiovese was a highlight, weighted like a coastal pinot noir, but packing flavour like a cabernet. Sangi has to be the next up-and-coming thing in red wines. It will be if it keeps showing up and winning awards like the Sedona version. It’s just so drinkable.

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
It’s time to raise a Toast to the Coast

		

					

	


		

		
Words by Penny Cordner 
Images supplied


There’s no better way to celebrate Geelong’s award-winning wine regions than raising a glass (or two) at the highly anticipated Toast to the Coast!


If you haven’t heard the news, this year’s two-day festival is set to be bigger than ever.


On Saturday 2nd November, cellar doors in the Bellarine and Moorabool wine regions will welcome you with live music, wine tastings and good vibes. And then, in a festival first, on Sunday (3rd November) 19 winemakers will showcase their finest drops at The Pier for the ultimate one-stop wine-tasting party.


Now in its 18th year, the beloved Toast to the Coast has well and truly earned its reputation as one of the region’s biggest events of the season. Only one hour from Melbourne, this outstanding yet under-the-radar wine destination should be on every wine lover’s list.


For those who want to enjoy the best elements of the festival without having to travel, the new Sunday format at the iconic Pier is for you. Spend your day sampling wines from all three regions under the one roof, with plenty of delicious food and smooth tune from live jazz bands.


If you are planning to visit the cellar doors themselves, a Saturday ticket will cover tastings of new wine releases and rare vintages at all of the participating wineries.


In the Moorabool Valley, you can visit seven different wineries, including Lethbridge Wines, Clyde Park and Austins & Co. While on the Bellarine Peninsula you can stop in at Oakdene Vineyard, Bellarine Estate, Basils Farm, Scotchman’s Hill and Leura Park Estate, to name a few.


Each cellar door will provide their own unique experience of music and entertainment, so the only real downside is deciding which wineries to visit.


To make things more enjoyable (and ultimately a lot easier) you can purchase tickets for the shuttle bus which offer hop-on-hop-off style all day long so you can easily travel from one venue to the next.


If you’re heading to the Bellarine Peninsula there is no better place to start than Basils Farm. This winery has one of the most breathtaking views across Swan Bay, and with plenty of space to enjoy tunes from local musician Anthony “ Della” Dellamarta and his band, you won’t want to leave.


In addition to a selection of wine and refreshing cocktails, you’ll be able to enjoy craft beers and tapas-style food using fresh ingredients from their own garden and other local suppliers. These tasty dishes will be served from their very own Basils Garden Bar – a converted 1970’s Viscount caravan, made lovingly by the in-house team.


If you can’t choose which drink to start with, Kim Dema, General Manager at Basils farm recommends their rose.


”It’s perfect for the springtime weather, made predominately from local Pinot Noir and it goes well with our fresh, seasonal spring/summer menu. It also makes a smashing Basils version of sangria, which you can taste at Toast to the Coast,” she says.


As this is the sixth time Basils Farm has been part of the event, Kim says that over the years they have noticed an increase in the number of visitors as well as their openness to trying new wine varieties. She also thinks the change to this year’s format means there truly is something for everyone.


“Saturday offers a fun, festival-type experience – great for relaxing and enjoying this beautiful region and then the Sunday is perfect for those that prefer to stay in one location and maximise their tasting experience.”


The launch of the ferry service from Docklands to Portarlington also means the region is more accessible than ever, with many first-time visitors to the area surprised by the beauty of the Bellarine.


“There is a lot of natural beauty with birdlife and protected wetlands around Swan Bay. There is also a good mix of old and new, with small boutique cellar doors where you can talk to the winemaker as well as modern wineries offering state of the art facilities,” says Kim.




THE DETAILS

WHAT: Toast to the Coast

WHERE: Geelong wine regions

WHEN: 10am-5pm on Saturday 2nd November at the wineries

11am-2pm OR 3-6pm on Sunday 3rd November at the Pier in Geelong

MORE INFORMATION: https://toasttothecoast.com.au/

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
The Bellarine Taste Trail

		

					

	


		

		
The Bellarine Peninsula has been many things to many people. It was once home to the Wathaurong people, who harvested spoils from the ocean to survive; European occupation saw the region quickly become a leading supplier of grain to Melbourne.


Then at the end of the 19th century, we witnessed the arrival of holidaymakers, tourists and seachangers.


These days visitors to the area will be astonished at the richness of food and wine experiences. Travel the interweaving roads of this undulating peninsula, and you will discover fruit- and vegetable-farm gates, deep rows of olive trees, award-winning cheeses, cellar doors with breathtaking views, first-rate dining experiences and the region’s iconic Australian Blue Mussels.


Here’s our suggested itinerary to get you started.


 




Discover more on the Bellarine Taste Trail website.

	

	
	




	
	

	
	

		
Longleat Wines

		

					

	


		

		
About 30 minutes south of Shepparton (on the way home to Melbourne!), is the modest and unassuming little cellar door of Longleat Wines at Murchison – a short detour that’s worth the effort.


This is a true family run winery and cellar door. Guido brings his passion for making wines designed to share and enjoy (especially with food), while Sandra draws from her passion for cheese to keep the cellar door well stocked.


Guido’s Italian heritage is evident in the styles of wine that he makes, and words like ‘generous, flavourful and food-friendly’ spring to mind. In fact, all conversations with Guido and Sandra quickly turn to the food that will best complement the wines.


It’s a lovely, intimate experience chatting, eating, and drinking with people who genuinely love what they do. Guido brings his heritage to the fore in wines like Garganega and Sangiovese, both textural and interesting in a white and red wine respectively.


The deck cafe is lovely for a glass of vino, a coffee and a platter, but they also do lunches – which are a generous feasting occasion and definitely require a booking.