Words by Amanda Kennedy Images supplied
As we get closer and closer to being able to travel again, businesses of the Yarra Valley have been working away, getting the valley ready to welcome you back for a visit and we’re almost there. Until then you are officially invited to the Yarra Valley Garden Party virtual event October 2-4. All you need to do is order the Garden Party Pack and create a spring garden party in your own home with family/friends/bubble buddy.
So what’s in the pack?
Six of the region’s best wines, recipe cards to inspire your party, a Spotify soundtrack to reflect the valley in Spring, Diggers Club sweet pea seeds, iso-craft garland supplies and a list of spots throughout the region to pimp your Instagram (tulips bulbs to come in January.) With only a couple of clicks, support regional businesses and get it delivered to your door thanks to The Regional Pantry.
Whether it’s a succulent’s workshop, a guided wine tasting or a Four Pillars gin cocktail class, the Yarra Valley Garden Party has got you covered. With the entire event to be live-streamed online via visityarravalley.com.au as well as through the Facebook page, the Yarra Valley never been so accessible.
Saturday morning with yoga at Alowyn Gardens
Start your weekend off on the right note with a live-streamed yoga class from the picturesque Alowyn Gardens located in Yarra Glen. Restore balance and harmony to your day with an uplifting class designed for all age and fitness levels. Whether it’s the Parterre or the Edible garden that catches your eye, ‘downward dog’ will have you planning your next visit.
Sourdough skills – more than just an iso-hobby
Next up, it’s time to put on the Spotify soundtrack and get ready to flex your kneading skills. You’ve seen others get their sourdough game on during recent stay-at-home times; we’ve got all the tips and tricks for you to step up yours. This timeless bread-making technique fits in seamlessly to a modern lifestyle, especially if working from home. Wherever you are on your sourdough journey, there’s something in this session for you.
Dylan McMahon and Phillip Johnson at Seville Estate
4pm is officially wine o’clock so join Seville Estate winemaker, Dylan McMahon, and landscape designer, Phillip Johnson, as they wander the gardens of Seville Estate while talking all things wine and garden. Dylan’s dedication to low-intervention wine-making is reflected in the same approach to the estate’s garden program. In the months to come, the friendly winery staff will shift from pruning the vines to serving guests at their cellar door, restaurant and accommodation.
For now, all you need to do is grab the glasses and pour a glass of their barrel-fermented 2017 Estate Riesling, which Dylan describes as a textural wine, well-balanced by acidity and notes of lime. It ticks a lot of boxes for ardent Riesling fans while also being a great entry point for those just discovering the varietal.
Pencil this one into your calendar.
Wake up and discover flavour with Silva Coffee
Okay, it’s Sunday morning and by now you need a coffee. Local roasters, Silva Coffee, will help demystify your morning brew with their Coffee Tasting class. Experience four coffees from different regions, each with their unique flavours and aromas. Cleo and Wayne began roasting coffee from their Wesburn home in 2010. Graduating from farmers markets to now supplying a raft of venues and homes across Victoria, they’ve not wavered from their dedication to community and sustainability. Byo boiling water.
Yarra Valley Pasta’s Lisa Giffard with cook and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Join Lisa and Julia in casual conversation as they discuss subjects dear to all our hearts – food, family and cooking. These two accomplished home cooks will draw on their robust family heritage to weave together stories and tips for simple, seasonal dishes.
With unfussy recipes from quick pastas to generous baked treats, it’s easy to see why Julia’s popular cookbooks have inspired so many. You’ll soon be drafting the menu for those long, leisurely lunches with family and friends we all miss.
Bringing together two of the valley’s foremost producers, Buxton Trout Farm and Yarra Valley Dairy, Lisa will prepare Yarra Valley Pasta’s smoked trout and goats cheese ravioli. Looks like it might be time to crack the Mac Forbes EB52 Rose.
This relaxing Sunday afternoon session is the ideal antidote for those dreaming of a plane ticket to Italy.
Not quite tiptoeing through the tulips
You’ve just finished the live guided tasting with Jess Nguyen, so settle back and enjoy the sounds of the Yarra Valley Opera Festival set to the visual spectacular of Tesselaar Tulips’ fabulous fields of blooms. And lucky you, your party pack bulbs will arrive in January.
Flick through the tempting recipe cards created by Caroline Gray or be inspired by the winemakers’ favourite dishes, both perfect Sunday evening activities. Whatever you choose, sit back and toast your wise decision to celebrate Spring in the valley without ever leaving your armchair.
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Yarra Valley Garden Party
WHERE: At home
WHEN: October 2-4
MORE INFO: Yarra Valley Garden Party
