Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like fine cuisine, vineyard views and sparkling wine. No matter where you live, you don’t need to venture far to find your own romantic piece of Bordeaux, right here in regional Australia. State-by-state, follow our top tips for a Valentine’s Day escapade to set the heart aflutter.
Queensland
The fastest way to your loved one’s heart is via their stomach! Restaurant Lurleen’s at Sirromet winery is plating up a specially curated 4-course lunch or dinner, complete with live entertainment and a special Valentine’s Day gift on arrival. Really want to make an impression? take to the sky with a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sirromet Winery and breathtaking Moreton Bay.
For something a little more low-key, the Tuscan Terrace oozes relaxed romance. Dine on the deck under the shade of the fig trees, gently caressed by the sea breeze, and discover the perfect marriage of flavours with emerging Italian wines.
Western Australia
Create a dreamy weekend away at The Colony on Mandoon Estate in the Swan River region of Western Australia, just half an hour from Perth. Your luxe room overlooks historic Verdelho vines planted in 1895 and the thriving banks of the Swan River.
The Ultimate Valentines Package includes dinner with paired wines, a night in the Executive Suite at The Colony and breakfast at the Homestead Brewery. A bottle of vintage sparkling and homemade chocolates greet you in your room, setting the tone for a perfect weekend of your making, from pure relaxation and indulgence, to bushwalking, gallery-hopping and even mountain biking in nearby national parks. Cost: $699 for two people.
New South Wales
Set the scene for pure romance with a gourmet picnic hamper, a picnic rug for two, and sweeping views of the picturesque vines and rolling paddocks of the Hunter Valley. Set on the crest of a hill, the serene ambience of Audrey Wilkinson estate will have your loved one swooning.
A Premium Picnic Among the Vines experience includes a self-guided tour of the onsite museum, followed by a masterclass and premium tasting from the in-house wine expert. Afterwards, collect your bottle of handpicked wine along with a picnic hamper and savour an afternoon of sensory delights, complete with chocolates and a personalised bottle of wine signed by the winemaker.
Victoria
Just like the perfect relationship, the art of winemaking is all about blending to create something special where “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. At historic Tahbilk winery in the beautiful Nagambie Lakes region of central Victoria, the Winemaker’s Secret Art experience is a day out your Valentine will never forget.
Guided by a Wine Ambassador, together you will create a unique wine that represents this special time together. Take home a 750ml bottle of your original blend to enjoy later.
Stay for lunch at the Wetlands View Restaurant and savour wines created from Tahbilk’s vines dating back to 1860. Before you go home, take a stroll around the wetlands eco-trail and through the flourishing estate gardens.
Tasmania
Match the twinkle in your loved one’s eye with a glass (or three) of Australian sparkling wine. Better yet, spend the day together making your own at Josef Chromy Wines, just 15 minutes from Launceston. The Art of Sparkling Experience will teach you the traditional methods, from base wine to cooking and wiring. Tasting is mandatory, of course!
Produce your own distinctive bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy before lunch – two scrumptious courses created from fresh local produce, matched with wine and a complementary tasting.
Afterwards, let Cupid work his magic as you meander among the 100 year-old oak trees in the old English gardens, along the shores of the picturesque lake framed by 61 hectares of lush vineyards.
South Australia
Whisk your love away to the tranquil Barossa Valley for a mini vay-cay at Jacob’s Creek original 19th century settler’s cottage. Beautifully restored with wide verandas and enticing gardens, it’s enough to make you fall on one knee!
Jacob’s Creek Cottage is within walking distance to both Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo estates. Spend the morning at St Hugo for a Valentines Day date with a difference. At the St Hugo & Riedel Masterclass, you’ll discover how glassware influences the taste and enjoyment of St Hugo Wines. Much like human relationships, where chemistry and personality draw out the character of another, you’ll learn how the shape of a glass draws different qualities from each of the wines.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Jacob’s Creek for a Picnic Perfect afternoon, involving little more than lazing around, indulging in delicious food and wine (and hopefully even better conversation), while taking in the stunning views. This experience also includes a complimentary tasting flight to be enjoyed before or after your picnic.
Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au
.jpg){kind=tracking}
