Essential Cellar Door [download article]
What would a drive through the countryside be these days without a visit to a winery? In fact, is it even possible to venture more than one hour from any CBD and not come across some vines and a place to taste? Twenty years ago, maybe, but today… no way.

Here are a few tips for when you visit a cellar door:
Firstly, don’t be put off if the winery charges a small amount for tastings. Often this is redeemed upon a purchase but, even if it is not, the cost of running a cellar door with all the trimmings is not to be forgotten and the facility can’t be treated as a ‘free’ place to drink. Do your homework. If you’re specifically going to a region for wine-tasting, then choose in advance the cellar doors that you would like to visit. Simply meandering from one to another could just waste your precious tasting time. Also, select a few different styles of cellar door – from the big, modern and fully staffed to the small and personable. Both will offer a different experience, neither being necessarily better than the other.

If you particularly enjoy one cellar door, ask them for a local recommendation, whether for another winery or for accommodation or restaurants.

Much of the year, the weather will be warm enough to adversely effect your wine purchases if you put the bottles in the boot of your car. Either take an esky or find out about the wineries’ ability to deliver the wine to your house.

Taste with care. Sometimes the stunning surroundings and the fact that you are relaxed and on holidays can cloud your judgement. Really think about the wine and what you like about it before you commit to filling all your cellar with it.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART - Villa Amelie
One day, Diane Gavin had a life-altering thought: ‘I’d like to stay home rather than go to work.’ ‘I always wanted to build a villa,’ says Diane of this unique little abode perched on the edge of the property. Unlike anything else in the street, Villa Amelie looks transported from the undulating landscape of Tuscany or France; its washed stone façade and crunching pebbles underfoot providing the perfect entrance to what lies inside. Unlike the highly social B&B, the villa is self-contained enough to offer complete solitude.

Info: Villa Amelie / Annabelles B&B, 33 Wood Street, Beechworth, Victoria.
Tel: 03 5728 3367
Web: www.annabell.com.au

Pushing Her Own Barrow
It is early winter and the diminutive Robyn Barrow, owner of The Olive Shop, is flitting about her shop like a sparrow. There’s an air of excitement as a local grower – Brad Nilbett of Staghorn Flat Olives – arrives with his new season’s olive oils. Brad has three varieties on offer: Frantoio, corregiolla and manzanillo, each with its own distinctive characteristics.

The fresh oil is slurped like fine wine, its colour admired, and phrases such as ‘herbaceous’, ‘peppery’ and ‘pungent’ are bandied about. Then Robyn offers her fresh and luscious Barrow Premium Oil for tasting. Over the next few weeks, more local growers bring in their new season’s oils like proud parents showing off newborns.

Info: The Olive Shop, Snow Road, Milawa (in the Milawa Bakery Complex)
Open: 10am-5pm Thursday to Sunday, 10pm-4pm Monday
Tel: 03 5727 3887

The Friars Café:
Expect the unexpected when you venture into Shepparton’s The Friars Café. A stairway to heaven within this 100- year-old church leads to a mezzanine level dining area and sunny outdoor deck overlooking the bustle of Shepparton’s crazed CBD below. A well-presented Dimattina Mocharoma espresso is smooth and detailed. If you’ve sussed the menu before reaching the heavens, a light and zingy lemon meringue pie may well make its way into your mouth. You won’t even know how it got there – must be God’s work! The Friars Café has loads of warmth and character. As you fix your tab, check the sign above the bar… ‘Your Restaurant Rules: Our catering business comes to you! We’ll cater for any function: weddings – birthdays – business parties – divorces’ – now that’s service!

Info: The Frairs Café, 127 Fryers Street, Shepparton, Victoria
7.30am-5pm - open seven days