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Australia - Victoria - Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong
Ranges region, an hour's drive east of Melbourne, where tall trees
and ancient mountain ranges meet vineyards and world class wineries.
The Yarra is a cool-climate, low-yielding wine region. The region’s cold winters and fertile soils help make Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines at home here. The region’s winemaking history dates to 1840, but the large plantings now producing great wines began in 1968 at the Yarra Yering, Yeringberg and Fergussons wineries. The French company Moet & Chandon, seeing the district’s potential for sparkling wines, established the Domaine Chandon winery here in 1985.
The Yarra Valley is now home to over 55 wineries, most of which offer cellar door tasting and sales. Many are as serious about food as they are about their harvest, matching the wine they make with local produce in restaurants located in beautiful vineyards.
The Yarra Valley has some of the most beautiful countryside in Victoria. Rolling hills strung with vines around Healesville and Yarra Glen meet towering trees, green valleys and pristine rivers around Marysville and Warburton.
For a different view of the countryside, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon before gently descending into a vineyard to enjoy a breakfast of local produce and sparkling wine. You can also get close to Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to dingoes, kangaroos, wombats and the elusive platypus.
Parks, gardens, native fern forests and nature trails define the Dandenong Ranges. Climb aboard Australia's oldest steam train, Puffing Billy, and travel through thick forests and lush fern gullies. Dotted throughout the Dandenong Ranges are quaint villages such as Olinda, Gembrook, Belgrave, Emerald and Sassafras, home to some of Victoria's best gardens, and famous for craft shops and Devonshire teas.
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