Saturday, October 31, 2009

King Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Tour



Way up in the Highlands above Whitfield on your way to Mansfield on the back roads, you will find breathtaking views and cottages tucked away in the hills. Behind hand stacked rock fences, up a cow 'patted' dusty lane-way was one such cottage, I managed to find my way into using the tourist maps provided at the information centre in Beechworth. My guests were found eagerly awaiting for their driver to show up to get into the wine tasting trip they had planned for months. They had found their way in the dark the night before, thank the mistress of technology they had Sat. Nav. Now that the day was underway Will, Tom, Angie and Sally could all see what a magic spot they found themselves in. We didn't waste much time, cheese, chocolate, wine and lunch, more wine and then of course, more wine. So many Italian varieties to taste. They quickly found the boot of the car full of King Valley treasures.

Milawa Cheese Factory and Chocolates! Tom, Sally, Will and Ange.
Sam Miranda and his gorgeous daughter at Sam Miranda King Valley. Meeting the winemaker is half the fun.
Wine tastings at Sam Miranda cellar door, choosing which wine to have with lunch.

Chrismont Wines lovely lab, lapping up all the attention,' ohhhh, little to the right, yer, yep oh yes!'

What stock?

Give Way To Stock, not 'give hay to stock' Sal!

What can I say.



Thursday, October 29, 2009


Photography Tour of the Yarra Valley


Bookings Essential contact SandyMobile: 0408 244 531


Driven Indulgences' Photography Tour will find you exploring the magic spots of the Yarra Valley with your local guide and photography enthusiast Sandy. You don’t need a professional camera, point and shoot owners very welcome to create some valley magic. You will find yourself amongst old fern forests with rock strewn creeks, vineyards and open fields, atop hillsides and country streets. We will chase the perfect view, light or moment to capture that one great shot that gives you that feeling of breathless wow. ( I am still working on getting the weather to order)
Includes pick up and return to accommodation or home, lunch at Mt. Rael’s 3777 restaurant and your own driver for the day, for up to four people. We have time to stop at any spot on the map to enjoy a wine tasting or coffee or stroll to do a little shopping in town. You may even have some ideas of your own that we could explore.

Cost for the day for your driver, guide and lunch is: (Please note this is taking your vehicle)
$120.00 per person for four persons.
$150.00 per person for three persons.
$180 per person for two people and
$310 for one person.
Cost to include a luxury vehicle is an additonal $220 per day.(You are welcome to make your own lunch arrangements, just take off $60 from the above prices, bring a picnic or graze as we go at any of the wonderful eateries dotted through the landscape)
This is for up to 8 hours of relaxing scenic and indulgent viewing of the Yarra Valley pick up and return. We can make it an early day to capture those misty morning or sunrise shots, make the time to suit your interests.
Book ahead so as not to miss out. Deposit required, any questions please email Sandy on sandy@drivenindulgence.com.au or call on 0408244531.

Indulgent tour of the Yarra Valley

New tours throughout the Yarra Valley region now available with Sandy from Driven Indulgence. Tour with your camera, your host and driver will provide you with top spots with views, natural environments such as winding roads and creeks, lush paddocks, wines and food to click and indulge till your heart is content.
http://www.yarravalleynow.com.au/driven-indulgence

Your day is packed full of educational experiences, delightful tastes, sights and you may even meet the wonderful people behind the wineries, restaurants and local business that make this valley so rich and wonderful.

Check out the affordable rates for the driver for hire service from your doorstep to ours! http://www.drivenindulgence.com.au/driver-for-hire.html

Alex and Amy met wine maker Tom (left) in the barrel room at Sticks Winery ~ Yarra Valley