WARBURTON HIGHWAY WINERIES AND TOUR OPTIONS

20/07/2010

Last weekend I had the opportunity to organize a wine tour for a couple that stayed at 3 Kings for a Saturday afternoon. We started off just after lunch and headed down the Warburton Highway. Our first port of call was Killara Estate, they have a heap of different wines to try including sparkling. Killara has a great price range as well wine starting from $7 a bottle if you purchase a dozen. The reason for the bargain price has nothing to do with a lack of quality, in fact this is all premium product, the winery looks to clear out some of last years stock and are prepared to discount heavily to move it. It is worth remembering that buying from the maker direct cuts out the middle man and passes the savings on to you the customer. We spent about half an hour here tasting and enjoying the view and ambiance and great company. If your hungry then stay a while longer and eat at the restaurant.

From there it was about a 10 minute drive to Seville Estate, down a small country lane, this is a smaller winery where the tasting takes place in the the open corrugated iron shed. however don't be fooled by the size because my guests liked and purchased from here. The wine is good quality and the effort has gone into the product rather than all the bells and whistles. Here you can talk to the family that grows and makes the wine you will be sampling, this is as close as you can get to the coal face and it's great, just try and get this sort of information from your local supermarket. You are able to see the small winery manufacturing area as you drive down the driveway past the owners house. Ask any questions and the owners will be happy to answer all your queries.

Number 3 was Elmswood Estate, this was the first time I had been here and I must admit I have driven past at least a 1000 times, well I'm an idiot because this establishment is absolutely first class, great views, great staff and great wine. They can cater for weddings and special occasions and you are able to dine in the restaurant as well. Elmswood has a terrific range and the sparkling red was explained as a party in your mouth, and what a party, if you like bubbles then do yourself a favor and try this and all the rest for that matter. If on the off chance you are looking at getting married then pay this place a visit and check it out for an option as a great reception center.

Last but not at all least was a visit to Seville Hill. We stock their sparkling in our fridge at 3 Kings along side Domain Chandon and in my opinion id rather it (now that is saying something) Again this is a smaller winery but they are the nicest people and the product is top quality. I have now visited this winery twice and we have seemed to stay there the longest, that's a big tick for company, quality and character. As with all of these that I have mentioned, they are within 5 minutes of each other and about 10 to 15 minutes drive from 3 Kings. I would be more than happy to personally take you on a guided tour or provide you with details of how to find each of them yourselves and you are able to take the self drive option. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to contact me, Brian on 0409 678 046 if you have any further questions and i will be more than happy to help in any way possible.        

07/06/2010

Hello,I have just recently completed my first personal mini tour with a lovely couple that were our guests at 3 Kings.

It was our new package that includes a massage pampering at the Lotus Rooms in Warburton. We had just over 2.5hrs to explore this majestic part of the Yarra Valley before returning for 2hrs of relaxation at the Lotus Rooms. Our tour included the view from atop of Mt Donna Buang lookout tower, which is 30mtrs high, the day was clear so views were available for 360 degrees, with a clear view of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay! The clear fresh air was filled with sounds of Liar Bird mimicking the call of at least six local birds and the motor drive of a camera. these little guys a just amazing to hear and there a lots of them all the way to the summit. On the way down we stopped at the Cement Creek Sky-walk and strolled around ancient rain forest , massive Mountain Ash and the purest of mountain streams.

We were then off to the Village of Warburton, I have lived in this part of the world for more than 35 years and was able to offer a guided tour and give a short recent history and a view of points of interest in the area.

A short drive to the top of Dee Road had us at one of the entry points for the Aqueduct Trail and as we were admiring the great views a Deer strolled past us on the walking trail not more than 50 mtrs away. sometimes you just are lucky to be in the right spot at the right time.

The thing is this..... I am happy to offer tours of any duration and any where of interest, from Marysvile, via the Cumberland Junction (250 ft Mountain Ash) or Ackeron Way. How about the Upper Yarra Dam or the Massive Ada tree or even 7 Acre Rock.  Healesville, Warburton or some local craft markets.

If a winery or two with some beautiful scenery and some local knowledge and great places to stop for lunch while we are at it sounds like an idea and you don't have to bury your head into the road map at all, then talk to me and we will put our heads together and come up with a personal itinerary that is just perfect for you.

Please feel free to contact us at any time on 0409 678 046 and discuss the things that we are able to offer, regards Brian  

19/01/2010

If you have had a chance to look at our gallery photos and our revolving mast head, not only is 3 Kings one of the nicest and luxurious places to stay in the Yarra Valley, it is also aimed fair square at couples seeking that special occasion or private retreat.

Lots of our guests are really happy to lock themselves away in our beautiful units and relax and let the world go by without them for a day or 2 and that's great, however if you do venture out, what to do??? Well that is where Julie and I come into the picture, with our local knowledge of this area we are more than happy to offer you a list of things that we can mix and match for a package to make your stay totally hassle free. We will suggest, make enquiries, then book on your behalf any thing that you would like to do in the Yarra Valley.Here is some food for thought.

• Lunch or dinner at a restaurant (let us know the style you like)
• Massage in house
• Massage at a day spa
• Balloon flight
• Golf at Warburtons picturesque 18 hole course
• Push bike hire
• The best places to ride those bikes
• The best places to drive to and see the best the valley has to offer
• Winery tours- which tour guide that best suits your wants
• The best cafes to eat at
• How about trying archery
• Where some of the biggest and tallest trees in Australia are
• Maybe a BBQ pack (3 kings style) in your unit for you to BBQ at your leisure
• Enjoy a fruit platter (3 kings style) in your unit
• Place your idea or request here

In the past Julie and I have lit tea candles on the steps leading up to the units and placed rose petals on the ground near the door. We have placed gifts cards and flowers in the units before arrival, blown up balloons and placed streamers.

If you have come up with a great idea or surprise then we are only too happy to implement it on your behalf. Please take a look at some of our accommodation packages on our tariffs page for inspiration. Then feel free to mix and match any of those ideas with yours so we can make your stay truly memorable. Call us any time on 0409 678 046 and talk to us about your plans,... Live the experience, kind regards Brian