Probably named after the famous John Coltrane album – which is great! Giant Steps is a wine brand in the Yarra Valley that sports a decent sized and lively cellar door, which is as much about food as it is about wine. It’s the perfect end point for a drive to Healesville, or stopping point before heading on to Marysville via the super scenic Black Spur Road.
Photo: David Hannah
Folk from Melbourne have been doing this for years: Drive out to the Healesville Hotel (about an hour from Melbourne), eat something, drink something – and then drive back home. A bona fide institution, especially for a lazy Sunday.
How many people would think the YVD to be the best thing east of Melbourne? Plenty. This farm yard building in the epicentre of all local produce and has proven popular for years. It begins with their cheeses, and just keeps on going, including wines and plattered charcuterie foods. And the views …
Photo: Roberto Seba
The drive off the main road to Healesville up to the winery buildings is a wonderful introduction to what lies ahead, especially if the colonnades of trees are coloured for autumn – this is a great place to stop. For day trippers there is a lovely ‘linen service’ restaurant, complete with views north across the property and valley beyond, along with the cellar door tastings – two very good ways to enjoy the viticultural produce from Oakridge.
