Yarra Ab Kya Karen! Whether its sipping wines or tasting farm produce, the Yarra Valley promises to be a gastronome’s delight

Si Signore, today we have zum fresh lobsters with fine Yarra Valley wines, pleaz step inside!” Our Italian steward’s unmistakable baritone boomed as we walked into the globally celebrated Grossi Florentino in the heart of Melbourne. The dinner swept us off our feet, the flavours impeccably Italian and earthy! Melbourne in Victoria captures hearts with its glittering Yarra River, vivacious art, dazzling architecture and diverse international cuisine. It is one of the finest cities in Australia and undisputedly one of the world’s best.

We went to the small historic beach village of Warrnambool, on the outskirts of Melbourne. Our pad, Mantra Deep Blue, was quite close to the place where the southern right whales can be sighted. Our culinary journey began soon afterwards.

The vineyards of Yarra Valley stood out in an endless kaleidoscope of autumn brown, green and lemon green. We were welcomed at the classic Chateau Yering Historic House. A splendid five-course dinner was in order as vintage wines captured our oenophilic spirit. We sampled some of the world’s finest sparkling wines and cellar vintages at the fabled Domaine Chandon Estates. At the legendary De Bortolli Winery, outstanding Shiraz Viognier, a vintage 2004, followed by a signature Pinot Noir 2005, completely bowled us over.

One of the most enjoyable things about Yarra Valley is the offering of countrymade cheese, jams and breads. Boutique country havens like the Yarra Valley Dairy, overlooking the rolling hills and the Dandenong Ranges, leave you salivating for more with custom-made offerings.

Food and drink of an exclusive kind awaited us the next morning. At the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, reputed for cheery white beaches, horse riding, country walks, picnics, cycling and boutique wineries, we were treated to a custom-created gourmet experience. For starters, Josh of Melbourne Private Tours and Chef Jason led us to an olive grove for select olive oil tastings. This was followed by a visit to an organic tomato farm, where huge and ripe red tomatoes welcomed us. Our drive-n-taste experience also included a visit to a milk dairy, where naughty lambs and fat sheep bleated a noisy welcome. At Mantone Winery’s swish restaurant, the chef invited us to partake of delicious vegetarian lunch consisting of home-made breads, cheese, salads, soup, grilled vegetables and fresh farm fruits.

Enroute to Melbourne, we tucked into Red Hill country bakery’s fine oven-fresh breads and croissants that added culinary sparkle to our adventure. Our grand finale at the boutique winery Ocean’s Eight was just perfect. That night, after a Chinese dinner at the fabled Nobu within the opulent Crown Towers Entertainment Complex, we walked down the Southbank promenade, soaking in the dazzle of Melbourne by night. The flavours of our gourmet journey lingered on with indelible finish!