Wild Dog Winery

Near the bustling town of Warragul to Melbourne's east is this serious wine and venue establishment. Weddings, parties, musicians, theatre, events - that sort of thing. So it's big and money orientated (nothing wrong with that). The surrounds are gorgeous, as is much of Gippsland, surely one of the most serene landscapes in Victoria. A great place to sit with so much nature and gently sloping farmland around but also the odd establishment like this. The structure is modern, having been built during the last decade. The tasting area is large enough for big groups and even went to the expense of having a special wine pouring machine that controls temperature, humidity, oxidation levels...(and then he lost me). There were so many wines to try here that you have to be careful not too lose your taste buds, along with other things. So many white varieties I had the impression of trying too much. I suppose they're catering to all the various palates that walk throught their doors. I liked the Chardonnay but not overly. I was waiting patiently through all these wines to get to the Shiraz (it has a reputation) and the wait wasn't unpleasant as the gentleman behind the counter was lovely to talk to, although he was distracted by the preparations for a wedding celebration to be held in the evening. But before we got to the Shiraz I was impressed by the Cabernet Franc. Usually used to blend, this was a great stand alone and I'm lookign forward to opening it at home. The the Shiraz and yes, it was very good. Solid, on the heavy, side but with finesse. The reserve Shiraz (their first) was outstanding. After the wines we had lunch and I have to write that we were bitterly disappointed with receiving sub-standard meals, complaining and still paying a small fortune for them.

Cannibal Creek

A real farm atmosphere just off the highway not far out of Melbourne and well worth the visit. Gippsland tends to display a more genuinely rural feel than Mornington Peninsula or Yarra Valley with native bush always within a few metres and distant views looking out to more. The downside is that wineries and other places to visit are disparate and travel distances large but this makes for a nice day out if you like greater seclusion. You feel as if you've really gotten away from the buzz of the city. Into the cellar door and the enthusiastic owner shows off her range with the wine vats clearly in view. And the range is good. A light and lovely Sav Blanc that varies year to year and a reasonably well balanced Chardonnay. There are three reds; Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cab Sav and surprisingly the Merlot is the heaviest and an excellent example of this often unpleasant, or at least unexciting grape. The other two are good too with the Cab Sav showing distinct cool climate qualities if you like that sort of thing and the Pinot of medium weight and length. You'll feel happy when you leave and walk back out into nature. Bunyip State Forest is a little further up the road if you feel like a walk or a lie down in the grass.