Gastrology recently enjoyed a weekend away in the Yarra Valley thanks to Popcar Car Share. Popcar is a local car sharing company in Melbourne that offers members a more sustainable and cost effective way to access cars on an hourly or daily basis. It’s designed to replace the need to own a car and give you all the benefits of owning a car, without the cost and hassle.

Day 1

12.00pm - Wine tasting at Rochford Wines

One of the Yarra Valley's most iconic wineries, Rochford Wines is renowned for its exceptional wines. The cellar door experience is exceptional with knowledgeable staff providing an engaging wine tasting experience.

1.30pm - Lunch at Levantine Hill

Literally next door to Rochford Wines, Levantine Hill delivers an enchanting experience - beautiful wine and excellent food.

The menu features Modern Australian cuisine with touches of Middle Eastern influence. We loved being spoiled by the 5 course tasting menu which opened with a playfully serious selection of snacks, including fluffy breads, croquettes, falafels and dips.

Each course that followed was stunning. An absolute highlight was the dish of kingfish ceviche, bush tomato Baharat and macadamia. Levantine Hill offers one of the most inspired and enjoyable dining experiences that Melbourne has to offer. Excellent food, elegantly complex wines, attentive service and a captivating Yarra Valley backdrop.

4pm - Wine tasting at De Bortoli's Trophy Room

If you truly want to spoil yourself, we recommend the privately hosted one hour experience at De Bortoli which is set in either their stunning Trophy Room or VIP Room exploring the iconic wine varietals from the Yarra Valley region and beyond. Foe $65 per person, this includes a tasting of all of the De Bortoli Yarra Valley range as well as the iconic Noble One and Black Noble along with a gourmet cheese platter.

6pm - Dinner at Locale

While you're at De Bortoli, a visit to their amazing restaurant Locale is a must. The restaurant reflects not only the De Bortoli family’s Italian heritage but also the restaurant’s philosophy of sourcing the best local, seasonal and organic produce. As expected of any great Italian eatery, Locale is particularly good at producing superb pasta dishes. For mains, do not go past the dish of lamb rack, herb pangrittato, semolina gnocchi, cauliflower, cavolo nero. Simply amazing!

Day 2

12pm – Wine tasting and lunch at Yering Station

Set within a wonderful, modern stone and glass building within the picturesque Yarra Valley, Yering Station has long been one of our favourites. The wines produced by this winery are arguably some of Australia's best and the restaurant menu has been designed to complement. The dishes served are contemporary and well executed. Overall, a compelling package of food and wine amidst a stunning backdrop.

3.00pm - Wine tasting at Balgownie Estate

With majestic 360-degree vistas right across the picturesque Yarra Valley and nearby Dandenong Ranges, Balgownie Estate is the perfect place to stay in the Yarra Valley and also delivers a great wine tasting experience at their stylish cellar door - the perfect opportunity to taste some of Balgownie Estate’s extensive wines.

For more information and to join, please visit the Popcar website here. Here is also a link to the current specials that Popcar are currently running: https://popcar.com.au/current-popcar-promotions/