Balgownie Estate was the winner of the 2015 Best Regional Accommodation in Victoria, it’s the ideally situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley set amongst the vines with magical views providing the perfect back drop to a relaxing weekend away.
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Arrival/First Impressions –
Check in at the front office was quick and easy, our dinner reservation was confirmed and information was provided by the staff members in the form of a small booklet (including a map of the resort and local areas as well as a few suggestions). We were advised our room wasn’t ready at the time of check in (1pm) as check in was 2pm so they would send us a text message once it was ready.
Room –
We stayed in the One Bedroom Spa Suite which features picturesque views of the Yarra Valley from our own private balcony.
The 1 Bedroom Spa Suites also include a large spa bath which would easily fit 2 people, a comfortable King Bed, a kitchenette, dining table and small lounge area.
Note: Some rooms are up a small flight of stairs and may not be suitable for older guests as you have to carry your suitcase up and down the stairs, so please request a ground floor suite.
Pool/Gym –
Complimentary access to Health Club is offered for all guests, this includes access to the Indoor heated swimming pool, steam room and gym equipment.
Dining Options –
Rae’s Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner year round or you can grab a drink at Bills Wine & Cocktail bar.
Rae’s Restaurant is an ideal venue for any occasion, from casual coffee’s, to hearty breakfasts, chic lunches or intimate dinners. The views out of the floor to ceiling windows are breathtaking (especially around sunset).
We have a lovely dinner at Rae’s of:
Entrée:
Scallops wrapped in prosciutto with a base of beetroot and avocado
Fresh Oysters on a bed of sea salt
Mains:
Wood smoked steak with french fries and a side of greens
Desserts:
Brie and smoked cheddar cheese’s with crackers.
We enjoyed accompanying wines from Balgownie Estate with our meals which were excellently picked by the staff.
Spa –
Natskin Day Spa Retreat at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort offer private rooms and duo-suites; massage, body and water therapies; facials, nail care and personal grooming, everything you ensure you have a relaxing and luxurious stay.
Nestling beautifully into its rural environment, admire the views of undulating hills and vineyards in their seasonal glory whilst indulging in your choice of beauty therapy treatments at The Yarra Valley day spa.
Cellar Door –
Enjoy complimentary wine tasting at the Cellar Door (located on the left of the restaurant)
This wonderful ‘wine experience’ includes some of Balgownie’s award winning wines as well as their flagship Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Estate Shiraz from their original 40 year old vines in Bendigo.
They have an extensive list of museum release wines that you can purchase for a special occasion at a very reasonable price.
Opening Hours – Cellar Door 10am-5pm 7 days
Location –
Located in the Heart of the Yarra Valley less than an hour from the Melbourne CBD, Balgownie Estate is set on 30 Hectares surrounded by Vineyards and breathtakingly beautiful views of the Yarra Valley, make sure you have your camera handy!
General Summary –
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa is ideally located in the Yarra Valley, it’s close to other wineries to make it your base for day trips or sit back and enjoy the views, spa treatments and wines. The rooms are large and provide all the comforts you need to make it feel homely. The views are fantastic even through the rainy periods. And of course the food and wine is just spectacular. We had such a good trip (even though sadly it rained the whole time – I am terrible luck with Victoria), we were able to relax and really enjoy the facilities and the fresh clean country air.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa who kindly hosted us for the night. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
