Pani-g

A beautiful blue sky means an adventure and our destination was to be the Swan Valley. Situated just 25 minutes from Perth City it boasts world-class wineries, restaurants and cafes. A bustling tourist area, it was hard not getting side swiped by the buses dragging in the various tourists. Viniculture is fascinating and you learn something new every time you step into a winery commercial or boutiquey.

What do I LOVE to listen to is how wine grapes are grown, including factors that affect wine quality.

Vine Yard Swan Valley in July

Houghton’s hospitality was extraordinary; what a treat

Houghton Wines is in the heart of the Swan Valley, containing a wealth of over 165 years of wine making history. The picturesque property with parkland gardens and historic cellars had a hospitable fee. You can do the cafe for food but I would suggest you pack your own picnic hamper to enjoy on the lawns.

Sandalford

…..and who hasn’t visited Sandalford in the Swan Valley. At 3 o’clock granted everyone out cruising wineries is there. The cellar door at Sandalford’s is one of WA’s largest cellar doors, brimming with everything wine related, from glassware, bottle openers and gift ideas to local and international artwork. It felt like the Mcdonalds of wineries and when we were tasting we were asked to pay $2.50 for each tasting. I didn’t mid paying but the cellar hand had no interest in us because they had another 15 people to look after.

The cafe/restaurant looked quite enticing for a Sunday afternoon but alas we had turned up too late and they were not serving food at that time. Nestled under a vineyard with views of the grounds, the innovative Australian cuisine coming out of the kitchen looked impressive. There is also the option of dining inside amongst the rustic ambience of limestone, wood and a grand open fire.

On the search for a cheese plater with the option of stunning wines go to the Rose and Crown Hotel…One of the attractions of the Rose & Crown Hotel is the beautiful garden. The garden offers a pleasant venue for sunday casual lunch. Pub food is also on offer.

Rose and Crown Hotel

I am back home to the chilliness of Melbourne and it does have a bite to it. The High Street Northcote seems the same, a hub of coffee houses and Art spaces liter the street. It’s a great spot to live in, close to the shops and all our friends. Back to work on St Kilda Road tomorrow, on a train and tram which could cause me some distress if I do not get to Flinders too early.

I have been reading about the Tivo today. This digital television recorder is going for $699 exclusively at Harvey Norman. Its promise; you can record or watch any television show at any time. Plus it can connect to the Internet, using your home network, to deliver movies, music, photos right to your TV.  Another product to induce coma as you sit in front of the box watching shows like the simple life and sport.+ is you could watch BBC news/National Geographic/7.30 report at any time…Organising your photography and movies that does sound interesting.

I would go running along south beach 3 times a week to keep those healthy endorphins jumping around.