Peter Rolfe finds West Gippsland is underrated as a foodie destination
Locals like to tell you West Gippsland is Victoria's gourmet getaway secret - the gap between the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley.
And who can argue?
A good selection of wineries, eateries, comfortable accommodation, sightseeing and walking trails offer the perfect mix for a weekend escape.
But the best part is the location. Little more than an hours drive from Melbourne, West Gippsland makes you feel as if you're a million miles from the city, though you are only a hop, skip and jump from suburbia.
Regardless of how hot or dry it is elsewhere, West Gippsland always seems to be a lusciously green region with good food, wine and sightseeing.
Brandy Creek Wines and View Cafe are reason enough to visit the area.
If you eat at one place, while you're in town, make sure it's here.
Down a winding country road in Drouin East, on the northern outskirst of warragul, it not only offers a diverse range of delicious tapas dishes and quality wines, it has one of the best views in Gippsland.
Neighbours thought Brandy Creek's owners were mad when they planted tempranillo grapes in the vineyard, but they have made the Spanish-themed venue all the more authentic.
Apart from the Spanish red wine on offer, Brandy Creek also produces a chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and sparkling pinot gris.
The tapas menu is unsurpassed.
If two of you are dining, pick five dishes between you - and have fun restricting it to that. If you're still hungry afterwards, Spanish doughnuts dipped in hot chocolate sauce are a treat.
The winery also hosts regular Paella nights where chefs cook great pans of the traditional Spanish fare and offer five different varieties with a choice of dips, a glass of wine, a choice of dessert and coffee for $55.00 a person.
escape - Sunday Herlad Sun, June 21 2009
breathtaking views
home of tapas in Gippsland - 3 reviews famous paella feaststempting churrasco
award winning wine
memorable occasions