The Yarra Valley boasts some of the region’s finest wineries and also boasts an eclectic cultural landscape, from contemporary art galleries to historic homesteads – discover its rich creative scene!
Visit Healesville Glass Blowing Studio to witness this ancient art form first-hand, create their own paperweight or take part in one of the beginner glassblowing workshops offered there.
The Art of Glassblowing
Witnessing glassblowing first-hand is truly amazing; it’s like looking back in time and providing an unparalleled glimpse into its inner workings. Gordon Studio Glassblowers owners Eileen and Grant spent ten years searching for an appropriate place to practice their craft professionally before finally opening in Red Hill – close enough to Melbourne for materials, attracting tourists that support their business while being situated among picturesque countryside scenery – perfect conditions!
Home studio of Robert and Janelle Glass provides an elegant gallery that displays their colourful and decorative glassworks such as vases, platters, various bottles, bowls and paperweights. Visitors can sit on the mezzanine viewing area and observe as the glassblowers shape molten hot glass into artful creations with shapes shaped from it using colour-infused blowing air; all while enjoying tranquil views from their mezzanine viewing area! The energy of this workshop provides a contrast with tranquil countryside views visible from there mezzanine!
While not working on their glass artwork, the pair enjoy the outdoors – particularly spending time in Yarra Valley National Park. Their favorite outdoor excursion is hiking along Cumberland Walk through towering trees of Yarra Valley National Park to Sovereign Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views, while Cora Lynn and Cumberland Waterfalls must-sees are other highlights of Yarra Valley National Park.
Healesville is known as an artistic hub in Yarra Valley, home to numerous galleries and shops that flourish here. While visiting, make time to stop in at Healesville Glass Blowing Studio to witness Tim and Tali Bassett perform this ancient craft art form; also visit Yarra Valley Dairy which offers locally made soft cheese varieties including delectable dill and maple ash varieties!
Oscar’s on Yarra offers an enjoyable dining experience on 21 acres of river-facing countryside land in Melbourne’s inner west. Their modern Australian menu features dishes like succulent Australian black angus beef topped with pesto or succulent slow roasted lamb shank served up with au jus sauce – surefire ways to end any perfect day!
The Art of Memorial Glass
Glassblowing is an ancient art – and watching its practice at Red Hill’s Gordon Studio Glassblowers offers you an authentic connection to history. Here, you can observe and purchase colourful functional and decorative glass pieces.
At these galleries, visitors are offered an intimate peek into the art of hot glass making. Visitors can sit comfortably on a mezzanine while watching artists transform molten glass – shaping it, adding colour, blowing air into their masterpieces using gravity – into masterpieces. It is truly inspiring – one can sense the energy in the workshop as artists shape each piece with care before it leaves the gallery.
Glassblowers also specialize in working with cremation ashes to transform them into exquisite works of memorial art. Ashes are placed onto the surface of hot glass before rolling it while still liquid to ensure they adhere properly and that all layers adhere securely together for a solid, permanent memorial glass memorial.
Experience an emotional, enthralling visit as they create artful pieces with meaning and beauty that you can admire in the gallery or have custom designed just for you.
One of the latest memorials they’ve crafted was for Seville servicemen, featuring four glass panels to tell their stories of heroism, sacrifice and service. Additionally, they have created liturgical pieces for churches across Australia as well as numerous pieces that can be found in private collections across Australia.
Beginners looking to give glassblowing a try themselves will enjoy taking part in one of the beginners workshops held every weekend from March to November, which covers the fundamentals such as solid forming techniques and safety considerations in an intensive two-day course that costs $495 but includes a certificate of attendance – it’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed while visiting Yarra Valley.
The Art of Jewellery
Glass art is more than a means to an end for Eileen and Grant; it’s their passion and form of meditation. Working in both their gallery and blowing room, they are constantly producing new pieces – as well as finding time for other activities like skiing and squash, as well as touring their collection across Australia.
Stones of the Yarra Valley will take you into an amazing artistic and historic world, from admiring opera singer Dame Nellie Melba’s original home to strolling through stunning French gardens and enjoying a meal at their restaurant – not forgetting its fantastic food, fantastic service, friendly and helpful staff, excellent pairing recommendations and pairings, to ensure a pleasant visit experience.
I highly recommend this gem of the Yarra Valley to anyone seeking a relaxing day trip, with friends or family. The staff is warmly welcoming and accommodating; they can recommend various dishes based on your preferences. My favourite was their succulent lamb shoulder which came complete with fresh sourdough bread and wine pairing. Also delicious and refreshing was their ham hock terrine –
I would love to come back here to try more dishes and admire more of their beautiful gardens. Additionally, it was nice having access to their charcuterie and cheese platter with drinks which was absolutely delectable!
I enjoyed the relaxed and inviting ambience here. The decor was beautiful, as was being able to choose a table outside for wine-drinking. This place would make an excellent stop if you are seeking an enjoyable afternoon or evening in Yarra Valley.
One downside was my poor experience with service: waitresses seemed extremely busy and it took forever for a water refill. Additionally, they don’t allow you to redeem remaining gift vouchers at a later date which can be irritating.
The Art of Wine Glass
No matter how you enjoy your wine, sipping it from a coffee mug, mason jar or straight from the bottle has its own distinct pleasures – yet something about sipping from glass designed specifically for wine drinking has an unparalleled experience. Wine glasses vary by shape; stemless options to tulip glasses offer great ways to explore varietal-specific varieties at wineries or boutiques near you.
Located just east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers natural beauty and iconic wineries. Its distinctive climate, topography, and terroir contribute to producing wines of distinction that reflect this region.
Yarra Valley wineries give visitors the chance to sample some of Australia’s finest wines, from traditional styles through modern. Renowned winemakers acclaim this region for their passion and mastery in winemaking; some of its most notable wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz come from here.
Visit Yarra Valley Wineries is an absolute must, while cider and beer production also thrives here. Four Pillars Distillery and Yarra Valley Cider Company both deserve your consideration when exploring its rich craft spirit offerings.
Rather than opting for bubbles from other wineries, Levantine Hill offers traditional methode sparkling wines from their blend of local varieties. Situated in the upper Yarra Valley with vineyards near steep clay loam slopes similar to Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis France; Levantine Hill’s team, led by Chief Winemaker (and Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year for 2017) David Bicknell have created an exceptional range of single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays at Levantine Hill.
Yarra Valley Vineyards offer scenic vineyard tours suitable for all ages and provide a picnic area where visitors can bring in their own food to enjoy while relaxing on the grass.
Yering Station Winery in the Yarra Valley is one of its premier vineyards, established in 1838 and home to vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, an outstanding cellar door and restaurant complex, and some of the Valley’s best chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz wines.