Dominique Portet

 Anthony & Pat

 

 Here we are at Dominique Portet. The 2nd wine place for wine tasting

 

 The Portet family boasts ten consecutive generations of winemaking that began in Bordeaux in the 18^th century. Today, the Portet name is most closely associated with the Yarra Valley.
       

 Introduction of wine - we enjoyed the session - staff were friendly and knowledgeable

 

 The wines we tasted

 Today Dominique Portet and his eponymous label, established in 2000, are firmly planted in the Yarra Valley where Dominique purchased a small vineyard and built a winery and cellar door.

 Enjoying the breeze

Rochford Lunch

 Rochford Winery is located in the heart of Victoria's Yara Valley. The place where we are having our 2 course set lunch - the café overlooks the vines from the alfresco courtyard.

 Chicken with peas and mash potato

 Pork Belly with vegetables

 Lunch time for Anthony & Pat

 With a glass of red wine to complement our food

 

 Chocolate and mango cakes

 

 

Wine Tasting Time

Puffing Billy Steam Train

Here we are about to embark on our train adventure. We proceeded to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train.

 

 

 Pat & Anthony

 All on board - train captain

 The various stops of the train route

 This century-old steam train is maintained in its original glory and runs the track from Belgrave to Menzies Greek

 Enjoying the greenery and step back in time for the thrill of the train adventures

 Through the heart of the rain forest

 

 

 

 We have arrived at our next destination

 

 What a great ride

Morning Tea in Australia

We signed up for 3 day trips from AATKings. The first is Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wine Country in Style, inclusive of lunch.

 The day started with a journey through Melbourne's eastern suburbs and views of the Dandenong Ranges in the distance.

 Right in the heart of the Dandenongs is Grants on Sherbrooke - our first stop of the day. We wergreeted with Aussie billy tea. A cake and  tea. I was a little disappointed with the options given - thought there would crackers and wider spread of cakes.

 Where we were, we were entertained by the wonderful sounds of the bird that filled the valley. One could also hand feed some of the Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-crested Galah.

 Enjoying the mountain hue and crisp clear air

 

 Bird Feeding Time

 Baby in Action - who is cuter - baby or birdie.....

 

 

Basking in the Sun

Topolinos - Melbourne

It was lovely meeting Angie and her family in Melbourne. Andreas, her hubby met us at our service apartment and they drove us to Topolinos. It was nice to see Adan her son too. We really enjoyed our meal there and in great company.

 A pizza of 2 different combination

Fisherman Basket - crumbed prawns, scallops and fish fillet, and calamari fritti; served with chips and salad. ( Pat's love for seafood)

 

 

Veal Scaloppine - pan-fried veal in white wine, mushrooms, cream & herbs; served with seasonal vegetables.

 

 Pasta

Group Photo of happy people after a good meal