ACTIVITIES ATTRACTIONS LAUNCHING PLACE

A pioneering vineyard of the Yarra Valley's modern wine story, Seville Estate has a picturesque location among rolling hills and pastures. Mature gums and old orchards share this southern part of the valley with grape vines, and the feel is less fussed than the vineyard country further north. New owners maintain the estate's quality tradition, the cellar door is as friendly and relaxed as ever, the old label design is back, and young Dylan McMahon, grandson of founder Dr Peter McMahon, is an accomplished winemaker. Seville Estate continues in good hands.' Ralph Kyte-Powell When Dr Peter Mc Mahon planted the first vines at Seville Estate in 1972, it marked the rebirth of the Yarra Valley as a premium wine region. By the end of the decade Dr McMahon and his wife Margaret, along with producers such as Mount Mary, Yeringberg, Yarra Yering, St Huberts and the like were fashioning wines that served to re-establish the lofty reputation the Yarra Valley had enjoyed in the 19th century. From its first vintage, Seville Estate quickly established itself as one of the Yarra Valley's finest producers. Surprisingly in a region more renowned for its red wines produced from Cabernet and Pinot Noir, it was the Seville Estate Shiraz that received the most attention, quickly becoming one of Victoria's most sought after wines. These wines that have been called "one of Victoria's best kept secrets" are now some of the most stylish on the market, with back vintage tastings showing their superb ageing capacity. Today 35 years after Peter and Margaret started the dream; Seville Estate enters its third phase with new owner Graham and Margaret Van Der Meulen. They are fully hands-on in the vineyard, winery, and cellar door and plan to continue Seville's long-established record of producing consistently high quality wines.

The Blue Lotus Water Garden has grown to cover over 14 acres featuring thousands of exotic lotus flowers and waterlilies all set amongst hundreds of banana palms and other beautiful plants. New in 2014: see the world's big three waterlilies. For the first time in Australia they have growing all three species of giant water lily: Victoria Amazonica, Victoria Cruziana and the Euryale ferox. They hope one of the plants will break the Australian record this year and produce a leaf (lily pad) over one and a half meters across in length. New in 2014: Little Yarra River Trail. They have built a new walk along the banks of the Little Yarra River where visitors can see rainforest plants, huge 100 feet tall river gums and amazing tree ferns. Visitors will also have a chance to catch a glimpse of their resident platypus, or maybe a koala. Bird watchers will see many of Australia's iconic native birds such as cockatoos, kookaburras, rosellas, parrots, hawks and maybe the huge Wedge-tailed Eagle. Features include two main lakes, one with ten islands connected by twelve bridges, including three arched bridges, plus dozens of small ponds all full with thousands of flowers and other exotic water plants. Also see the 2,000 year old Japanese Lotus and the Charles Winch waterlily enclosure containing the largest tropical waterlilies in the world. There are wheelchair and walker friendly paths, shaded areas with sheltered seating for 400 people, 100 seat Café Lotus, large retail nursery, gift shops, picnic and barbecue areas, clean toilets and water stations, friendly staff with expert advice, large car park with plenty of bus parking.

Rayner's Stonefruit Orchard currently grow over 300 varieties of fruit and is less than one hours drive from the city centre, located in Melbourne's food bowl, the Yarra Valley. Visit this real working farm to discover life on the land and delight in picking your own fruit and discover the different varieties and fantastic flavours of real tree ripened fruit. Take a guided orchard tractor fruit tasting tour with farmer Len Rayner and compare the fantastic flavours of about 12 varieties of fresh tree ripened fruit. If you wish to pick your own fruit have a drive of the Cherry picker, and tour the state of the art packing shed. The Peach Cafe and shop is open 9am to 5pm, seven days per week throughout the year from July 2013, except for Christmas Day. Tractor fruit tasting tours are available from December to April 9am to 4pm, seven days per week, Tractor Farm Discovery Tours run from May to November, fruit is now available to taste on tours right through the year. They welcome groups and buses and have year round tour and meal deal specials in the cafe for groups of 10 or more, come taste our freshly baked scones and farm-style pies and quiches! Please visit the website for more information.

Seville Hill is a picturesque hilltop vineyard in the southern part of the Yarra Valley, just off the road to Warburton. Mature camellias add colour to the well-tended vineyard surrounds, and large elms provide shade for those who visit to enjoy the music. A family member is a jazz muso and a top notch band features here during warmer weather. The wines are very good, and they sometimes successfully explore unorthodox territory for the Yarra Valley - try the Sparkling, Tempranillo or Vintage Port to see what I mean.' RALPH KYTE-POWELL The involvement of John and Josie D'Aloisio in the agricultural industry began over 30 years ago culminating with the establishment of Seville Hill Vineyard and Winery in 1991. Located in the picturesque country town of Seville in the heart of the Yarra Valley, John and Josie have produced quality fruit from 43 acres of deep rich volcanic soil since 1985 which has been the foundation and has led to the development of Seville Hill Wines. Summer Jazz at Seville Hill has become a regular event held during September to April every year, have a BBQ lunch or a cheese platter while enjoying a glass of wine, spectacular views and soothing music. Please see website for more details. Bundaleer House, a three bedroom fully contained home with large living area is available or up to six people with a continental breakfast included. Situated at the foot of the vineyard with a beautiful garden and an abundance of bird life.

Payne's Rise Winery is incorporated into the 1860's homestead and property of Seville's first settler, Thomas Payne. Their cellar door gives visitors the opportunity to wander through the original house and outbuildings. They aim to present a place rich in history, charm and character, where visitors can relax and enjoy their fine wines. Payne's Rise Winery invite visitors to experience first-hand the early history of their unique property. Relax under ancient elms and oaks surrounded by the wonderful panorama of the Yarra Valley. Sample fine wines and enjoy a cheese or antipasto platter, coffee or cake and delight in their eclectic mix of old and new. Payne's Rise wines are now establishing themselves as a premium Yarra Valley producer. Current release wines have won many awards in various cool climate wine shows around the country. Including four Trophies from the Yarra Valley wine show for their 2010 Redlands Shiraz. Winning Best Shiraz and Best Single Vineyard Wine and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Winning Best Cabernet and Best Single Vineyard Red Wine. Payne's Rise is a unique Yarra Valley venue for weddings and special functions. They also have live music on the last Sunday of every month and are also a part of the annual Yarra Valley winery festivals. Each year they host the 'Shortest Lunch' held in June as well as 'Shedfest' held the second weekend in October each year. For further information please the website.