ACTIVITIES GLENROWAN WEST

Booth's Taminick Cellars is a family-owned wineries that make Australia's wine story so fascinating. The old granite winery occupies an isolated slope in the shadow of the forests and inclines of the timeless Warby ranges. Taminick Cellars has been owned by the Booth family since the beginning of last century. Esca Bruerton Booth began the tradition when he purchased Taminick Vineyards in 1904. Winelovers can enjoy tastings in the cellar which is lined with a selection of the original cavernous barrels. There are full bodied wines such as Durif and Cabernet with luscious muscat and port and refreshing whites to enjoy. Join the Booth family for the 'Master and Apprentice' dinner held annually at Taminick Cellars in October. Hosted by Peter and James Booth, guests are ensured of an evening of fine food, fantastic wine, live entertainment and friendly fun with a delicious menu matched with wines of new, old and current vintages. Enjoy yourself at the Glenrowan food and wine festival: 'Trails, Tastings and Tales' held on Queen's Birthday weekend in June. Indulge in food inspired by the vine and premium regional wines with art exhibitions, live music and entertainment to fill your weekend program in North East Victoria. Be part of the Glenrowan Winemakers Weekend in October by attending the annual 'slow-food from the producers' paddock' dinner on the Saturday night with breakfast and winemaker activities on the Sunday. Please contact Booths Taminick Cellars for further details.

Located just two kilometres from the site of Ned Kelly's last stand, the cellar door at Morrisons of Glenrowan is open daily from 10am to 5pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. The rocky quarry track wends its way through the vines to the cellar door that is sited on an elevated section of the bush block. Panoramic views are there to surprise you as you arrive at the cellar door. The Morrisons produce fine full bodied red wines that are true to the style and terroir of the Glenrowan Wine Region. Shiraz, Durif, Primitivo, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon are made and some interesting blends are produced. All red wines are aged in barrels of American or French oak. A cool climate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is made each year and in 2010 Fiano Garganega. The small scale operation has been in production for nine years, and is a retirement project for the Morrisons. Bob and Dianne Morrison studied winemaking at The Centre, Wangaratta in 2001 and Bob Morrison graduated in 2007 with a Diploma of Wine Technology from Melbourne University, Dookie campus. Homemade preserves are available at the Morrisons of Glenrowan Cellar Door. There are homemade jams, Worcestershire sauce, pickled walnuts and herbal tea. The work of local print maker Fleur Rendell can be viewed and purchased.

Baileys of Glenrowan offers real Australian heritage in a bottle. Established in 1870, Baileys of Glenrowan is one of the oldest wineries in the north-east and produces a stylish range of predominantly red and fortified wines. Meander along the peppercorn avenue, past the original blacksmith forge, stone Clydesdale stables and old block of Shiraz planted in 1904 to the century old cellar door. Enjoy the ambience of the Historic building as you taste their table wines, and new release Organic Shiraz, Frontignac, Cabernet Sauvignon, Glenrowan Shiraz, including the renowned 'Old Block' wines handcrafted from vines planted in the 1920s, with new varieties Petite Sirah, Durif, as well as the well renowned award winning winemakers selection Rare Old Topaque and Muscat and the Classic Founders Topaque and Muscat. Browse in the Bundarra Gallery, showcasing Baileys History, or learn about the Baileys legend in the heritage museum. Relax in front of the open fire in the cooler months or take advantage of the Al fresco dining area in the warmer weather. The Old Block Cafe offers wood fired hand crafted artisan pizzas, and rustic seasonal food to match the seasons, with hearty soups, shared plates, salads and house made sweets. Through the week, curl up on the sofa or stretch out in the sun with espresso, tea, hot chocolate and tempting sweet treats.

Auldstone Cellars is a newly restored, century old winery in the Glenrowan region having been Bailey's second vineyard for many years and purchased by the Reid family in 1987. Winemaker, Michael Reid, has established a reputation for traditional full-bodied reds and their sparkling Shiraz is terrific. Auldstone also offers some interesting Riesling styles in their white range. Nancy Reid provides delightful lunches on weekends that ought not be missed if you're in the area. - Ben Canaider