48 HOURS IN THE KING VALLEY
All in the family
Brown Brothers is a hero winery in the region with a proud family history. Founded by John Francis Brown in 1889, generations three and four now manage the various arms of the business (including making the wines). With its family focus, it makes sense that this is a winery that also welcomes families, with a playground and oversized chess set onsite to keep little ones entertained. At the cellar door, sparkling is the star, but with more than 50 wines on pour everyone will be catered for. Brown Brothers' awarded restaurant Patricia's Table is a hotspot for lunch, so be sure to book.
Goldrush Ballooning King Valley
Picture yourself soaring above breathtaking King Valley, watching the sun rise and illuminate the landscape in a warm glow. The patchwork of vineyards and fields stretches as far as you can see, and the rivers wind through the picturesque scenery. After the flight your invited to indulge in a delicious Prosecco breakfast, where you can savour the region's flavours and reflect on your incredible experience.
French wines, cheese and baked goods
Directly down the road from Brown Brothers is Wood Park Wines, sharing a site with Milawa Cheese and the Factory Bakery. The cellar door here has fewer frills than its neighbours, but some of the best wines and most knowledgeable service. Wood Park also has more of a French focus than other cellar doors in the area, and you can try top-notch examples of wines such as semillon and viognier. Stay for a cheese plate, or take one away.
Modern design and eclectic wines
At the entrance to Milawa is Sam Miranda, which is hard to miss thanks to the striking architectural design of its cellar door. Grab a piccolo of prosecco and kick back on a beanbag, or dine outside with a bushland view. Sam Miranda offers a compelling line-up of wines that includes a strawberry sweet rosé and a light, bright barbera. You'll also find Beechworth beers in the drinks fridge if you’re in need of a cleansing ale.
Nightcap
With your freshly collected stash of wines in tow, head back to Lancemore Milawa for dinner at Restaurant Merlot (named for the merlot vines beyond its courtyard). Once you're done, what better way to cap off the day than sitting back on your balcony with a special bottle of Milawa wine?
Head home by way of Whitfield
Following rust-red roads surrounded by densely forested mountains will lead you to Whitfield, where you can take part in a cooking class, play a few rounds of bocce and pop first-rate sparkling wines. Whitfield’s drinking, dining and hospitality are too good to pass up, so make a point of stopping at a couple of its key wineries on your way home.
