Ballooning
Waking at 5am to catch a sunrise hot-air ballooning flight over the Yarra Valley seemed questionable at the time but soon proved worthwhile.
After three cups of coffee in quick succession I was soon on the road to one of the valley's 75 launching sites.
We were encouraged (the 15 of us) to help set up the balloon before climbing into the basket and waiting for liftoff.
I thought sharing a balloon would interfere with my enjoyment of floating silently across the valley, but I soon forgot about everyone else and enjoyed the ride.
Ninety minutes later we landed in a paddock, punched hot air out of the balloon, and happily made our way to Rochford Wines for a Champagne breakfast.
Chateau Yering
Described by some as having the best beds in the world, Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel was a highlight of my time in the Yarra Valley.
Antique furniture, original paintings, silver service, and huge claw-foot baths in marble bathrooms were part of an elegance not commonly seen in modern accommodation.
A glass of Champagne in the drawing room readied me for a brief guided tour of the property, before I sat down to a three-course meal, which was sheer culinary ecstasy.
Quail led the way for duck, which was followed by a structural masterpiece for dessert.
By the time our table had finished coffee and hand-made chocolates, attentive staff had drawn the curtains in my room, dimmed the lights, and set the air temperature for perfect sleeping conditions.
Domain Chandon
High expectations were not disappointed during a wine tasting at Domain Chandon.
The vineyard and winery at the heart of Yarra Valley is part of the international wine group that produces the famed Dom Perignon Champagne.
Seated in the sun before a selection of four Domain sparkling wines was, potentially, a recipe for trouble.
With both dismay and delight I discovered each variety more delicious than the last, and needless to say I left feeling slightly happier than when I arrived.
