Escape Lounge

Category: Flights

  • A Tour That Will Tantalize Your Taste Buds

    Savoring Yarra Valley’s Best Wines: 

    Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a wine-tasting adventure that not only satisfies your oenophile desires but also leaves an indelible mark on your taste buds? Look no further than the picturesque Yarra Valley in Australia. With its breathtaking vineyards, world-class wineries, and exceptional varieties of wines, a tour through the Yarra Valley will truly tantalize your taste buds and provide an unforgettable journey into the realm of wine appreciation.

    The Yarra Valley Wine Experience

    A wine tour of the Yarra Valley is an immersive experience that takes you through rolling hills covered in lush vineyards. As you embark on this picturesque journey, you’ll be greeted by knowledgeable guides and enthusiastic winemakers who are passionate about sharing their love for wine. From the moment you step foot in this captivating region, you’ll immediately understand why the Yarra Valley is renowned for its exceptional wine offerings.

    How to Savor the Best Wines

    To truly savor the Yarra Valley’s best wines, it’s important to embrace a few essential practices during your tour. Firstly, don’t be afraid to sample a variety of wines. The Yarra Valley is home to an impressive array of grape varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc. By exploring different styles and flavors, you’ll discover the unique complexities that each wine has to offer.

    Additionally, take advantage of the wealth of knowledge possessed by your guides and winemakers. Learn about the wine-making process, from grape to glass, and gain insights into the specific characteristics of each wine. Ask questions, engage in conversations, and allow yourself to be enveloped in the rich history and culture of winemaking in the region. By doing so, your appreciation for the wines will deepen, and your taste buds will be ignited with every sip.

    The Top Wineries to Visit

    In your tour of the Yarra Valley, several wineries stand out as must-visit destinations. One such winery is Oakridge Wines, known for producing elegant and distinctive wines. Experience their exceptional family-grown Chardonnay which showcases the region’s true terroir. Next, make your way to Domaine Chandon, where the art of traditional French winemaking is combined with Australian innovation. Enjoy their renowned sparkling Chardonnay, which offers a delightful burst of flavor. Yering Farm Wines should not be missed either, as their rustic cellar door provides a charming setting to sample their high-quality cool-climate wines. Lastly, venture beyond just wine tastings and explore the world of gin production at Four Pillars Gin in Healesville. Their unique gins incorporate local botanicals, resulting in a delicious and aromatic spirit that is sure to impress.

    The Wines You Must Try

    While every winery in the Yarra Valley has its unique offerings, there is one wine that demands special attention – the sparkling Chardonnay from Domaine Chandon. Created using the traditional méthode champenoise, this wine exudes elegance and finesse. With its delicate bubbles, rich aromas, and nuanced flavors of citrus and apple, it’s a testament to the exceptional quality found in the Yarra Valley. Ensure you allocate time to savor this effervescent delight during your tour.

    Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

    To make the most of your wine tour through the Yarra Valley, consider a few practical tips. Firstly, wear comfortable shoes as you explore the vineyards and wineries, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes. Planning is also crucial, as it ensures you can visit multiple wineries and have ample time to experience each one fully.

    While wine tasting may be the highlight of your tour, consider incorporating other activities as well. Visit the Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can sample exquisite cheeses that perfectly complement the region’s wines. Additionally, take advantage of the local restaurants and vineyard cafes along the way, to indulge in delectable food pairings that will further enhance your wine experience.

    What Is Beaujolais Wine? A Guide to the Basics

    Conclusion

    A wine tour through the Yarra Valley is not just an exploration of exceptional wines; it is a sensory journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. From the rolling vineyards to the exquisite wineries and the passionate individuals you encounter, the Yarra Valley offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts. So, pack your bags, embark on this tour, and discover the diverse flavors and complexities that await you. Your taste buds will thank you for this remarkable journey into the world of Yarra Valley wines.

     

  • Where Can I Travel Overseas From Australia Currently?

    Where Can I Travel Overseas From Australia Currently?

    The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant impacts across the globe. If you are a regular jetsetter, you will be well aware of the current travel restrictions in place. With many countries starting to open up their borders to tourists, you may be wondering if you can leave the country right now and if so, where you can travel to. So, where can you currently travel to from Australia? Take a look below to find out.

     

    Overseas travel from Australia is banned

    According to Smartraveller, there is a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You are currently not allowed to leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs. As international travel is banned, people who are planning to leave the country need to be aware that flights may be difficult to find due to border closures and travel restrictions, many travel insurance policies won’t cover claims related to Covid-19 and even if you are granted an exemption, entry restrictions such as mandatory quarantine on arrival back in Australia still apply.

     

    Travel exemptions

    If you are planning on applying for an exemption to leave the country, you have to meet specific requirements to be approved. According to the Department of Home Affairs, to be granted an exemption, Australian citizens and permanent residents must:

    • Be travelling as part of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak
    • Be conducting essential travel for critical industries and business
    • Be travelling to receive urgent medical treatment which is unavailable in Australia
    • Be travelling for urgent and unavoidable personal business
    • Be travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds
    • Be travelling in the national interest

    If you meet at least one of these requirements, you are able to apply for an exemption to travel internationally.

     

    Returning home

    Australians who have been overseas and want to return back home will face significant delays as travel restrictions are currently in place. As the international flights have decreased, passenger numbers are restricted to ease the pressure on quarantine facilities and even key transit hubs have closed, you may find it difficult to find a flight back into Australia if you are in a hurry. Returning residents are warned that the process to return home may be lengthy and disruptive due to the current restrictions in place.

     

    Stay local

    As international travel is inaccessible and not recommended from Australia, many people are turning to local travel instead to still get their holiday fix. Whether you live in a state or territory that’s borders are currently open or you are living in an area which is still locked down, you can still experience a luxurious stay-cation. Many Australians are currently swapping out their usual flights for exciting road trips, which they may not have experienced if they were still able to travel internationally. So, what are you waiting for? Escape the city for the beautiful hinterland, hit the beach and soak up the sun or explore your local city to get your travel fix during the Covid-19 restrictions.