Dryridge Estate – Megalong Valley
Host: Mike Whitney
Mike’s in the vineyards, but not in wine country.
 |
 |
Blue Mountains and wine country are not words you’d expect to hear in the same sentence, but the opening of Dryridge Estate in the Megalong Valley has made that into a winning combination.
Tread Lightly Eco Tours
Rocks to Rainforest Jenolan Caves Tour
Walk in Kanangra Wilderness, tour by 4WD to the Kanangra Walls travelling through the Jenolan Caves deep limestone Karst Reserve. You will have morning tea with views of the wilderness and lunch on the Walls. The tours are tailored to suit your needs with options to include a Jenolan underground experience in the World Famous Orient Cave, a specialist eco cave with limited numbers - your guide explains the unique features of the ancient formation.
The Rocks to Rainforest Jenolan Tour visits the best of the upper Blue Mountains remote lookouts of the Grose and Kedumba Valleys along with a visit to Jenolan Caves. There is a gourmet picnic lunch by the Blue Pool with possible platypus sightings during spring and summer. Traverse the Great Dividing Range with views of the Blue Mountains sandstone plateau, Kanimbla and Megalong Valley.
|
More Information
Tread Lightly Eco Tours Blue Mountains Telephone: (02) 4788 1229 The Rocks to Rainforest Eco Tour is $185 for a ½ day tour including morning tea and lunch. Pick up and drop off from your accommodation is included.
|
Prices correct as at 16/02/08
Dryridge Estate
Dryridge Estate is a boutique vineyard with its vines all hand tended and the fruit, hand picked. Proprietors Bob and Barbara Tyrrell established the vineyard in 2000. Pioneering viticulture in any area creates special challenges and at Dryridge several hundred tonnes of rock had to be cleared by hand after deep ripping the vine rows - but issues of climate have been the greatest challenge.
 |
The drought, random snap frosts and an extreme one in 80-year hailstorm have all presented particular problems in establishing the new vines. But despite these challenges Bob and Barbara are now producing fine wines at Dryridge Estate.
The area under vine is 4.7 hectares (11.6 acres) and the grape varieties that are grown are Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet.
First open to guests in September 2007, Sunrise Lodge is wonderfully quiet and secluded – perfect for a romantic weekend or a place to relax, unwind and experience the magic of mountain life.
 |
Nestled on the edge of the boutique vineyard with magnificent escarpment views across the tranquil Megalong Valley, Sunrise Lodge offers an unforgettable self-catered accommodation experience.
Architect designed, the lodge comprises two large bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom, a spacious living area with fully-equipped kitchen and large deck.
|
More Information
Dryridge Estate The Six Foot Track, Megalong Valley Telephone: (02) 4787 5625 Weekend prices start from $310 per couple per night including orange juice, fresh milk, bread, ground coffee and a selection of teas and jams for your arrival and breakfast on your first morning. Minimum two night stay. |
Prices correct as at 16/02/08