Fabulous Lunch at Coombe Estate in Yarra Valley
Coombe Estate is a must visit destination in the Yarra Valley as you can step into the life and times of legend Dame Nellie Melba. The World Loves Melbourne was invited for some wine tasting and a top notch lunch in the Clock Tower Restaurant under the auspices of impressive chef Neil Cunningham.
Wine tasting at the recently renovated Cellar Door, enjoying the iconic Blanc de Blancs.
There are so many attractions at Coombe Yarra Valley including wine tasting, cracking restaurant and the heritage of Dame Nellie Melba. Coombe Estate was the country home of opera sensation Dame Nellie Melba since 1909, and it remains in and her family, who are well-known members of the British court. We were even told there was a connection to a young royal couple recently regarding Coombe Farm wine.
Melbournians and visitors should take note of this part of our history, not without some glamour. For years thousands of passers by have wondered what was behind the large hedge off the highway. Coombe Estate in recent years has unveiled a tasteful and stunning renovation that gives you a window into an iconic period in Victorian and world history.
Wines of character and an exceptional cellar door experience.
Lunch at the Clock Tower Restaurant was outstanding in terms of food and wine, and top notch service.
A glass of Blanc de Blancs was the perfect start to our lunch.
I said I wouldn't eat the bread (saving myself) but it was so good I couldn't resist. House made!
Fresh oysters are highly recommended paired with the Blanc de Blancs.
MT. ZERO OLIVES herbs | olive oil was an excellent starter. The olives speak for themselves and the toasted bread with drizzled olive oil was a highlight in itself.
Came for the Blanc de Blancs and stayed for the Pinot Noir! Coombe Estate boasts an array of first class wines.
ROAST FILLET OF BEEF heirloom carrots | red wine jus | baby kale was our favourite dish with amazingly tender beef with alluring caramelisation on the outside. Topped off with tasty heirloom carrots and baby kale, and the jus was spot on. All dishes were superbly presented.
The Coombe Estate Shiraz is also a wine of note.
If you're looking for a touch of class in the Yarra Valley this is the place to be.
Dessert also excited with ETON MESS featuring rhubarb | strawberries | vanilla | passionfruit. We love a good Eton Mess and this one rates highly.
A must order is the PEACH MELBA featuring peach semifreddo | local raspberry | meringue. Of course the story of this dessert is connected to Dame Nellie Melba herself.
Daily tours are available (you need to book) where a charming guide will take you on an engaging tour of the gardens. See Victoria's oldest pool where Charlie Chaplin swam, the historical homestead, Peacock chairs on the verandah and evidence of a rooftop entertaining area (Melbourne loves it's rooftops!).
You can ponder and dream about the time of Dame Nellie Melba, the parties and famous guests, converging on a place of fun and culture and free expression. The homestead has been largely untouched since Melba's death in 1939. A 600 metre cypress hedge is a signature of the property and presides over the whole estate.
Dame Nellie Melba was a bold woman for the age and promoted women's causes such as the suffragettes. She ran an "open house" where friends such as painters Heysen and Streeton would "pop in", hence some of their paintings are on display.
A perfect place for a wedding, the 2.8 hectare garden was designed by William Guilefoyle the same talented designer of the Royal Botanic Gardens. David Austin roses are compelling. Japanese wisterias inspire. Pencil pines and lavender allure. Secret garden spaces draw you in. Stroll across the croquet lawn and imagine you were playing back in the day.
Charming if not magical grounds.
Then take the time to enjoy the new restaurant, gallery and cellar door and spoil yourself with a glass of Coombe Farm’s award winning Blanc de Blancs. Highly recommended.