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Food

CherryHill Orchards Visit for Launch of Cherry Season

Cherry season is here and we were invited to pick cherries and enjoy a long lunch at CherryHill Orchards in Wandin East (less than an hour from the city). The annual cherry season sees families, friends and fruit-lovers alike flock from near and afar to pick their own fresh cherries from Yarra Valley’s picturesque CherryHill Orchards.

We arrived at CherryHill Orchards for a media event on a perfect Melbourne day. This was my first time cherry picking and I loved the experience. From 30 November to 12 January visitors can bask in the sunshine, taste as many of the sweetest cherries straight from the trees as they like, and even take some home to enjoy.

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Cherry beverages available for purchase. This place is a top notch destination for families and foodies (or both) and cherry lovers!

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Orchards looking fine.

Friendly staff in the shop, providing us with a tasting.

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We are talking premium cherries. After having picked cherries myself from CherryHill Orchards I found it to be fun, especially with family or a group. The Orchards are well set out and it's therapeutic to pick fruit on a stunning summers' day. Then when I offered cherries later to my friends they usually commented straight away on how wonderful and fresh and juicy the cherries are with awesome full cherry flavour.

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We sat down to an epic growers lunch.

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Fun times at CherryHill Orchards.

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Premium fresh cherries.

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Yarra Valley Pasta lemon parsley linguine with Buxton smoked trout creme sauce was a cracking dish.

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"Kens" Healesville Venison, slow braised in Bulong Cabernet, charred radicchio & glazed cherries showcased amazing local produce.

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Heirloom carrots with honey, dill and mustard butter.

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Time for our cherry picking (media plus other guests at the growers lunch). Grab your box and pick along the rows allocated, making sure you pick rip cherries and pick them with the stem (so they last longer).

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Glorious cherry trees.

Cherry season is one of the few times this beautiful orchard opens its door to the public for a unique and memorable day out in the country – opening every day throughout the season, 9am – 5pm (excluding Christmas day) with live musicians performing on the weekends. Visitors receive a complimentary Cherish Spritzer on arrival and the friendly CherryHill team will be on hand to show visitors how and where to pick the ripest cherries and ensure they learn and have fun along the way.

Cheese platter hit the spot after our cherry picking.

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The Orchard’s famous cherry ice-cream and delicious cherry drinks will be available for purchase, including the newly launched CherryHill Rosé Cider and the signature Cherish Spritzer.

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Cherry clafoutis finished with cherry ice cream was wonderfully indulgent. The Chocolate chestnut torte with cherries marinated in strega was also spectacular.

Guests can relax and unwind among the rows of cherry trees by setting up their own picnic in the orchard or enjoy food from rotating food trucks on site, while children can enjoy free face painting and garden games for the whole family. The perfect place to catch-up or take a trip out of town, groups of ten or more can purchase a group ticket at a discounted price.

All tickets prices are as follows:

Pick Your Own:
Family (2 adults and 2 children) – $35
Adult (14+) – $15
Child (4 – 13) – $6 or FREE on weekdays (excluding public holidays)
3 and below – Free

Take home ‘Pick Your Own’ cherries:
$14.00/kg – but all cherries eaten on site are included in the entry price.

CherryHill Orchards – Pick Your Own
474 Queens Road
Wandin East
Tickets available here: https://cherryhill.com.au/pick-your-own

CherryHill Orchards began in 1940 when George Riseborough planted his first cherry trees in Victoria. Today the family still carries on the cherry growing tradition and produces Australia’s finest cherries using cutting edge technology. The CherryHill team travels the world to find the best innovations and techniques to ensure the cherries are world-class quality.

A memorable day! Highly recommended.