No tags yet.
Our first stop today was the Yarra Valley Chocolatarie and Ice Creamery for our morning coffee. We had visited here previously and it was always swarming with people. We found a parking spot at the front entry where we could only see another six cars parked, this whole Corona Virus is having such an impact on tourist destinations. We walked inside not sure if it was open or not but couldn't see any signs around to say it wasn't and thankfully the doors opened to us. There have been lots of changes since we were last here, I think they have extended their eating area which was a good move because we have had trouble getting a table in the past but certainly not today. Our visit included a coffee and shared cake, all good and then a wander out to the shop to make a few purchases trying to share the love around. The quality of the chocolate here is always good and there is always an interesting variety, I think prices are a bit high but they normally don't have any problems selling their wares so I am sure they know what they are doing, however, I look at all their stock and the number of people in there and I think there will need to be sell offs. So my only complaint is the service we received when ordering our coffee. We stood at the counter and there were three or four staff members behind the counter and we were the only ones there and didn't receive any acknowledgement whatsoever. I think we expected something a bit better in the circumstances. When we were asked what we wanted the service was a bit lack lustre, and before you start thinking we are just complainers, we don't expect much just a smile and 'I will be there with you directly' would have been nice.
Our next stop was the Badger Creek Blueberry Farm and Winery we visited here to purchase blueberry goods and while it isn't blueberry season we thought we would have a look at their produce. There were lots of jams on offer and frozen blueberries and we could have done a wine tasting but chose not to so we can't really report on their wares. What we can tell you is that we had an excellent experience with the staff member. It is bad times with the country in lock down and we would probably visit here again in better times.
After the Blueberry Farm we drove back to Healesville and The Innocent Bystander Winery and Cidery next to the Beechworth Bakery. Last time we visited here it was the White Rabbit Brewery where we spent a lovely sunny afternoon tasting their beers and driving home with a case of their pale ale that we both enjoyed. The venue has changed quite a bit and is very impressive now with tasting areas and sales. What we did really appreciate is that there wasn't any pressure with the tastings, we were told from the start that tastings were complimentary, which they usually are but just being told made a difference to the experience. I wasn't going to do a tasting preferring to buy a bottle of wine and sharing that with Robb and taking the rest home usually finding the whole tasting thing quite obligatory. So I found myself up at the bar with a gorgeous young gentleman who was happy to listen to my preferences and structure the tastings accordingly. We also had the option of trying the ciders which neither of us drink but my husband did give one of them a try. The outcome is that we walked out with a 6 pack of their Prosecco which was most enjoyable. This was a good experience and worth a return in the future.
Our next stop was the bakery to pick up rolls for lunch but unfortunately this bakery doesn't bake bread, yes I am as surprised as you are. All good though the lovely sales assistant offered to sell us some rolls they had cooked that morning that were normally only used to make up prepared sandwiches and filled rolls. I can also report that they were really good so really pleased we approached someone who could think outside the box.
Back to our site, we are returning home tomorrow, it really isn't worth going on any further and we will just settle in at home like everyone else will probably be doing. This is a terrible time but we are all in this together, there isn't going to be anyone come out of this the same as they went into it. I was however pleased to have a visit from a Kookaburra at the end of our day, small pleasures are what get us through.
