The Melbourne Series #4 - High Tea at Chateau Yering...

 

Drive a short hour and a little more from the heart of Melbourne in an Easterly direction and you will find yourself happily placed in the picturesque Yarra Valley. This region is just on the edge of the urban sprawl where the last smattering of homes dotted at its fringes meet with the lush fields of Melbourne's daytripper playground.
Here is the epicentre of our city's boutique farm and cottage industries; home to everything from berry growers and crafters, to fancy chocolatiers, renown galleries and famous wineries. Seated very gracefully at its heart is Chateau Yering and specifically, its spectacular high tea experience offered at the beautiful Eleonore's restaurant.

My Melbourne Series #4 is an opulent experience and well worth the scenic drive!

 

Chateau Yering houses a collection of attractive buildings on its expansive property as you would expect of a hotel and winery. Eleonore's restaurant is situated in the oldest of these. The stunning mansion was constructed in 1854 and became a social centre in the Yarra Valley as the vineyards surrounding it grew successfully

On arrival we were ushered into this stunning drawing room which is original to the property. I could easily make myself at home here! It's just one of those rare 'rooms' you will chance upon in life that just happen to take your breath away. (Visitors whisper in here about how lovely it all is!)

 

 

The restaurant itself is a newer addition to the original building and is tastefully styled in the same period detailing so as to blend seamlessly. Our table was perfectly positioned to take in the sweeping mountain and valley views.

 

Heavy period-styled drapes frame the large bay windows.
 

Let the experience begin! The beauty of a high tea is the pace of the experience. Diners are served sparkling on arrival. Usually only one glass is tastefully served; a symbol of celebration and an invitation to relax. The choice of sparkling served at Eleonore's was an exquisite French one. This was such a mellow-flavoured wine with no bite whatsoever and perfectly matched to the food that followed.

 

 

On the menu were ribbon sandwiches containing Mediterranean vegetables, chicken with mayonnaise and cucumber (divinely flavoured!) and prosciutto with tomato.

Savouries included feta mousse tart with walnut crumb and salmon mousse with horseradish cream decorated with real blossoms! Every item exquisitely presented with flavours to match.

 

 

 

The High Tea itself. Always my favourite part of any high tea experience, is the arrival of the three-tiered stand containing the delicacies which are handcrafted by only the most qualified of chefs. Flavours are always placed to marry, dance and honeymoon together; little conversation stoppers as I like to call them. Chateau Yering's array was exceptional. There were fresh scones with house-made jam and cream, blackcurrant friands, chocolate and berry tarts with edible silver, lamingtons and the divine coconut and mango entremets.

 

The coconut and mango entremet was beautifully presented; an impressively neat, sharp-cornered slice with a moist custard-like texture and mellow flavour designed exclusively for adult tastes - stunning!

 

Bite-sized tarts packed with incredibly-merged flavours; a tiny tart is all that's needed
to feel as if you have eaten the whole pie!
Dining on the edible silver in these chocolate and berry tarts is a luxurious way to treat yourself.

The ceremony of tea drinking is an intrinsic part of the high tea experience. There's an extensive menu of wonderfully flavoured teas to try. It's both a difficult and pleasurable choice to make! I settled on the rose tea. These weren't just petals in the tea though but actual whole rosebuds which infused the loveliest aroma and flavour! A perfect end to a magical afternoon.

Tea ceremonies, offer experiences that are both historic and cross-cultural. They are a magical blend of serenity and tradition. A good quality high tea should allow diners to slip from the strains of the everyday and relax at a slower pace, enjoy conversation with good friends and sample foods with elegant flavours in beautiful surrounds. Eleonore's Restaurant at Chateau Yering offers all of these elements. We truly enjoyed every aspect of our afternoon in this beautiful area and wine house.

Chateau Yering offers several high tea experiences ranging in price from $55-$79 at Eleonore's Restaurant for a minimum of two people. Children from 4-12 years can experience a high tea for $40 per child. High tea is served on Sundays from 2.30-4.30pm. Visit the Chateau Yering website to book or to find out additional information.

 

Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel

		42 Melba Highway, Yering, Yarra Valley, Victoria 3770, Australia

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*Myself and a Guest received a High Tea experience at Chateau Yering's Eleonore's Restaurant
in exchange for my opinions expressed here.

Where in the world have you tried a High Tea?