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It’s Heritage Month in Central Victoria, along with a sapphire sky, ruby and golden leaves and gold detectors bleeping everywhere, given its price ($120g). So it’s time to unearth your own treasures. If your heritage harks back to colonial days, there’s even more to make you smile. Days of wine and food are indeed the dolce vita in colonial Victoria.
There’s also the chance to take home a piece of heritage. Now that minimalistic decor of mid-century modern is fading, it may be time to treasure your own ancestry with a clever piece, a jewel of the past. There are some ideas in the story this month.
Treasure indeed, all for your entertainment Michele Waddington for the Fairbank team.
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Intelligence from the Goldfields
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On now
Maldon and District Museum, Maldon Gardens, High St. Wednesdays and Sundays 11.30am to 2pm Exhibition: A Towering Influence. In 1924, a poppet head from Bendigo was dismantled, hauled up Mount Tarrengower and installed as our first visitor attraction. Much used by visitors, it is now part of the fire spotting service in summer and a beacon for Maldon each Easter
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Get booking Victorian Goldfields Express 4 and 11 May, first Saturdays in May, Castlemaine Station. A memorable ride on Victoria's oldest railway carriages especially for the Heritage Festival. Experience rail travel of the 1880's when these quaint carriages were the latest in speed and comfort. Leaves Castlemaine at 11 am, returns from Maldon at 3 pm $55pp and discounts. Book at https://secure.vgr.com.au/BookingProduct/Calendar/?
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Diary
Thursday 18 April Heritage month
Buda Historic Home and Garden 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine 12 noon – 4pm Connect the dots – The Levinys in Castlemaine Explore the connections of the artistic Leviny family to the places that were significant to their lives and loves in Castlemaine. There’s also a heritage garden, so you can see the treasures women would have cultivated back in the day – and men''s horticultural prowess with their prize dahlias in all their jewel colours.
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Saturday 20 April This is nuts – three sketching workshops in a weekend. Maldon Getaways Hub 1 Spring St Madon 10am – 3.30pm Paula Zetlein Botanical Drawing Workshop Create your own botanical illustration in this workshop suitable to all skill levels. A grazing style morning tea and glass of sparkling wine is provided to enhance the creative culture off the day. Each participant will also receive a drawing essentials kit which includes fineliner pens, graphite pencils, and all Includes all equipment to be used during the workshop Cost $260 Contact Paula for waitlist. https://paulazetleinart.com.au/pages/contact-us
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Bress Wines, 59 Franklings Rd, North Harcourt.
Brush and Glass day
Saturday 10am – 4 pm Local artist Tia Alysse will lead participants through the skills of applying paint while enjoying superb food and wine. All materials supplied for you to paint that masterpiece for the mantlepiece. With a wine in one hand and a brush in the other, what could possibly go wrong? $130pp, book at https://events.humanitix.com/bress-lome-bottle-and-brush-day-2024
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Or
St Anne’s Winery 3 Belvoir Park Rd Ravenswood.
Noon – 3pm Pop-up pasta lunch – with wine. .
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Sunday 21 April Buda Historic Home and Garden 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine 9.30am to 3pm Life drawing with a difference, part of Heritage Month. Artists have access to normally restricted areas of Buda, where, within the walls and the garden, will be found models in period costume. Where a stool is free use it to sketch a model in situ. Morning tea and lunch provided. $100 pp Book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1178797?
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Tuesday 23 April Castlemaine Market Building, 44 Mostyn Dt Castlemaine. 0am 2.30pm Tour of Aboriginal sites of Mount Alexander shire with Rick Nelson. Visit the National Trust’s (Victoria)Tree of the Year 2023, the Guildford Big Tree, plus see rock wells and grinding grooves of the Dja Dja Wurrung people and enjoy a bush tea. A Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony is part of this tour as a cleansing to ensure you walk with good spirits. $200pp Book at https://events.humanitix.com/uncle-rick-significant-sites-tour
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Wednesday 24 April Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Church St. 12.45 pm Maldon Historic Bus Tour Take a tour of Maldon led by the Maldon Museum and Archives Association. Includes historic landmarks such as the Beehive Chimney, North British Mine, Mount Tarrangower Lookout, Anzac Hill memorial trees, Hospital, Hotels, Court House, Primary School, Churches, significant houses and memorable Maldon residents such as Henry Handel Richardson.Cost $10 pp Book at Centre on (03) 5475 2093
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Thursday 25 April Anzac DayMaldon Gardens High St11am morning service at the Cenotaph. Anzac Day begins at sundown on 24th, so for the full program go to https://maldon.com.au/events/anzac-day-at-maldon/
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Thursday 25 to Monday 29 April Mount Alexander Tastes Showcase A new food and drink festival will entice food enthusiasts alike with a diverse array of workshops, master classes, tours, tastings, and more.
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Saturday 27 April Warral Honey 35 Boundary Road, Maldon 11am – noon. Owned and operated by fifth generation beekeeper Lindsay Callaway, Warral Maldon engages 4,500+ hives to produce over 550 tonnes of honey and 5,000kg of beeswax each year. Managing hives on this scale is both an art and a science, carefully balanced to produce the best results and keep the bees healthy. Join Lindsay for a sneak peek into how it’s done: you’ll visit the facility where the magic is made, extract honey from a comb and taste subtle flavours from different varieties including premium, giant mallee, red gum and long leaf box.
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Cascade Art Gallery 1A Fountain St, Saturday 2pm - 5pm Imagionation New exhibition by four artists: Dean Bowen, Sam Varian, Jeff Gardner, Jan Palethorpe.Thursday – Sunday 10am - 5pm until 28 May.
The birdy’s one of theirs.
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Harcourt Valley Vineyards 3339 Harmony Way, (south of) Harcourt
Saturday 2-4pm Jazz in the Vines A family afternoon of live music and wine tastings with Pip Avent’s Moudy Jazz band performing swing, ragtime and a mix of foot-stomping tunes.
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Maldon Community Centre 4 Francis St. Saturday Doors open 7pm for 8pm – 10pm Comedy for a Cause presents a showcase of some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festival in support of Maldon Primary School. $40pp, at the door. No bookings.
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27 to 28 April. McNabb Road Newstead, All British Motorcycle Rally. They usually make it up the hill to Maldon on Saturday for lunch, so that’s why there are a zillion antique motorbikes rallying around.
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Sunday 28 April and Monday 29 April Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy St Castlemaine Noon to 3pm Mount Alexander Tastes and Situation Dining will produce a Holy Goat inspired 4 course lunch with matched beverage pairing. The space will be transformed into a dynamic, inspired room with visual, verbal and of course delicious tribute to the iconic cheeses of Holy Goat. $190pp, book https://events.humanitix.com/a-long-lunch-in-celebration-of-holy-goat
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Saturday 4 May Newstead Arts Hub 8A Tivey St Newstead. 2pm Exhibition Central Australia: forming, folding and shaping, sculptor Jim Roberts. – to 28 May. Every stone is a mini world in itself. It has its own landscape. Though small, it reflects a bigger picture. From the artist “I see a parallel between the weathering of the ancient core of Australia by water, wind and sun and the reductive carving process undertaken by a sculptor. I like to think the shaping of the geological world has shaped my work. Often these small elements represent much bigger landscapes and landforms. In this exhibition, he used round and oval shapes as a means of framing some of these small elements.
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Sunday 5 May Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum, Vincents Rd 5 – 7pm The Maldon Vintage Short Film Festival: filmmakers were invited to submit a short film about the value of something old or vintage, better with age because of their story. The event is being run in association with the local film society, Maldon Golden Movies, Cost $20 or less, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/1166656/sessions/4373652/sections/2190896/ticketstr
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Sunday 12 May Spoiled for choice on Mother’s Day at the end of Heritage Month. Maldon Market, 1Church St 10am – 1.30pm. Maldon Rose Means Mother’s Day 6 Main St. Maldon Mother's Day High Tea, where every bite is a testament to homemade goodness. Secure your spot early, as this beloved event fills up fast. Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience at Maldon Rose this Mother's Day! Book inside or out from abou $55 - https://maldonroseofficial.square.site/
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Buda Historic Home and Garden 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine Sunday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea 2024 Family, friendship, service, art. Mother's Day afternoon tea and talk about the Leviny legacy of art by Christine Lloyd. Cost $45pp or less Book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1179490?
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Story - Finding your treasure piece
Everyone lives in the past, even a nanosecond past. We’re heirs of the past, and its custodians. Whilst the greatest appreciation of history is living through places and events, it’s up to you to bring what you treasure back to the present. Those items, places and practices are the culture that made you, you. If you value that thread to a certain place or an event or a person, then record it in some way. Sometimes, the record may be even a ripping yarn. Hence the Maldon Diary. For example, if there wasn’t an actual figure in history named Captain John Meschosk, then a fiction writer couldn’t make him up. Like Meschosk in Ballarat grabbing the rope on a windlass with one hand and stopping a miner plummeting to his death? What’s more, the Polish Army captain had evidence for everything he claimed.
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Children Kids are the most traditional of all ages because they practice their society’s mores through repetition, and childrearing practices of their culture. To jump back before screens, try Polly and Willow at 75 High St at weekends for toys, tiny tots gear and these linen towels. Or (using a screen) https://pollyandwillow.com.au/collections/suki-mcmasters/products/sukipurelinenttowel?variant=12640990887983
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Décor
EnfiladePlus of 79 High St has fine antique textiles with a French style. The Plus comes in with furniture items such as a sympathetically extended, now queen size bed, plus other décor items. Catch them at weekends or on Instagram.
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Tansley & Co, Vintage 43 Main St Great for quirky furniture and light fittings, Victorian style and the plaon, worn, ‘industrial’ styles. They have statement pieces that ground a room and add interest. Pop-up openings, and their Instagram account says they have a sale coming up 18-19 May. Otherwise, it’s social media trading.
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Elsie and Pat are at 55 Main St. Décor without constraints, all styles allowed in ceramics and glass, with textiles creeping in., especially tea towels Open Wednesdays to Sundays
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Kitchen and more
Much Ado 22 Main St Fairbank’s go-to store for authentic quality goods from brands with a reputation to uphold. They have all the necessities of life, including gin and preserving gear , and they are open every day. https://muchado.com.au
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Clothes and footwear
Beatons Stores 4 Main St Country style clothes for men and women available every day except Tuesdays. Again quality and authentic brands stand out Check out Instagram and Facebook for online sale items. https://beatons.square.site/
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Craft and Gift shopsThe Wool Stash 32 Main St Not open until 4 May, then weekends or longer. Open online www.thewoolstash.com
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Portia & Co. 34 Main St has a range of giftware for children through the adult interests. Ceramics, carved birds, paper-based gifts, Go see at except on Wednesdays .
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Due diligenceFree wifi connection within 25m of Maldon post office’s (95 High St) phone booth Anyone can then download the Telstra app and connect to the internet. Maldon Visitors Information Centre, 93 High St (next to Maldon Gardens) Open 9am to 5 pm every day. Tel 03 5474 2569 Maldon Market, cnr Church and Franklin Sts. 9.30am – 1.30pm 2nd Sunday of month (12 Mayil) Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum in Vincent's Road, open Wednesdays, 11am to 3pm, all Saturdays and 2nd Sunday of month, 10am to 4pm. Maldon and District Museum, Maldon gardens, 93 High St. Open every Wednesday and Sunday from 11am to 2.30pm. Self-informed walking tours at https://tours.maldonmuseum.com.au/ Contact on (03) 5475 1633 Athenaeum Library, 97 High St Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 2pm to 4pm, Saturdays 9.30am to noon. Contact maldonathenaeumlibrary@gmail.com MANet Arts Focus Gallery, 27 Main St. Open Wednesday 11am to 4pm; Friday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (11am Friday). Maldon Art Network offers annual portrait and landscape exhibitions. Details on https://www.maldonartistnetwork.org.au/ Cascade Art 1A Fountain St, Open Thursday – Sunday 10am - 5pm (closed: July, August) Kareen Anchen - Gallery Director: 0408 844 152 | cascadeart.com.au . Sign up for the newsletter Much Ado General Store, 22 Main St. Lauren and Frank are open Sunday – Thursday 10am – 3pm, Friday - Saturday 10am to 5pm. Contact 5475 1005, muchado.com.au Sandy Creek Clydesdales, 504 Sandy Creek Rd, Gower. Matthew & Jaimie Thompson are available for horse-related workshops and events such as weddings and anniversaries. Clydesdales for hire!. Contact them on https://www.sandycreekclydesdales.com/ Newstead Arts Hub 8A Tivey St. Newstead Gallery open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Check Diary here for what’s on, or at newsteadartshub.org. Email info@newsteadartshub.org RedShed Arts workshop space, Church St Newstead. Serious art classes, sign up for their newsletter at info@redshed.art Oxart Pottery and Learning Centre, 128 High St Taradale Oxart Pottery produces a range of beautiful, functional pottery while also running a vibrant pottery school at 'Oxart HQ' Taradale. Open 9am to 5 pm every day. Ring Ian McColl on 0431 611 194 or email - ox.art.pots@gmail.com. Website https://oxartpottery.com.au Scorched Earth Ceramics Walmer Angie Robinson runs popular ceramics classes from her workshop between Maldon and Harcourt. Check out her website, Facebook or contact her on ceramics@scorchedearth.com.au, or phone 0427558879 Koolclay Art is Tracey Koolen’s Maldon studio for group or individual clay-based classes. Contact her on www.koolclay.art or on Facebook or X(Twitter) for her latest dates. Buda Historic Home and Gardens, 42 Hunter St. Castlemaine Premier attraction in Castlemaine (given Market Place and Art Gallery). Open daily, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Guided tours Sunday afternoons, free, plus kids’ treasure hunts. Details at https://budacastlemaine.org/ Possum Gully Galleryursery, 428 Possum Gully Rd, Adelaide Lead. 11am - pm Saturdays and Sundays, and public holidays or by appointmentI. It’s 40 minutes’ drive from Maldon. http://www.possumgullyfinearts.com.au/n, via Maryborough. The fun is finding it, although it’s all sealed road. Landline 5461 1775, Food? Maldon Lolly Shop. 20 High St. 10am to 4.30pm (or 5pm) seven days. Retailers and wholesalers of good old fashioned confectionery; gourmet cordials and delicious chocolates – or order on https://themaldonlollyshop.square.site/ Tel 5475 1136. Kangaroo Hotel, 89 High St.. New publicans awaited Maldon Rose Official Café 6 Main St, open Thursdays – Sundays 10am to 4pm. Specialising in morning and afternoon cream teas. Phone Kimberlei McClure et al. 0492 183 081 for bookings over 6 people for high tea (or coffee)w.facebook.com/maldonrose Maldon Takeaway and the Blue Cockatoo Bar 10 Main St, Melitta and Adam’s takeaway and eat in 11am - 7pm every day except Mondays. Blue Cockatoo Cock-tail Bar at back weekends with birds, cock-tails and bar snacks open noon to 9pm. Music, music, music Friday nights and Sunday lunch. Phone orders 0476 887 062 Maldon Quality Butchers 19 Main St, Open weekdays 6am to 5.30 pm, Saturdays 6am to 12 noon, closed Sundays. Great food, great preparations tips and an assortment of local eggs, milk, and condiments. Plus Maldon Honey. Brad’s landline 5475 22713. Maldon Fudge and Icecreamery, 22 Main St, Carman’s open every day during school holidays, otherwise Wednesdays to Sundays, 11am to 4.30pm Tel 5475 2652. Berrryman's Cafe and Tearooms 30 Main St. B Open 7 days for breakfast, tea and light lunches. I have a soft spot for Berryman’s, Alice owned Fairbank in her day. The popular cafe also offers delicious cakes, Gigante Espresso Coffee and quality teas in a bright, friendly atmosphere. Ph 5475 2904 Gold Exchange Café 46 Main St. Weekdays from 7am, weekends from 7.30am to 3pm for breakfast, lunch and teas, everything homemade. Ring Cathy 0439 368 077. 48 Main St Guess where? Bar with local beers and wines, live music. Open Thursday to Sunday, 4pm to late. Contact Leah or AJ on lmcmahon849@gmail.com Café Maldon, 52 Main St. Open Friday - Wednesday 7.15am –3pm, Sat – Sun. 8am - 3pm. tel Karen (03) 5475 202. They offer Maldon Grazing, where you order boxes as required as takeaway. https://order.platform.hungryhungry.com/cafemaldon/menu Maldon Bakery, 51 Main St. Open Tuesday – Friday 7.30 am to 4.30pm, weekends from 8am for high quality traditional baked fare from original Scotch oven. https://www.maldonbakery.com.au/. Landline 5475 2713 Meet Tom, an additional baker Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St –Open 12 noon Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, Monday & Tuesday from 4pm, dinner only. Closes 11pm. Ring (03) 5475 2231 This Little Piggy Market. Trades prepared Eurasian meals from the Post Office residence, 95 High St. Maldon. Evolving menu based on seasonal vegetables and meats. Menu on Facebook at This Little Piggy Market at Maldon. Phone 0474 037 556. Highly rated. Golden Nugget, Porcupine Village, 8 Allens Rd, Maldon Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (their fine dining night) from 6pm, Sundays from noon -2pm: 2-course carvery Bookings essential. Sunday session from 2.30pm-6pm light meals and snacks with live music. Phone (03) 4417 5909 or book online at https://www.porcupinevillage.com.au/ Warral Maldon 36 Boundary Rd Visit the one stop shop for everything (awarded) honey, open 10am – 3 pm Monday to Friday, Ring 1800 671 188, also online https://warralmaldon.com.au/wm-shop/australian-honey/ Newstead Dig Cafe cnr Lyons and Panmure Sts. Open Wednesday – Sunday 8.30am – 3.30pm and takeaway pizzas from 5pm to 8pm Fridays. Phone 5476 2744. Newstead Country Store, 12 Lyons St Newstead Take away type food. Open 7am -- 4pm Monday to Wednesday, 7am thurs-Fri, 8am Sat, 9am Sunday and closing 7.30pm on those 5 days. Serves fishing chips, pizzas and in-store or take-away dinners (beef or pork meal packs) They do delivery, too, but probably not Maldon! Ring (03) 5476 2252 Crown Hotel 8 Lyons St Newstead says it has good pub grub at reasonable prices and also appears to be open every day for meals. Patrons seem to be better promoting it than the owners. Curious? Ring 5476 2222 to book/check
Taradale Taradale Wine and Produce Store 120 High St Tapas in Taradale monthly. Pizzas cooking Friday - Sunday nights. Table bookings essential, 5423 2828.
Harcourt Harcourt Produce and General Store (and café) 115 Harmony Way Harcourt Grazing boards, salmon plates, and all local produce, wines and ciders. Open 9am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays. SMS bookings to Annette on 0430 302 763. Blackwood Orchards 111 Chellews Road Harcourt North, Wait for October!o. Phone/text 0428 570 051 or online at https://blackwood-orchard.business.site/ Goodness Flours, 27 Gaaschs Road Harcourt. Small batch, freshly milled, wholegrain flours and a range of bread, cake and biscuit mixes. Available at the Castlemaine Farmers Markets. and online at https://www.goodnessflour.com.au/ Contact Liesel at hello@goodnessflour.com.au, phone 0427 132 601 Elphinstone Elphinstone Hotel. 14 Wright St. Open Fridays to Sundays for lunch and dinner, noon to 9pm. Ring 5473 3165 or email theelphopub@gmail.com. For something quite different, go catch your lunch: Smeaton Tuki Trout Farm, 60 Stoney Rises Road, Smeaton. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, daily during school holidays, for trout fishing ($14) and/or lunch, ($42) 11am to 5pm. There’s a full service restaurant as well.d Book on (03) 5345 6233 or https://tuki.com.au/our-menu-wine-list/. Markets Wesley Hill Market on Pyrenees Highway, cnr van Heurck St, every Saturday, 9am-1pm Castlemaine Weekly Farmers Market, next to Market Building, Frederick St. every Wednesday, 2:30pm-5:30pm Castlemaine Monthly Farmers Market, Western Reserve, Forest St., first Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm, Check details at https://www.castlemainefarmersmarket.org/ Talbot Farmers Market, 40 Scandinavian Crescent. 3rd Sunday every month 9am to 1pm. Legendary market that started them all (maybe) https://talbotfarmersmarket.org.au/, or email info@talbotfarmersmarket.org.au Dunolly Country Market, Broadway, 4th Sunday of the month, 8am to 1pm. Contact dynamo lynda.vater@gmail.com or mobile 0418 875 453 for a spot Wineries et al. Panacea Estate, 329 Seers Road, Welshman's Reef, 12 noon – 5pm Saturdays. Enjoy your afternoon with a platter, order at https://panaceaestate.com.au/bookings or ring 0434 366 617 St Anne’s Winery, Belvoir Park Rd, Ravenswood Open every day for wine tastings. It’s popular for Sunday pizzas from non to 4pm with live music during the afternoon. Workshops coming up in 2024 as well. Book at 5435 3601. Henry of Harcourt, 219 Reservoir Rd Harcourt, great ciders, cider vinegar and perry. Platters available. Open every day except Christmas Day.10am to 5pm - Call 5474 2177. Harcourt Valley Apples at Little Red Apple , 8795 Midland Highway, Barkers Creek, Tel 03 5474 2483 Online at https://harcourtcider.com.au/shop/ Simon and Vicki Frost puts their products in Fairbank’s fridge. Welshman's Reef Vineyard, Maldon Newstead Road, cellar door weekends. 10am to 5pm or appointment (03) 5476 2733. http://welshmansreef.com/ Check first Sutton Grange Winery, Carnochan’s Road, Sutton Grange, Top syrah wine and sparkling rosé, proudly presented to Fairbank’s guests. Sit down wine tastings on weekends for $10 per person. Ring (03) 8672 1478 or book (for 6 or more) at https://www.obee.com.au/suttongrangewinery Bress Winery at Lome Vineyard, 59 Franklings Rd, North Harcourt. Open last weekend of the month 11am to 4pm for wine tastings and sales. For enquiries contact Chris McCormack on: 0437 493 303, https://bress.com.au/, https://lomevineyard.com.au/ Grangehill Vineyard, Gallaghers Lane, Eastville (off Maldon-Bridgewater Rd). Open weekends11am – 5pm or by appointment, ring Russell on 0457 353 838 Blackjack Winery, 3379 Harmony Way, Harcourt, cellar door at weekends, 11am to 5pm , contact (03) 5474 2355 https://blackjackwines.com.au/ Open most public holidays! Harcourt Valley Vineyards, 3339 Harmony Way Harcourt, Closed for the winter, sold out, then open Sundays, noon to 4pm. Enquiries Marie on 0431 996 515 or landline (03) 5474 2223. Weddings central. https://www.harcourtvalley.com.au/. Heybridge Estate, 170 Boundary Rd, Maldon. Try them in Maldon and order online.hesthttps://www.heybridgeestate.com.au/ate.com.au/ Whitlocks Vineyard, Whitlocks Rd, Tarrangower (on Lake Cairn Curran). Either buy their shiraz online, or pick it up from licensed purveyors in Maldon. Contact: 0439031075 or emily@whitlocksvineyard.com.au. Picture is storm clouds over Tarrengower during the dry spell last month, by Donna Maria
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