Day Trips is a feature which offers ideas for day trips across Victoria's north-east.
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Our lovely day trip to Corowa prompted that we go back and investigate unfinished business.
We had been told we ‘must’ visit Wrenwood gallery, farm shop and nursery. It is commonly called ‘the big red shed” because of its vibrant colour and dutch barn-style design.
Set back from the Riverina Hwy on the right at Bungowannah, it is 20 km from Albury.
We also wanted to have lunch at Jones Winery in Rutherglen and then investigate other wineries and eating places that are new, or at least previously unknown, to us. We headed first for lunch.
Day Trips: A Sunday drive to Corowa
Since COVID-19 restrictions came in, most wineries with restaurants now have a set price two, three even five course lunch menu rather than ‘a la carte’ ordering, so be forewarned.
It didn't bother us, the food was delicious and made even more so because we sat outside on a perfect north-east Victoria autumn day.
We felt quite transported to France or some little rural setting elsewhere.
The little iron shed tasting room and restaurant is refreshingly unpretentious and camouflages its excellent wines and food.
Day trips: A quintessential little country village
The mix of winemaking and food has been in the Jones family for generations.
It is one of the oldest and smallest wineries in the Rutherglen area. The sixth generation is already in place.
Brother and sister Mandy and Arthur Jones took over in 1998 after both had lived, worked, perfected their winemaking and cooking in Europe, especially in France.
They bring a range of on and off farm expertise.
Day trips: An Indigenous education
While known for their LJ Shiraz from very old vines and their Mousanne Rousanne blend we drank Muscat Sec, which was unusual, not sweet, not dry, perfect for lunch. We were happy.
After lunch we followed the signs to Howlong where we crossed the Murray River and then headed towards Albury.
You cannot miss the red shed, it is huge and very red. While it looks old, it is only four and was built by the owner to house his wife's collection of antiques, ‘bric a brac’ of excellent collectable quality and paintings.
Lizabeth is a painter but also sells works by 20 other artists from nearby and as far away as Margaret River.
Day Trips: Artistic adventures
They are all contemporary works. How do I tell my husband that I like two of them?
The greenhouse nursery has a range of plants including succulents. Her husband's iron raised garden bed planters were very popular during COVID-19.
It was late afternoon by then so we hurried towards home through Rutherglen, slowing as we neared the famous pie shop because we had been told that all the locals ate at Thousand Pounds Restaurant next door.
It is small and everyone loves the atmosphere and tapas menu but . . . it is only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday night.
Day Trips: Myrtleford via Milawa
Earlier this year we had stayed at Tuileries and ate in the dining room, housed in the old Jolimont Cellars. We loved it and during that stay we walked all around Rutherglen.
There are lots of coffee shops and an interesting history to investigate.
This time we didn't linger but headed for Lake Moodemere Estate perfectly located with views over Lake Moodemere (lunch Wednesday to Sunday, public holidays).
We had never heard of it until locals again enthusiastically recommended chef Jarrod Smith's cooking and the location. The menu offers two, three and five courses.
I had read that Ned Kelly rode to the lake but not being a native Victorian had no idea where it was or its geology.
It is roughly a two mile square naturally occurring lake that was once part of the Murray River. Australia's oldest rowing regatta has been held on the lake every January since 1863.
To find it, instead of turning left onto Three Chains Rd, there is a little dog leg almost immediately afterwards to the right where you will see the driveway and sign saying Lake Moodemere Estate.
There is an old homestead and garden setting, it is very pretty. Again we had another wonderful day trip.
- Suzie Pearce
Editor