There are a lot of things we’ve had to give up now we travel as a family.
Late night parties, bar hopping and winery tours, festivals and concerts, long hikes, hammock swings with a good book, sleep ins, and generally just 5 minutes time out.
The fun we have as a family means we rarely lament it.
But, when we discover a winery that actually welcomes kids, we jump up and sing some alleluias, being extra careful not to spill our glass of Verdelho mid-boogie.
Welcome to Feathertop Winery in Bright, Victoria
Feathertop Winery is located 10km from Bright, just past Porepunkah. (You know there’s something about this region in Victoria, as Bridge Road Brewery just made our Australian Bucket list as a place to visit WITH kids)
You can make your entrance to Feathertop an experience in itself by cycling the stunning Rail Trail from Bright.
We didn’t feel Kalyra would cope with the 10km one-way cycle, so we drove. Since I love wine more than Craig he nominated himself as the DD.
Originally known as Boynton, Feathertop is owned by Kel and Janelle Boynton. They happened to be having lunch when we were there as it was Janelle’s birthday, and they popped over for a chat. They’re a very friendly couple who are very passionate about their winery and all it offers.
They refer to themselves as “the winemaker that builds and the architect who drinks”.
Kel has built the gorgeous sandstone feature walls around the property, which Janelle designed. (And they said our girls were beautifully behaved – any parent who knows the tantrums their child can chuck relishes compliments like this!)
Feathertop has a playground for kids. Yep. God I love the High Country, they know how to cater for families.
Feathertop also has a large patch of grass the kids can play convict re-enactments on. Poor Savannah received quite the punishment from Red Coat Kalyra.
AND they even had baby pigs!!! I’m not sure how normal this is, but the girls loved saying hi and feeding this adorable black piglet. There’s a pen out the back where Mamma, Pappa and a few ring-ins live. Be sure to stop and say hi.
You can also wander through the herb and veggie garden, which supplies the kitchen.
So that leads us to the food.
Divine.
I don’t eat a lot of meat, but I had the duck and nearly died. YUM.
Free Range Duck Breast
Shaved fennel, quinoa, white peach and hazelnut salad, star anise jus
Craig had the:
Pan Fried Barramundi
Daikon, papaya, sesame and almond salad, pea puree, crisp pannis
The girls loved their spag bol and barra:
Then we hit the desserts
Berry minestrone for me – a fragrant mix of local berries, basil, fennel, tarragon, lemon sorbet
Dark Chocolate Duo for Craig – Mousse, warm brownie, local cherries, hazelnut praline, vanilla crème fraiche
We really needed those bikes to ride home on and work off the food.
The wine was also exceptionally good. I tried a glass of Vermentino (white) for the first time, one of Feathertop’s more popular variety and the Feathertop Pinots to match my duck.
The Alfresco Dining Restaurant is situated on the lower terrace at Feathertop and makes for a breathtaking a la carte experience. What about these views?
If the restaurant is not your thing, Feathertop has a small deli, where you can put together your own picnic hamper and sit outside to eat with some wine.
Any wonder, I could really live in Bright for some time.
It’s so nice to be able to fit a small sampling of what you love to do when you travel with kids. Thanks to the Feathertop for making that a reality for many parents.
The Details
Feathertop Winery is located in the north eat valleys region of Victoria, 10kms from the town of Bright, in Porepunkah, which is approximately 3 hours drive from Melbourne. Get all the details on their official website.
Do you visit wineries with kids? What’s been your favourite?
