For a luxurious getaway par excellence, head to Feathertop Winery Private Estate, south of the border in Victoria’s glorious Alpine Valleys. Julie Samaras recently spent an indulgent weekend there, exploring this beautiful part of the world, as a guest of the Estate’s owner, award-winning agribusiness woman, Janelle Marsden.
Venture down the Hume Highway to Wodonga, then turn left towards the Victorian Alpine Valleys, driving through verdant undulating countryside and quaint townships, such as Yackandandah. It’s a pleasant four-and-a-half-hour journey (plus rest stops) from Canberra to Feathertop Winery Private Estate, where I recently spent a weekend exploring the vineyards and surrounds, staying in the luxury accommodation on site.
The Vineyard Residence sits on the eastern side of the valley, above the vineyards, gracefully curving around the side of the hill into which it nestles. The verandah, outdoor spaces and expansive full-height double-glazed windows offer panoramic views of the Alpine Valleys and majestic Mount Buffalo opposite. Sit outside, glass of Feathertop wine in hand, as the sun sets behind the mountains, throwing a pink glow across the darkening sky as the moon glows and a galaxy of stars sparkle above.
An architect by profession, owner Janelle Marsden designed the elegant four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence as her family home, before relocating to a smaller home she designed on the property when her children moved away to study. Like its charismatic designer, the original residence is impressive yet unpretentious and welcoming. Comfortably sleeping up to six adults and four children, it’s an ideal place for groups of friends or multigenerational families to spend time together. Two smaller accommodation options are located nearby at the winery, which is a popular venue for weddings; wedding parties often booking out the onsite accommodation.
Pulling into the residence’s white pebble driveway, I’m immediately struck by the pavilion housing the stunning infinity-edge pool with heated spa and discrete guest suite. This connects to the main house via an undercover alfresco.
Walk through the front door crafted from old wine barrels and into the expansive living and dining area where a statement fish tank brimming with colourful tropical fish grabs your attention before the astounding panorama draws you away.
The open kitchen features a mirror splashback reflecting the breathtaking views, and is well-equipped with every utensil, appliance, spice jar, dinnerware and glassware you could require, including plastic glasses for the pool area.
The adjacent butler’s pantry is stocked with a range of quality staples – cereals, fresh bread, crackers, gourmet spreads, chocolates, popcorn, Barilla pasta and jars of sauce. In the fridge you’ll find fresh eggs, butter, a selection of milks (dairy, almond, soy), juice, sparkling water, smoked chicken, ham, bacon and cheeses. Two fresh muffins under glass and a bowl of fresh fruit sit on the kitchen bench, while a welcome bottle of wine of your choice awaits you on the polished farmhouse dining table that comfortably seats 12. More wines of your choice are available from the wine fridge in the butler’s pantry (charges apply). A powder room is conveniently located on this level.
Leading off the entertaining area is an alfresco pizza oven and outdoor seating area with firepit, an especially popular spot with guests in the cooler months.
Downstairs are the remaining three bedrooms – one double, another with four bunks, and the master suite and ensuite with freestanding bath, which leads to a secluded outdoor sitting area – plus a cosy sitting room, the family bathroom, laundry, and Janelle’s private [locked] wine cellar.
I chose to stay in the poolside guest suite, convenient for retreating after relaxing in the pool and heated spa anytime of day or night, entranced by the glorious views.
At Feathertop, it’s not only the wines that are intoxicating; the setting is idyllic and puts you at the centre of an adventure playground all year round – a haven for all seasons.
The vineyard’s splendour also makes it a popular destination for outdoor music events and stylish weddings, with beautiful outdoor spaces for the ceremony and reception of your dreams (and spacious indoor alternatives if the weather turns).
WHERE WE ATE
On our first night, we drove 3km to Porepunkah township to dine at the Punka Pub, which Janelle co-owns. A few years back, she was dining there with friends when the hotel was up for sale, and on a whim, they decided to buy it and do it up. The refurbished interior seamlessly blends country pub vibe with tasteful contmeporary décor, appealing to both locals and city slickers, as does the affordable menu and extensive local wine list.
It’s the right setting for an elevated yet well-priced, hearty pub meal. Our server Yvonne suggested the prawn and ginger dumplings to share for entrée. Our two mains – salmon with crispy smashed potato, beetroot and feta salad served with a delicate dill aioli, and crispy salt and pepper squid with crispy handcut chips and salad – were tasty and perfectly cooked. The local wine list is exceptionally well-priced; especially by the bottle. My house white (3740 sauv blanc, made at Feathertop) was excellent value at $10 a glass, plus-one chose the Feathertop pinot gris for $12, followed by the Feathertop Tawny for $15. For dessert, the chocolate hazelnut mousse was featherlight, smooth and delicately flavoured; the sticky date pudding was delightfully dense, warm and sweet, accompanied by fresh berries and ice cream. This is good-value, generous pub fare. Highly recommended.
Porepunkah Pub, 12 Nicholson St, Porepunkah VIC 3740
T: 03 5756 2111
As an optional extra, Feathertop Winery guests can enjoy in-house catering (advance notice required). We were treated to a selection of dishes from the caterer’s wedding menu: canapes of crab croquettes, tempura tuna nori, duck crepes and salmon cerviche crackers to name a few; shared mains of Cape Grim eye fillet, and baked salmon with balsamic ginger glaze, plus sides of zucchini, mint and fetta salad, charred cos with pecorino and dill, and duck fat roasted chat potatoes; and for dessert, delicious bite-size gingersnap cheesecakes, crème brulée tarts, and chocolate Frangelico waffle cups.
The catering menu is available when enquiring about accommodation/venue bookings.
We were privileged to be joined over dinner by Janelle, who led us through a tasting of several of Feathertop’s fine wines while sharing her vision and the inspiring story behind the Estate. For Janelle, sustainability is crucial; all aspects of the winery and accommodation reflect her ethos of “touching the earth lightly” – like a feather. The onsite 52kw solar array provides all the Estate’s power requirements, and the reedbed water treatment and composting ensures a closed loop waste system.
Not available in stores, Feathertop wines are sold through the Summit Cru Wine Club, which allows members exclusive access to the vineyard estate, 22 varieties of wine at the winery’s best prices and heavily discounted rates for the onsite accommodation.
Hot tip: Janelle revealed she’s planning a wine and food pairing event in Canberra in the coming months with renowned restaurateur Chef Ben Willis, which speaks volumes for the quality of Feathertop wines. Stay tuned for details.
Feathertop Winery, 6619 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah VIC 3740
T: 03 5756 2356
WHAT WE DID
One of Feathertop’s most popular optional extras is an in-house massage of your choice by the skillful and delightful Priscilla Armstrong from Bright Spa. By prior arrangement, Priscilla will bring her mobile massage service to your accommodation at the winery, transforming the poolside suite into a soothing sanctuary. Or you can book an appointment at her luxury day spa in nearby Bright, just a 10-minute drive away.
I chose the one-hour tranquility massage designed to rejuvenate while relieving stress – mission accomplished – while my companion chose the remedial massage option, which hit the spot. A second-generation massage therapist, Priscilla is expert at her craft, exuding grace and quiet confidence. Five stars.
Bright Spa, Shop 4 Riverside Walk, Bright VIC 3741
T: 0410 353 004
If you wish to do more than relax in the pool, drink fine wine, eat good food and admire the views at Feathertop, there’s a wealth of bushwalking tracks nearby, plus kayaking on the Buckland and Ovens Rivers, and cycling on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail which runs right past the front gate.
On Saturday, we drove 10km to the charming resort town of Bright where we wandered the streets, walked alongside the sparkling Ovens River where families swam and splashed, and enjoyed the easy 3.4km return Canyon Walk. On Sunday, we went bushwalking in the national park at the foothills of Mount Buffalo before driving back to Canberra.
More information
To enquire about accommodation at Feathertop Winery Private Estate, email [email protected]
To join the Summit Cru wine club or learn about the many membership benefits, email [email protected] or visit feathertopwinery.com.au/summit-cru-wine-club/
Julie Samaras stayed and dined at the Vineyard Residence as a guest of Feathertop Winery Private Estate.
