Yesterday my man and I visited the gorgeous Millbrook Winery located in the historic town of Jarrahdale, sixty minutes south-east of Perth, Western Australia. Rolling hills and jarrah forests, the picturesque Chestnut Farm, on which the winery is situated, dates back to the nineteenth century when the original owner planted an orchard and the first grapevines in 1860.

We were lucky enough to be shown the wine making process by assistant wine maker and my Californian friend Jesse. He calls himself a glorified janitor but that he is not. Does he not realise the joy he brings people with the delicious wine he makes?

From the words of Dionysus, the god of wine and frivolity:

"If you take wine away, love will die, and every other source of human joy will follow.”

― Euripides, Bacchae (Translated by Paul Woodruff)

Then comes the food...

Millbrook Winery offers a "from the property" menu to complement its award-winning wines. The menu changes with the seasons to utilise over 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables grown and handpicked daily from their one acre garden. Stone fruit, citrus, figs, apples, herbs, free-range eggs, olives and honey are also sourced from the estate.

Wanting to have a taste of a few things on the menu we decided to order the share plate ($39). It came with vegetarian bruschetta, braised lamb shoulder and crab stuffed zucchini flowers. As a side we ordered a garden salad with ingredients from their garden ($10). I had a glass of Millbrook 2012 Great Southern Riesling ($9). For dessert we shared donuts with apple sauce, candied walnuts and ice-cream ($16). A truly delicious meal!

Such a lovely outing! Perfect for day trips out of Perth as an escape from the city or a place to take visitors. I would highly recommend it.

Millbrook Winery Old Chestnut Lane Jarrahdale, Western Australia

http://www.millbrookwinery.com.au/

All images are my own.

Lei xx