Scotch College

A walk to build a dream on

It was a walk to build a dream on – brilliant, sunny weather, an enjoyable stroll through a verdant countryside, great wines to taste, and a magnificent meal. What more could one want?

The Old Scotch Bushwalking Club’s annual winery walk in the Yarra Valley on Sunday 22 October began at Tokar Estate. The 45-strong party then walked about four kilometres in the sunshine to Riverstone Estate for tastings, including an enjoyable 2006 sauvignon blanc and a fruity ’05 chardonnay.

Then it was on to Dominique Portet, three kilometres away, where Dominique himself (who’s had three boys at Scotch) presented among others his ’06 sauvignon blanc, ‘06 Fontaine rose and ’03 Heathcote shiraz.

The sun was getting warmer and the walkers more mellow. Fortunately it was just a one kilometre hop back to Tokar Estate and a lunch which would please even the most jaded palate. A superb antipasto platter preceded a choice of fish, chicken or veal, all washed down with Tokar’s choice 2000 Joie de Vie champagne, and a range of other wines including a very special ’03 pinot noir and a shiraz from the same vintage.

Club members voted this the best winery walk yet, and right up there among the best walks the club has ever had. Graham and Sue Stanley are to be commended for planning and executing a day to savour and remember.