Recent-opened and notable product and news includes new food, wine and boutique / premium accommodation.

Food and wine products and news

White Rabbit: A new boutique brewery in Healesville

White Rabbit Brewery, located next to Giant Steps / Innocent Bystander  in Healesville’s main street, is a new brewery and the sister business of Little Creatures Dining Hall in Fitzroy. The White Rabbit cellar door and café is located right in the centre of the beer making operations, and ia a great place to sample boutique beer, watch it being made and enjoy a bite to eat. www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au

New cooking classes and vegetable garden tour commencing at Balgownie Estate

Mercure Yarra Valley Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa’s award wining Rae’s Restaurant recently welcomed new Executive Chef Stephane Le Grand. As part of a range of exciting new initiatives at Balgownie French-born Le Grand will be starting monthly cooking classes at Rae’s Restaurant (beginning in August 2009), and then in November 2009, Le Grand will share his secrets with resort and restaurant guests during a free one-hour tour of the vegetable garden every Sunday at 10am. www.balgownieestate.com.au

French chef, Antoine Cheron at Bulong Estate restaurant

A recent addition to the Yarra Valley, the restaurant at Bulong Estate has been earning raves for its remarkable French chef, Antoine Cheron. A third generation member from a family of Normandy restauranteurs, Cheron trained and worked in the prestigious kitchens of Normandy, Paris and London. Antoine brings French flair and technical expertise to the Bulong Estate restaurant, with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect available local produce matched with fine Estate wines. www.bulongestate.com.au

New boutique and premium accommodation

Gracedale Yarra Valley

Set on 42 acres nestled in front of Mt Toolebewong State Forest with uninterrupted panoramic views across the valley, Gracedale Yarra Valley is a stunning new architect designed home which opened in January 2009 and offers contemporary accommodation in the heart of the Yarra Valley. www.gracedaleyarravalley.com.au

3 Kings Bed and Breakfast

Nestled high in the picturesque Yarra Valley, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, 3 Kings Bed and Breakfast offers spacious, newly created apartments that feature the latest in luxury accommodation, including: open gas log fire, double spa bath, state-of-the-art home entertainment system,  large master bedroom with king beds, a fully appointed kitchen with coffee machine, opening out to a private outdoor deck with magnificent views. www.3kingsbnb.com.au