australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
THE VINEYARDS AT TUILERIES
RUTHERGLEN
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The Rutherglen region has produced award-winning wines for decades, and the first vines were planted not long after the Gold rush of the 1850s. But it wasn’t until a decade ago that the accommodation and food side of things caught up. Tony Lamb spotted neglected, historic wine cellars on the edge of this pretty goldfield-turned-wine town, and his vision of blending a luxurious retreat with fine dining was brought to fruition. Today it is one of the best retreats in Victoria’s bountiful north-east wine region.
Tuileries’ twelve Vineyards guestrooms, including the newest four, are all superbly luxurious. Each room is individually themed, identically spacious and has a king-size bed (or king singles), gleaming spa bathrooms, air-conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee, and a broad deck overlooking - as the name suggests - an established vineyard. High quality furnishings and artistic decor define individual rooms. Four two-bedroom suites have separate lounge, spa bathroom, kitchenette, and face a small olive grove. Whichever room is chosen, guests have every luxury including the most indulgent one - room service. Swim it off in Tuileries heated pool, play a set of tennis, or simply take a stroll along Rutherglen’s lengthy main street. Full cooked breakfast, a la carte, is served in Tuileries cafe from 8am.
Tuileries’ restaurant features modern Australian cuisine, and while there’s some delicious competition in Rutherglen these days, the team of qualified chefs here turn out consistently excellent food. A wine buffet of features several different local wines for diners to try by the glass. For lunch, the sunny courtyard café has plenty on offer, but do – whatever else you’re here for – head for the wineries because there are some seriously good red and fortified wines made in the region. A new conference centre has opened in one of the historic winery buildings, and dotted around the various buildings are glass cases containing Tony's impressive collection of.large-scale historic ships.
I've visited Tuileries several times since the first five guest rooms were completed, my last review in May 2007, and have no hesitation in recommending a stay here. Host Tony Lamb's hard work has won continued accolades from many quarters. Top marks for bed and breakfast value, too.
WHERE: Drummond Street, Rutherglen; 270km from Melbourne via Hume Freeway, about three hours drive.
HOW MUCH: Rates from $165 per room for bed and full breakfast. Restaurant and cafe open all week.
CONTACT: Phone (02) 6032 9033
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED