http://www.fergussonwinery.com.au Fergusson Winery and Restaurant is situated 55 km (or one hour's drive) from Melbourne in the unique and beautiful Yarra Valley, home to over 50 wineries and 110 vineyards. The district, which was first planted to vines in 1838, is internationally renowned for the production of premium quality table wines. The Fergusson vineyard was originally planted by the Fergusson Family in 1968. The first commercial vintage was processed in 1973 and subsequent expansion saw the addition of the restaurant in 1975. The wine sales facility opened to the general public in 1978. The vineyard is planted to classic French grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Louise Fergusson currently oversees the entire estate, which includes the vineyard, winery, Cellar Door, Australiana Shop and Restaurant. Louise Fergusson trained at the William Angliss College in Melbourne and represented Australia in the 1980 Culinary Olympics where she won a gold medal. In 1982 Louise was awarded a Victorian Foundation scholarship and travelled for two years working at some of the top provincial resorts and restaurants in England, France and Germany. These included the Ritz (London), Gidleigh Park (Devon), Pierre Orsi (Lyon), Le Canard (Hamburg) and The Aubergine (Munich). As Executive Chef at Fergusson's Louise oversees the running of the restaurant and function facilities. Louise has written her first recipe book, "The beginning and End of Cooking". The book has been extremely well received and features many of the entrees and desserts that Fergusson's have become famous for. Fergusson Winery and Restaurant are continually striving for excellence and in 1996 Fergusson's won the Victorian Tourism Award for "Best Winery" and received a Certificate of Merit for their restaurant. In 1998 Fergusson Winery and Restaurant were awarded the "Maureen McKenzie Memorial Award" for their significant contribution to the Tourism industry in the Yarra Valley, then in 1999 Fergusson Winery and Restaurant received a Certificate of Merit in the Ansett Australia Victorian Tourism Awards, Winery/Restaurant category. Along with the famous spit roast that Fergusson's are renowned for, the restaurant has introduced a selection of regional dishes prepared from the finest Yarra Valley produce with premium Fergusson Yarra Valley wines to match. The restaurant features Australian timber furniture, cathedral ceilings and large windows overlooking the picturesque vineyards. Fergusson of Yarra Glen has a 20 seat private dining room, ideal for private dinner parties, corporate meeting or seminars and an ideal location to incorporate the concept of the Master Class cuisine run by Louise Fergusson. A recent new addition to the premises includes a summer deck for more relaxed alfresco dining. Platters and coffee are available all day. Fergusson Winery is soon to introduce live music once a month on a Sunday for a relaxing afternoon's entertainment. Our newly appointed homestead is also available onsite for accommodation. This homestead is ideal for families and parties up to 10 people. Major Australian coach tour companies service Fergusson Winery. Daily luncheon tours are run which also visit the Puffing Billy steam railway and the Healesville Sanctuary native park. Fergusson's is the first winery/restaurant in the Yarra Valley to be accredited by the Victorian Wineries Tourism Council. Their continued attention to detail, fine food, fine wine and personal service will ensure that Fergusson Winery and Restaurant remains at the forefront of the Yarra Valley wine and tourism industry. Produced by Melbourne Video Production Company Spotlight Productions