This is your new favourite brewery! This local little secret is a cosy little brewery tucked away…read morein Ferntree Gully brewing delicious beers! Specialising in Belgium style Sour Beers with the option of adding their homemade fruit syrups...Even non-beer drinkers love their beer :) The owners/brewers are all lovely, welcoming and make the place an extra special experience! Definitely head down for some lovely fresh craft beer!!!

Only a few months old at time of writing, Napoleone Ciderhouse seemingly sprung up from nowhere -…read moredespite frequent visits to the Valley it simply wasn't on my radar. We were headed to Punt Road Wines to sample some Napoleone Cider, so you can imagine our surprise to find they've spun off with a great place of their own next door. We must have been the last to find out about this place though, as it was packed on a pretty dreary and rainy summer weekday for lunch. We had just eaten (and cursed ourselves for that!) but set up at the bar with a tasting paddle - important to note they do many delicious beers as well as their fantastically crisp and dry ciders. Will become a must-stop for every future trip out to the Valley I'd say!

Tired of just wine tasting in the Yarra Valley? Then you have to check out Naoleone Brewery and…read moreCiderhouse where you can do both cIder and beer tasting. Good variety to try and definitely some very different tastes. Didn't try the food at the restaurant but I'd hazard that it would be delish.

Hidden in an industrial estate in Braeside, miles from anywhere, is this hidden gem. The brewery…read morebar serving their beers brewed across the road has plenty of tap and bottled beers on offer. I went for the Hop Bomb, a great west coast US style IPA and a delicious spiced dark saison. Unfortunately I was driving so could only sample the 2 pots but would have loved to try the barrel aged stout. Just means I'll have to come back! The bar is only open from 4pm on Fridays and from midday on the weekends. I'm surprised they don't at lunchtime on Fridays as it was very busy at 4.30 when I visited. They have a smoker or barbecue out front which looked tempting. There is food available but I didn't try any during my fleeting visit. Loved the vibe of the place; very laid back. Bar staff friendly and knowledgeable about their beers. The place has beer barrels on racks against the wall and makes you feel like you're in a brewery setting and not just a bar. Will definitely be going back!

Where is Braeside? This is the question people are going to ask if you invite them to meet you at…read moreBoatrocker Brewery. The answer is probably a $50 Uber ride from wherever you are, but it is indeed worth it. A converted workshop lined with all manner of oak barrels, it's really not a place you go for ambience. Instead, it is a place to go get unique, unusual beers served by friendly brewers who will chat you up about beer, BBQ, and pretzels. What more could you possibly want? As I am partial to sours, farmhouse ales, and saisons, this place is seriously my beat. But, they also offer some whisky barrel aged stouts, which could come in handy over the long Melbourne winters. Their IPAs and pale ales are also of a pretty high standard. There is not a lot on offer food-wise, except some excellent german-style pretzels (served cold, unfortunately) and a cheese board. But, seeing as how BBQ is both standard beer food and super trendy right now, they will have the smoker up and running soon. Hey boys, I really think you should give tri-tip a go. Certainly, I will be back. That was never in question.

During a recent trip to Australia, we had the pleasure of doing a special tasting with James at…read moreGiant Steps. As a fan of Pinot Noir and liking Chardonnay that is not heavily oaked, I loved all of the wines. We were treated to 3 single-vineyard tastes each of both varietals. We ended up taking back a whole mixed case to California. Thank you, James!

I've been a fan of Giant Steps since they first started making wine over 11 years ago, long before…read morethey created this terrific cellar door experience. These kids are clever. They know how to make delicious wine and have two ranges pitched at slightly different markets - The IB range pitched slightly younger or for what I like to call "Tuesday night drinking" and the Giant Steps which is high end, special drinking and what I like to call "stash it away for later" kind of wine. Each range offers terrific value and you can try both when you visit the cellar door, though the GS tasting will set you back a tasting fee of $10. On top of great wine, these kids know how to cook (pizza, shared-dishes) and know that to keep people happy you should keep them fulfilled with coffee (they roast their own), cheese (the have an amazing selection) and sweet treats (check out their take-home cake and pastry section). It's a massive venue, but don't go assuming you can just rock up unannounced. Giant Steps is hugely popular, particularly on weekends, so do yourself and your hungry family a favour and make a reservation well ahead of arriving.

Big Pig Little Pig, A Meat Lover's Paradise…read more Such an outstanding place to go to for dinner nights out with the family due to the fact they have really kind employees who are unbelievably working hard for the great food they make throughout the whole day. Moreover, it has a very great environment setting out a vintage look for the restaurant. Furthermore, their food is so exceptional i can feel those taste buds in my mouth enjoying the meal of they're life.

Big Pig Little Pig - A Pork Lover's Paradise…read more If you're a fan of all things pork, then Big Pig Little Pig in Morabbin is a must-visit culinary destination. Located in the outer suburbs of our food loving city, this cozy and unassuming eatery is a haven for meat enthusiasts and lovers of tender, flavorful meats. Upon entering Big Pig Little Pig, the aroma of slow-cooked pork fills the air, instantly tantalizing your taste buds. The menu features an array of mouthwatering options, but the star of the show is undoubtedly their signature pulled pork. The pulled pork is Big Pig Little Pig's specialty, and it doesn't disappoint. The dish gives way to succulent layers of tender pork, seasoned to perfection with fragrant herbs and spices. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with the richness of the meat complemented by a balanced combination of seasonings. For those who prefer a bit of beef, the beef brisker is a must-try. The smoky and tender brisket is slow cooked and the bark is chewy in a good way and full of flavour and smoke. The combination of flavors and textures is a delight for your taste buds, leaving you wanting more with every bite. The menu at Big Pig Little Pig also offers a range of delicious sides to accompany your pork-centric feast. The coleslaw is creamy, tangy and the perfect dish to offset the savoury meat and the potato salad will leave you wanting more and if you're a fan of mac and cheese, their creamy and indulgent version will leave you in cheese-lover's heaven. To top off your meal, make sure to try one of their decadent desserts. The choc cherry brownie is a sinful treat, combining the richness of dark chocolate with the fruitiness of cherry and a scoop or two of indulgent Cherry Ripe Ice Cream. The friendly and attentive staff at Big Pig Little Pig add to the overall experience, providing excellent service and sharing their knowledge and passion for all things pork. Whether you're a seasoned pork lover or simply curious to explore the flavors of high-quality, expertly-prepared meats, this hidden gem in Melbourne will not disappoint. They also offer an option for their vegetarian and vegan clientele. The Bean Chilli Cheese Fries sound like an awesome side dish to go along with the Vegan Cheeseburger. In conclusion, Big Pig Little Pig is a haven for meat enthusiasts and non meat enthusiasts alike, offering a variety of tantalizing dishes that showcase the succulent flavors of slow-cooked and perfectly seasoned dishes. With its cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and unforgettable flavors, a visit to this Melbourne eatery is an experience that you won't soon forget.

Always a pleasure to dine here. Staff are awesome, food is delicious and cider is the best in the…read morecountry (hit up the seasonal ciders or the rose cider.) Cocktails are a firm favourite (hello Fuzzy Leprechaun). Highly recommend.

All of the ciders that we tried where beautiful, sadly they did not have the mojito cider in sock,…read morewhich is what we where looking forward to most. I heard it is one of there house favourites. The bees-knees cider and apple crumble cider was unlike anything I have tried before and it was a refreshing change. Good value for money with the size of the meals, there parma one of the better I have had I just wish the chicken was a little thicker. Overall all we did not leave hungry or sober.

Some days you just have to follow the sunshine, get off the beaten track and see where you land…read more Hopefully you find yourself here at The Daylesford Cidery's The Tavern. What started off as "we'll stop for 1 drink and then go climb a mountain' turned into a lazy 3hr Sunday session. Which only ended because we really had to get home. The staff here are amazingly friendly and helpful. They really know their cider and have a delicious range of locally sourced produce available. Start off with a tasting before you buy a bottle or two. With four distinct varieties it's best to try before you buy. The Tavern area itself is a quaint barn/church hall style building. Big comfy couches, warming rugs and a lot of blue stone. The outdoor area has half a dozen tables and a pizza oven. As well as two very friendly dogs. We'll be back again in winter to sit by the wood fire and drink our cares away.

Perfect spot for a chilled out cider by the fire. Met the new owners, British Claire and her Aussie…read moreboyfriend Macky who makes the cider. The surrounds remind me of many English pubs I've visited in the Cotswolds. Claire served us simple but fresh, tasty and local soups she made (spiced pumpkin and chicken&leek), coupled with handmade soughdough bread. Macky built us a fire and chatted about the 18 different varieties of apples used in the 4 different ciders they produce on site. Just brilliant - go!!!

Drop in! The lads have done an excellent job of showcasing their brewing talents, allowing the…read morepunter to almost touch the brewing process from comfort of the eclectic armchairs and mish-mash furniture. Today the lads are bottling. Having the sounds of the bottling going on whilst enjoying some fine beer really does make for a wholesome brewery experience. Add to that the warm welcome by the brewers who come from the brew floor to pour the punter a beer.

Fantastic light ambience, terrific service by Hannah and Nick, and delicious crunchy hot chips,…read moreburgers , steaks and pizzas. Great for families, groups and even just a couple for a lazy afternoon. Tours occur on both Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 sharp.

One thing is for sure, Stomping Ground has definitely improved since they first opened…read more I first checked them out when they just had opened up, and I couldn't believe it, but I was disappointed. In the beer options and the choice of food available. Nothing said this is a place for craft beer. Lucky thing that since then, the times have changed. Stomping Ground grew up and learned how to 'Walk this Way.' On my most recent visit, I was flabbergasted to look over the menu. Wow now there are food options that are perfect to compliment their tasty beer. And which beer you may think? That's okay, they have two pre-set paddle choices. One for a beer snob, the other for a beer-beginner. Both provide you with a good introduction to the beers of Stomping Ground. It's always been a great space. It's open, there are shared tables and a high ceiling- giving you those industrial feels. There's also bar side, with even more tables under a glass ceiling- it opens up during summer time and is the place to go and enjoy the beer and the atmosphere. And (if this applies to you) there's a play house area for the kiddies to muck around. The owners are the guys who put on GABS -so they know a thing or two about beer. You should also check out their St. Kilda pub, The Local Taphouse.

What an amazing host and place to chill with friends. The staff are brilliant and encompassing- the…read morebeers are tasty and a selection for all- the food was delicious and a perfect accompaniment to our beers. For the non beer lover there is a most delicious cider! Great place- highly recommend.

From the owner: Good beer. Good place to drink good beer.read more