Wangaratta - day 3

No fog this morning. Just beautiful clear blue skies. I went for a walk after breakfast as our day ahead was focused on the Milawa Gourmet Trail. Along the route I took, past the Merriwa Park, was this quaint sculpture; the bass drum had Tin Kan 2 written on it.

Sculpture created for the Wangaratta Jazz Festival

Away promptly once again at 9am we were headed for the Milawa district which has a deserved reputation for food and wine. First stop was the olive grove where we were informed about the growing and processing of olives for making oil. No-one will be buying “Pure Olive Oil” again. Everyone left loaded with brown paper bags full of goodies. This was also where we had our morning cuppa.

Then it was on to the cheese factory. Being such a large group we enjoyed a talk by the owner of the business. She explained about their background and also about the cheeses which were laid out on platters for us to enjoy. This time there were no paper bags, they very kindly packed all the cheese up in an esky with some ice bricks which was stored in the bus luggage compartment for the rest of the day (each package with our name on it).

Local Milawa shops including Maddison Cafe our lunch stop

After a shorter stop at the mustard shop (lots more paper bags on exit) we enjoyed a lovely sandwich lunch once again in a local café.

Brown Brothers wines was just a short drive up the road and we spent a very pleasant hour or so with a guide. We learned about the establishment of this family owned and operated business (since 1857) followed by our tasting experience. No brown paper bags here – just boxes containing varying numbers of bottles!!!!

The day was rounded off with a visit to a sock factory located back in Wangaratta. What an enterprising business – not just socks but beautiful sheepskin moccasins and garden ornaments, all made with care and attention on the premises (except for some of the finishing which is undertaken by local women in their homes).  This city has many such businesses still trying to keep their enterprise afloat - we are very pleased to be able to make a small contribution to their community.

Everyone is thoroughly enjoying their time here. The accommodation is great, no complaints, the food is super and each day is carefully thought out. Tomorrow we head for Beechworth which is promising to be another terrific day.