GT Travel Awards 2007: Best destination winery

Veteran rag traders Marc and Eva Besen have always had exceptional taste. After making their fortunes selling women’s fashion through the Sussan Corporation, they bought close to 400 hectares at one of the loveliest locations in the Yarra Valley in 1983 and began making wines – the TarraWarra Estate chardonnay and pinot noir – which now win regular accolades. Twenty years later, in 2002, the TarraWarra Museum of Art was opened, privately funded by the Besens with a charter to exhibit modern art from the mid-20th century to the present. It houses their collection of mainly Australian works, dating from the 50s, with the likes of John Olsen, Fred Williams and Albert Tucker strongly represented. Architect Allan Powell designed both the cellar door and restaurant complex and the museum, creating two strikingly modern footprints on the otherwise bucolic landscape. This is the TarraWarra experience; great wines paired with food by consultant chef Michael Lambie (Melbourne’s Taxi and Lamaro’s), exceptional art, and one of the finest settings in the valley. Judges’ comments: "Great restaurant and a stunningly designed gallery space. Even the view is framed."
TarraWarra Estate, 11 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Yarra Glen, Vic, (03) 5962 3311, www.tarrawarra.com.au.

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PHOTOGRAPHY CAROLYN YENCKEN