Just to satisfy my olive obsession…

On a drive towards the Macedon Ranges, I went on a bit of a food adventure. First stop was in Sunbury for lunch at Pitruzzello Estate. With numerous Brown Tourist Attraction signs pointing the way to an olive vineyard, I couldn’t help but follow the road. When I saw the large gates, I knew we had reached our first destination which officially opened to the public only quite recently in February, 2010. Taking in the open space of the vineyard and stretches of green reaching out into the mountains, this place sure was a breath of fresh air. With rows of vines travelling as far as the eye can see and an adorable gazebo along the entrance, I couldn’t resist taking a few happy snaps. This picturesque environment would make a great venue for any function.

Upon arrival I was pleased to find that the cellar door was part of the restaurant so we could get up and taste some of Pitruzzello’s own wines to decide which would best compliment our meals. I enjoy a sweet Moscato myself, and this one had a very smooth texture that slid down with ease on every taste. Even more so to my delight, we received a plate of olives and bread with olive oil drizzled on top (the olives and olive oil both produced by Pitruzzello of course) to start off the meal.  For lunch itself, we ordered 2 share dishes - the antipasto platter and a pizza with prosciutto, boccaccini and rocket. Highlights on the antipasto platter would have to be the olives (yes, there’s no denying that one) and the pickled vegetables which were also drizzled the Estate’s very own extra virgin olive oil, a gold and silver winner at the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards for 2008 & 2010. The flavour combinations in the pizza were also great, with the salt from the prosciutto and the rocket to add a fresh, cool touch.

The counter provides a variety of products to buy from the Estate including wines, olives, olive oil and even body lotions. I’ve already decided on going for a drive to this place the next time I need a good bottle to compliment my meal!

For our next stop, we continued our drive to Woodend for dessert where we stopped at a bakery which we have heard much talk about. If you haven’t heard about this busy corner location, Bourkie’s Bakery is definitely worth checking out. Make sure to take a ticket for service on entry as this place attracts quite a crowd and with their numerous awards including 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes on various occasions in the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, there’s no surprise why!  

We grabbed coffees and teas at Bourkie’s along with an apple slice and then bag of goodies to take home including… yes their famous vanilla slice! There is certainly no doubt why this treat has won so many awards, with its smooth filling that melts in your mouth it sure justifies why you see trays and trays constantly brought out as you wait!