But while the Balgownie name has built its reputation from those original vines planted in Bendigo during 1969, a heavenly patch of 30 hectares in the heart of the beautiful Yarra Valley is playing a key role in establishing the brand on a grander scale.

Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa sits perched on the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, a short drive from Yarra Glen.

The 4.5-star resort offers a place where you can get pampered by day and celebrate your ‘hard work’ with fine Balgownie wines and delicious food created from local produce.

Balgownie Estate is a place to put your heart into relaxation.

The Natskin Spa Retreat Is where much of the pampering takes place.

A place where mind and body are rejuvenated through a menu of options revolving around massage, facial, skin, nail and tan treatments, a steam temple and the most impressive heated hydroptherapy pool.

Natskin offers these treatments for individuals or couples and friends through specially-designed duo rooms and relaxation suites.

It’s the perfect retreat from the troubles and strife of any busy life.

The soul of any winery is the wines produced but the heart is the cellar door.

It’s here the hard work and dedication of winery staff are put to the ultimate test – tastings.

Wine tasting isn’t just about swilling and sipping your way through a menu – it’s about storytelling and that’s where staff come in.

On the day we visited Balgownie Estate, getting to the cellar door counter was an impossible dream given the number of people gathered. 

​Fear not… the staff handled the numbers with ease and managed to entertain and educate two full rows of Sunday sippers.

It was a great experience where you not only learned about the taste and values of the red and white wines but the origins of Balgownie in that Bendigo heartland.

The banter and chat surrounding the various wines in the cellar door that day created a truly pleasant atmosphere and wine tasting experience.

Yes, we did put a little hole in the cellar door stocks, too.

For me any accommodation venue is rated on two things… room and restaurant.

There’s always a little excitement associated with opening the door to see where you’re sleeping that night. 

Sure, you’ve looked at the pictures plenty during your ‘research’ but how does that really stack up to reality? Perfectly at Balgownie Estate.

Balgownie Estate offers 69 rooms and ours this night was a one bedroom spa option complete with king-size bed, kitchenette, bathroom and balcony overlooking the vineyards which make this valley so attractive.

By far the most impressive aspect of this room was the glass-encased spa bath sitting between the lounge and bathroom area – just in case an afternoon in Natskin wasn’t enough!

Pampering, relaxing and wine tasting builds an appetite and Balgownie Estate offers Rae’s Restaurant to cater for the breakfast, lunch and dinner needs of guests.

Rae’s Restaurant offers stunning views across the valley, an impressive wine list and quality food to match from a menu built around fish, meat, seafood and vegetarian options.

There’s a great range of desserts and fear not should you struggle to choose just one for there’s a signature taster plate which allows you to partake in a range of goodies.

A vital component of any rating for an accommodation venue is the staff and Balgownie Estate clearly place a high priority on choosing the right people.

The friendly and helpful nature of the staff at Balgownie Estate was one of the memorable parts of our most enjoyable stay.

Balgownie Estate won the Best Regional Accommodation Victoria category in the 2013 Tourism Accommodation Australia Awards – a worthy title indeed.

Note: Rod Case stayed at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa as an invited guest.