For some of you it has just been a few days since we spoke last, we would have met at the Lifestyle Market at Federation Square last weekend. Thank you for stopping by for a chat: we had visitors from Narrabri, New Zealand, the Yarra Valley, Mooroolbark, China, Bacchus Marsh, Lilydale, Melbourne and suburbs, and Perth; just to name a few.

The wines from Yileena Park winery went to Erin Davidson, who works right in the heart of Melbourne. She is very excited to be receiving Bob’s new release 2003 Cabernet Merlot blend. Thanks, Bob and Dianne. I do hope everyone who received the little tea light candles have been enjoying some unwinding moments by their light. Dawn at Emerald Emu Candles in Bright makes them all by hand: she pours them, sometimes at one in the morning, using the best soy wax and long lasting wicks. Thanks Dawn, we love their beautiful fragrance. Some others of us are up all night too: my son, Chris, has a new addition to his little family. She is a lively Jack Russell, and those puppy training moments are filling Chris’ and Nadia’s life with new parent wearing hours and with loads of fun as she grows and develops her character. They named her ‘Target’, as they are into archery. We suggested other names such as ‘Aimee’, but Target has stuck. She has already learned to retrieve arrows and sits in between Chris’s size 12 feet while he takes his next round of shots.

Guests from all over the world visiting the Yarra Valley and North East of Victoria are enjoying Driven Indulgence’s private tours. Taking as much time as they indeed like to taste and choose unique wines take to home with them, all the while enjoying hearing stories from winemakers and cellar door wine enthusiasts. Gorgeous views from every location are taken in by guests loving the escape from big cities such as New York, Melbourne and Sydney. They just kind of breathe in deep and relax.

We are looking forward to the warm spring to show off the best our valleys have to offer to new and familiar guests, who have now become friends and acquaintences along the way. The trees are already out in flower, it won’t be long before the trees will have their leaves again and the vines will be popping with the hope of a better year than 09 produced for weary wine producers. We have the Melba Festival coming up on September 11-13. http://melbafestival.com.au