Issue 40 - Bendigo Magazine | 107

PETIT PIXEL

HEATHCOTEThere’s something about Heathcote and the landscape that surrounds. The rocky outcrops and the gullies resting deep in the shade – my mind wanders to mysteries like Picnic at Hanging Rock and the like. It intrigues me.Writer: Petit Pixel

For that reason I decided what better way to while away a sunny afternoon with a friend than just driving for the sake of it. Taking random turn-offs down dirt roads on our way. It didn’t hurt that there was a winery visit on the cards, followed by dinner at the Willow Room. We just felt like a wander, and wander we did.

A stone’s throw from Bendigo or about an hour from Melbourne will find you in the centre of a streetscape with many an architectural nod to Heathcote’s history in the Gold Rush era. I’m already picturing it as it used to be. Tents pitched along the river, the population swelling to 35,000 and the township accommodating up 22 hotels and, as legend has it, a bacon factory.

I love that there are little plaques explaining the significance of various buildings – it suits a curious mind. I’ve since used the official website and information centre to brush up on my local history in the hope of finding a mystery to rival Hanging Rock but nothing uncovered as yet. Maybe I need to drop into the pub and find a local with a yarn of yesteryear to tell.

In the meantime, I’m loving the beautifully old Government Surveyors Office with it’s peeling paint and gentle lean…and wonder if Miss Havisham might be precariously perched behind the window on the upper level watching us walking by.

It’s worth noting that if you happen to be in this neck of the woods for an event

like Heathcote on Show – the main street becomes a hive of entertainment including markets, live music and kids activities. On top of all this, many restaurants, cafes and wineries either have their gourmet produce available right in the centre of town, or host tastings, classes and other events at various locations nearby. It also has to be said, there’s a classic country bakery or two just waiting for a visit no matter when you’re passing through town.

But, with Heathcote most well known for its wineries, we continue through the main thoroughfare and out the other side, absolutely spoiled for choice as for where to stop and take in a glass or two. For this reason, it would hold you in good stead to collect a list from their website to make sure you don’t miss must-visit cellar doors or winery tours.

On this particular Saturday afternoon, we were meandering down the driveway of Merindoc Wines, which you’ll also find in The Age Good Food & Wine guide for 2015 – not to mention being on the receiving end of a Star Cellar Door award by Gourmet Traveller last year too.

We’ve come just at the right time, with the sun hitting that gorgeous golden hour of the afternoon, the leaves on their vines translucent and speckled with dainty veins. We do a lap on foot, taking in the sweeping hills and stately trees that have no doubt seen many a hand picked harvest come and go at this third-generation winery.

on show

PETIT PIXEL

The granite soils and climate serve the vineyard well. A wombat resting on a boulder with his toes stretched towards the sky with an air of playfulness blends in with wine barrels and a outdoor fireplace hewn of stone. The air has just the right amount of crispness creeping in at the edges and we’re delighted to discover a crackling fire under way inside. Before long we’re grazing our way through a fruit and cheese platter that complements our wines beautifully as conversation drifts back and forth, the sun leaning lazily towards the horizon. If you’re keen to take the Merindoc experience with you, in addition to the wine there’s house-made goodies such as jams, quince paste, tapenade and dukkah…sounds like the making of a gorgeous picnic basket if you ask me.

Vowing to return again for lunch, we head back towards the township of Heathcote, the squawking of galahs as our backing vocals. I take another winding dirt road to see if I can find The Hut on a Hill – local accommodation I’ve had my eye on for awhile. But it lives up to it’s reputation of complete seclusion as we only manage to spot the front gate and a long driveway. Guests no doubt well and truly enjoying their country escape among the hills somewhere out there. We make another quick stop on the outskirts of town at Secondhand and Such antique store because I can never resist the idea that there’s

probably an epic find just waiting to be discovered by yours truly.

Finally we pull up, back in town, at The Willow Room – a restaurant that takes advantage of the beautiful wine and produce of the region in which it is nestled. With another cracking fireplace and intimate dining room…we’re feeling deliciously cosy as we choose from a seasonally influenced menu. With feasting style shared options for larger groups, and a good old fashioned country steak and shiraz combination on Thursday nights, the Willow Room has everyone covered. I’m delighted, to discover a dedicated dessert menu which, to me, is always icing on the cake of a dining experience. After a long afternoon of wandering (which, let’s face it, was mostly cheese tasting and wine sampling) we’re enjoying resting our feet and letting the staff take good care of us. Time flies when you’re enjoying hearty country fare. The best part is, if you’re from Bendigo, it’s only a hop, step and a short north-west drive before you’re home and tucked up in bed…dreaming of your day exploring the beautiful hillsides of Heathcote.

For more information about Heathcote, visit http://www.heathcote.org.au/

You’ll find Merindoc Vineyard on the Lancefield Tooborac Road, and The Willow Room at 187 High Street in Heathcote. For more links & photos visit www.petitpixeldesign.com/bendigomag ■