OUR CHAUFFER BUS TO OURSELVES

Yes, we were the only folk on the tour today so our first stop was at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery & Cidery.  Wow - what a place, so beautifully laid out with the winery and local other goodies (chutneys, olive oil etc) to purchase there as well as a restaurant.  The peaceful outlook over the gardens and lake watching the bird life.

Cheers to the Day!

Second stop on the tour was The Black Brewing Co. and Winery.  If I thought the Cheeky Monkey had wow factor - this was on another grandiose level I could not imagine.  We had booked here for lunch and the staff made us feel so special with a table for 2 on the deck overlooking the lake. 10/10 for the food and service here.  The establishment soon filled as the tours and families came for different reasons.  The whole area boasts over 150 wineries, many fine restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and fresh produce makers (from cheese to chocolate).

Strolled over the bridge on the right to this island garden above with glass panels in the arbour telling of the wine history from throughout the European countries.

John our driver pointed out another "Laurence of Margaret" winery across the road from where we lunched , so Wayne and I decided to stroll over and take in the atmosphere of the beautiful building and grounds.  Old wooden timbers have been used profusely throughout the building and grounds.  While I tasted some Rose' (too dry for me) 2 groups were also tasting.  One a hen's group of ladies and another a family/friends group of Indian folk.

Each one of these photos have the large old timbers that have been recycled from somewhere?

When Steve (our new driver) picked us up, he suggested we could go anywhere we wished and perhaps, if we liked port rather than beer/wine he would take us to "Gralyn Estate".  Oh yum.  Came out of there with a bottle of White Chocolate Fortifies, Chocolate ruby Fortified and a Tawny Port.  Very nice boutique winery.  From there we finished our tour calling into Margaret River Chocolate Co.  After our filling lunch Wayne thought it safe for us to call there. One starts with a spoonful of white choc., milk choc. and the dark choc. before then progressing around the ailes to look at all the different flavoured blocks, shapes (Christmas is just around the corner) of chocolate.  Soo..... enticing but we only chose a bar each and called it a day.

Whew - what an experience we have had today.  So enjoyed it all.