We were on the corner of Bourke Street bright and early for collection by the AAT Kings tour bus. Initially the two of us had the whole bus to ourselves – at least as far as the “Puffing Billy” train – then we boarded another coach with other tourists who had mostly booked a tour of the wildlife park. We have to admit that we were slightly disappointed that we were unable to do both tours.

When we reached the wildlife park, we were amazed to find that we were among only four people doing the wine tour. Everyone else got off the bus! The only others were two Kiwi girls in their early twenties, Jane and Marie.

Our first stop was Ferguson’s, where we were treated to a spit-roast lunch. Jane and Marie were on a tight budget, and had bought sandwiches. But it seemed a shame, there being such a small party doing the tour, so they agreed to pay a little extra and have the roast. We were given a couple of carafes of nondescript red and white wine to wash down the meal, and were feeling ‘cheerful’ by the time we got back on the bus.

Next we visited the Yerring winery, before spending a while sampling Chateau Chandon’s excellent Aussie fizz. I am ashamed to admit that neither of us can remember the name of the last winery that we visited. We poured ourselves back onto the coach (ignoring the disapproving looks from the Wildlife Park tour party), and slept all the way back to Melbourne.