Boyntons Feathertop Winery – Porepunkah VIC

In 1989, Kel Boynton established a family owned winery in the beautiful town of Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Alpine Region. The winery is now aptly named “Feathertop” after the nearby mountain which is a commanding feature in this Alpine region. Mt Feathertop has been attributed to sheltering the valley and influencing the air currents in the region. It also has had an impact on the rich soil structure in which the grapes are grown, as well as providing fresh Alpine spring water for the vineyard.

“Like all great success stories, the story of the birth of Boynton’s Feathertop Winery is filled with passion, adventure, disappointment and fear but above all strength, determination and an individuals belief in his dream despite the odds.”
“Feathertop Wines captures the essences of nature and the beauty and crispness of the Alpine Valleys which surround the wine” (from the Feathertop Wines website)

Kel & Janelle Boynton have a Wine Club called “Summit Cru” which I am a member of.  Each quarter I receive a dozen of Kel’s selected wines ~ which I always look forward to!

Below are a few photos I’ve taken from autumn and summer at Feathertop.   I have the first autumn photo “Bright Red Path” printed on extra large canvas in my lounge room, which I love.

The last photo in the set I named “Feathertop” and is one of my favourites as the wispy clouds look like feathers above the “Feathertop” vineyard.

Bright Path

Vine Lines

Boyntons Vineyard

Feathertop

Feathertop Wines is located at 6619 Great Alpine Road, Porpunkah, VIC.  If you are in the area, make sure you stop in to the cellar door and try their wonderful wines.

Victoria’s Alpine Region (Summer) – Landscape Photography

Wild flowers come to life in Victoria’s Alpine Region during summer.

During certain times, fields are covered in them, depending on the weather conditions. This year I didn’t see endless fields, but there were plenty of flowers on show displaying their vibrant colours and hardiness.

The mountains have many tracks for four wheel drivers to attempt, and many winding roads. Mountains and valleys dominate the land in this region always provide spectacular views.

This year, the stark white trees were a reminder of the terrible bush fires that the region is prone too. But the beautiful wild flowers and new growth provided a reminder that the cycle continues and the local flora and fauna was returning.

During summer, venturing up to the peak of Mt Buffalo at sunset is definitely worth the drive. Approximately 1 hour from Porepunkah, the lookout at The Horn Picnic Area has breathtaking views. You can just sit back and watch in amazement as the sun goes down behind the ranges, colouring the sky and exposing the sheer grandeur of the region. Layers and layers of ranges can be seen in shadow.

During twilight, a walk up to The Horn is something special. At 1700m, The Horn is the highest peak at Mt Buffalo. A popular spot for rock climbers, it also offers magnificent views both during the day and at night. Make sure you bring a torch and you’re not afraid of bats or moths !

Mt Buffalo offers so much for outdoor enthusiasts. The air is fresh and the steep rising granite cliffs, grand. Wildflowers flourish in amongst the snow gums.

At dawn and dusk, keep your eye out for native animals such as wombats, wallabies and lyrebirds. With over 90km of walking tracks, summer is a great time to get outdoors and trek. Mountain biking, canoeing and swimming are just a few of many other activities on offer during the warmer months, see www.parksweb.vic.gov.au for more information.

Tumbling waterfalls aren’t as prevalent in summer, but it makes for ease of access across Eurobin Creek at the base of the mountain.

Accommodation is scattered all throughout the region and there are plenty of places to choose from depending on your budget. This summer, my family stayed at Ted’s High Country Lavendar Farm.

Purple covers the ground and it’s a perfect location for both couples and families. Set on a few acres, the farm offers a great getaway as well as plenty of room for kids to get up to mischief and get to know the local animals like Ted’s donkeys, chickens and sheep to name a few.

Consisting of four river basins or valleys, created by the Ovens, Buffalo, Buckland and Kiewa rivers, this region’s high altitude, hot summer days and cool nights allow its small vineyards to make distinctive wines (sourced from www.visitvictoria.com).

Wineries in the region are a perfect place to have a delicious lunch and try many of the fabulous wines on offer from the region.

During summer, Feathertop Winery’s cafe is open and offers a wonderful selection of local produce for lunch, as well as fantastic wine.

And on your return journey…keep an eye out for the never ending views, or even just interesting yards !

Autumn in Bright – Landscape Photography

There is nothing like Autumn in Bright, Victoria.

Bright is just one of those places that you have to see to believe in autumn.
The deciduous trees leaves turn to vibrant red and yellow in this gorgeous old town in Victoria’s alpine region.

Autumn brings many to the region to see the landscape and enjoy the seasonal festivities such as the Bright Autumn Festival.

The town has a buzz about it which the colours seem to enhance.

There is plenty to do and see around the region.


A great place for families to visit is the Buckland Valley Alpaca Farm. The farm offers talks and tours, and kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful and inquisitive animals. You can enjoy a locally roasted coffee during the afternoon on the farm and browse or purchase some of their alpaca fleece products.

Wine lovers can enjoy touring and tasting the exquisite wines from the King Valley and Alpine Valley region. Autumn offers amazing views and scenes from the wineries, as well as a perfect place to have alfresco lunches.

King Valley wineries include the well known Brown Brothers, through to smaller plantings which also welcome visitors to their cellar door. Italian red wine varietals, such as sangiovese, nebbiolo and barbera flourishes in the region.

Alpine Valleys region produce mainly chardonnay and pinot noir. The region’s high altitude, hot summers days and cool nights allow its small vineyards to make beautiful, distinctive wines.

The town offers so much, anything from shopping, dining and picnics. There is no shortage of accommodation or dining options, something for every mood.

Ovens river runs through Bright. In the summer the water hole is a popular spot for swimming, in autumn it is a wonderful location for a family picnic, with a large park, local wildlife and beautiful autumn views.

Beer connoisseurs will love the local brewery, Bright Brewery. The brewery use fresh mountain water, quality ingredients and craft brewing techniques to brew their trademark “MountainCrafted” beer.

In the heart of Bright, right next to the water hole and park, it’s a great spot to have a beer and relax.