Are you looking for a more authentic experience for your next holiday? Do you want to meet the locals and know their stories and learn more about the wonderful towns and produce we have in the beautiful Southern Forests Region of WA?
Experiential Journey planner and experienced Tour Escort, agent Annette Porter from Travel with Me has been working with Peter Casonato, a long time Manjimup local and owner of Donnelly River Cruises, on a series (Trilogy) of “Hidden Gems” Experiential Journeys in the Southern Forests Region. Join Annette and Pete on a unique experiential journey in this beautiful region and support the local farmers and the local businesses from around town.
The (fully inclusive) Trilogy of Gems of the Southern Forests itineraries focus on meeting the locals who run the farms and vineyards in this area. You will hear their stories about their families, their land, and their amazing produce. Guests will learn about and taste the local wine in very unique ways, like dinner cooked by a well known, local winemaker at their own home or a cheese making and wine pairing event hosted by another amazing local winemaker. We have exclusive access to areas not normally opened to the public. This behind the scenes access allows for a better understanding of the region that is fast becoming known as the food bowl of WA.
Of course there is plenty of fine food and wine to sample along the way including some private dinners with multi award winning chefs to showcase the local food and wine.
Group numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 to 14 which ensures a more personalised and exclusive experience. The aim is to leave you feeling a part of the community and to have a real understanding and appreciation of where our food comes from.
TOUR OPTIONS:
Truffles & Other Hidden Gems of the Southern Forests
A 5-day unique experience visiting primary producers in the Southern Forests Region sampling the local seasonal produce and some amazing local wines. This fully inclusive journey will introduce you to the world of truffles including a truffle hunt with superstar canine trufflers, Gidgee and Max, and finishing with a private 6 course Truffle degustation dinner with Chef Joe Ditri.
Spring Gems of the Southern Forests
The second in the Trilogy of Gems series, Spring Gems of the Southern Forests, sees the guests enjoying this beautiful region during one of the prettiest times of the year. You will be visiting the local producers and sampling some incredible wines in very unique locations including a long table lunch with a local chef held at Fontes Pool.
Highlights of this 5 day tour include a private guided tour of Bannister Downs Dairy in Northcliffe where you will take the fresh milk and enjoy a private cheese making and wine pairing workshop with one of Australia's only qualified cheese AND wine makers.
Flavours & Gems of the Southern Forests
Get ready for an explosion of flavour with the fresh summer produce and world class wines & gins. Get ready to feel connected to this awesome community in the Southern Forests where you will definitely want to return.
Highlights include: Private visit to Ampersand Estate to taste their wines and world class gins & vodkas. Visit with an heirloom farmer where you will get to pick and taste an assortment of full flavoured tomatoes. Private BBQ at Fontes Pool, featuring Crayfish and Abalone. Private Donnelly River Evening BBQ cruise with marron entree
Southern Comforts
This 7 day itinerary is the perfect way to see what the beautiful Southern Forests & Valleys has to offer. Escorted by local guides who know and love this region, you are sure to enjoy an authentic and personal experience with insider knowledge on hand throughout your journey.
Pete, Toni and Graeme will show you the very best of the region and will introduce you to the local farmers and suppliers where you will hear their stories and experience their product in truly memorable ways.
Enjoy 4 nights at the beautiful Forest Lodge Resort where you can relax surrounded by a Karri Forest and filled with local wildlife.
Rolling green hills, award winning food straight from the farms, impressive wines, friendly locals, heritage listed towns and tall trees. A fabulous mix of experiences to showcase this wonderful region of WA.