This was my first venture into solo travel and what a fantastic experience it turned out to be.
After leaving Perth on a private bus the group of 10 women, escorted by Annette Porter personally, headed down the Kwinana Freeway on a four day adventure to learn about, explore, experience and taste the wonders of our great southwest.
The organisation of this trip was superb and the accommodation at Wildwood Valley and Cottages on Wildwood Road, was enjoyed by all. We had the whole of the B&B to ourselves with both twin share and private rooms available with ensuites.
The trip was all inclusive, with all meals provided, extra tours covered , an afternoon tea included, a degustation lunch at Cape Mentelle, the full day ‘mad about food Italian cooking school’ and a final 3 course dinner at The Studio in Yallingup.
The intinerary covered the following:
1st day toured down with a private wine tasting/education experience held at Wildwood on the first night followed by getting to know our fellow travellers over a gourmet 3 course dinner prepared by Sioban from Wildwood.
2nd day – following a leisurely breakfast, we commenced our ‘mad about food cooking school’ at Wildwood sitting around the huge kitchen table, enjoying listening to Sioban as she instructed us in the preparation of some 6 dishes which were enjoyed late in the afternoon, together with the wine we had purchased the previous night.
3rd day – today we were spoilt again with a very well organised tour of the Margaret River township, a vineyard tour, followed by an amazing degustation lunch at Cape Mentelle where we were educated in the compatability or contradiction of wines and food. This was followed by an outstanding afternoon tea at Voyager Estate and then an absolute amazing three course dinner at The Studio in Yallingup on our final night.
4th day – today we all reluctantly packed up and said goodbye to Wildwood, prior to heading off to view some of the amazing wildflowers along the way to the Olive Oil/Soap factory and then driving back up to the Ferguson Valley for lunch and then onto Perth.
This tour was organised beautifully by Annette Porter, who planned it with just the right number of participants, priced it appropriately and made my first trip away with TWMe an absolute pleasure. There was nothing for me to do, but kick back, meet and enjoy the company of new friends, learn about wine and food and most of all – relax.
Barbie