Lerida Estate Winery Lunch

16 February 2025 / Author: Cathy and Simon Trickett - Photos: Cathy and Simon Trickett

Our first run as leaders, and the Bureau of Meteorology forecast induced some stress, with heavy rain and large hail expected through the morning and afternoon. However, it turned out to be a less than accurate forecast (thank goodness).

19 members in 12 cars met early at the Two Before Ten cafe at Denman Prospect for coffee etc before heading off under sunny blue skies. The run down to Uriarra Crossing was a relaxed affair with only a small number of lycra clad fauna on the road. These were successfully avoided and once we passed the crossing, we barely saw another soul until Yass.

Mountain Creek Road, whilst not the twistiest of roads, is one of our favourites due to the scenery and the picturesque homestead near a single lane bridge that crosses Ledgers Creek. It feels far removed from suburbia which is only 25 minutes away. The only thing to avoid today was the large volume of tree litter that had fallen on the road following storms earlier in the week. Regrouping at the next intersection, we took a right turn onto Wee Jasper Road. Taemas Bridge is always a highlight, although the low water level of the Murrumbidgee River wasn’t what we expected given the rain we’ve been having. Those amongst us who were looking for twists and turns would have been delighted with the climb out of the valley from Taemas Bridge up to the plateau that would eventually take us to Yass.

We picked up an extra MX5 as we left Yass, and then headed in an orderly fashion along the Barton Highway to Murrumbateman for a ‘convenience’ stop at the show ground. The popular Murrumbateman markets were on but there was still plenty of parking available. Leaving the show grounds we quickly left the highway to get onto Murrumbateman Road. An easy stretch of road that would eventually lead us to Shingle Hill Way and the Federal Highway. Before arriving at our destination were we able to take in the view of the almost full Lake George with the wind turbines on the far side as a backdrop.

Another three members were waiting to join us as we drove into Lerida Estate Winery. Parking was easy (although the gravel driveway was a bit like the Grand Canyon in places and would have been interesting had it been raining!) and we almost managed to get all our cars parked in one row.

As part of the visit a wine tasting had been arranged. This encompassed many wines, starting with a Prosecco, though the whites, reds and finishing with a dessert wine. A broad selection of varieties was served to suit all tastes. Lunch was excellent with a selection meats, cheese, olives, garlic bread and chips. The baked Brie topped with walnuts was a firm favourite. There was plenty of chatting and laughter. Fortunately the other patrons were seated outdoors so they weren’t drowned out by the ‘loud’ MX5 group!

As to the tour, it was an abridged version as an even larger group had taken over the main production area of the winery. Maybe next time...

After the tour, members departed in their own time, some opting to stay and try the desserts, others to buy some of the wine. We were in the latter group and ended up with some Prosecco to enjoy later at home.

A fun day was had by all and from our perspective, as first time run leaders, the rare feat of avoiding any u-turns, arriving at the venue on time, and without losing anyone along the way, has set a high bar for our future runs!