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A cabin escape at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in Western Victoria could not have come at a better time. The lead up to the end of the year has been manic. We haven’t even reached the festive season yet and I feel the stress mounting. With full-time work, a part-time blog, and a somewhat humming social schedule, life can easily become more manic than manageable.

So when I was approached to have a two-day retreat in a cabin off the grid, I jumped at the opportunity. It was just myself, my husband, books, wine and nothing but time on our hands. It was glorious.

The Cabin

The cabin is situated in a removed corner of the Blue Pyrenees Estate winery property catering to city folk who wish to swap their bustling life for a few days of relaxation. The simple yet sophisticated cabin has a gloriously comfortable bed, indoor and outdoor kitchens, mini fridge with enough space to hold two-days worth of food, a composting toilet and waterfall shower head. It’s everything you need for an off-the-grid sustainable stay.

The Winery

Before discovering Blue Pyrenees Estate through a social campaign (here and here), I had no clue Australia had our very own slice of France. The area was named Pyrenees by explorer Thomas Mitchell on his 1836 journey of exploration, as it reminded him of the Pyrenees in Europe.

Blue Pyrenees Estate covers 150 hectares of vineyards on the edge of a State forest, bordered by the Pyrenees mountain range, about seven kilometres out of the township of Avoca in Victoria. Each of the many awards and trophies their vineyard has won speaks to the quality of Blue Pyrenees wine.

Their sparkling wine is made following the “methode traditionnelle” system and while the process is relatively expensive & time consuming, the finished product is worth it. It’s not only the sparkling that is world class, their other varieties are also incredible.

Blue Pyrenees Estate is only a five minute drive or a short 25 minute walk up to the Blue Pyrenees cellar door and cafe from the cabin. Easily accessible, you can re-enter civilisation if you wish. While there are a few of their wines available to purchase within the cabin, with a wine tasting you can sample all the joys their wines have to offer.

We signed up to their Wine Club and with the next delivery happening in December, it’s just in time for the festive season.

November Sun

On November, 17th 2018 Blue Pyrenees is hosting November Sun, a music event celebrating great wine, Australian music, local food and craft beer. The lineup features ’80s rockers Dragon alongside ARIA award winner Oh Mercy, Batts and Grim Fawkner along with their friends Sweet Dreams DJs. The general release tickets are now on sale. If I wasn’t in New Zealand for my best friend’s wedding, I would be there in a heartbeat!

Need to disconnect?

Unyoked cabins are currently located in Victoria and New South Wales. If you are in Victoria, there are three cabins on offer - Wal, Yogie or Micah. Sydney-siders, there are three cabins for you to choose from too. All you need to do is choose your cabin and you will be emailed directions two days before your trip.

We stayed at Wal located on the on Blue Pyrenees Estate property. Yogie cabin is 1.5 kilometres away from Wal so if you are a group of four, it would be perfect for you to book both Wal and Yogie and you can chill out at each other’s camps during the day, have a tipple in the evening around the fire and then retreat back to your cabins afterwards.

Wal and Yogie are based on the Blue Pyrenees Estate property which means delicious wine on your doorstep! There is also a selection of wines, including Luna, my favourite sparkling, in all of the cabins to purchase as well as other food including pancake mix, s’mores, granola, plus beer and Negronis.

Find out more about Unyoked and how to book here.