The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the temperature is rising (we promise)! Helping to usher in the best season of the year, the CherryHill Orchards are open for cherry-picking. Time to start preparing for a joy-filled summer.
It’s become an annual tradition for Plus Ones to spend an afternoon in the orchards. It’s a highlight on our busy calendar!
Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley, the orchards offer a bucolic day out. Think scenic views, farm fresh cherries, sweet treats, a stroll amongst the trees, and live music. With tickets priced from $10.50-$22.50, inclusive of all the cherries you can eat on site, it’s a steal. 
Just a short drive from the city, the orchards give visitors a chance to experience a working farm. With the rains and floods this year, there’s never been a better time to support local producers. Adults can enjoy boozy cherry ciders or pair fresh-from-the-tree cherries with wines from neighbouring vineyard, Rochford. On our day out, my plus one and I particularly enjoyed the cuvée. This versatile wine tastes like it pairs perfectly with sunshine. Another of my simple pleasures is transporting the flavours of summer from the orchards to my kitchen. In addition to fresh cherries, there are also cherry preserves, cherry vinaigrettes, and cherry gins for sale.
Once, I won a competitive Christmas cooking challenge with a decadent cheese dish topped with fresh cherries from CherryHill and cherry blossom honey. This remains one of my proudest holiday achievements. 
Guests also have the option to luxe it up and allow others to do the cooking for them. Groups can book a sesh in the orchards with a four hour private Posh Picnic.
But the experience we’re really holding our breath for is Global Ballooning. The group is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year with a sunrise float over the Yarra Valley, followed by a champagne breakfast and the cherry-picking festival. This is at the top of my Christmas wish list, if Santa is reading.
From BYO picnics and scoops of ice-cream to mile-high memories, there’s something for everyone this cherry picking season at CherryHill.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
CherryHilll Orchards are open for cherry picking from 14 November – early January. Bookings required.
Coldstream Orchard
739 Maroondah Hwy
Coldstream, VIC
Wandin East Orchard
474 Queens Road
Wandin East, VIC
