The summer sun’s peeking through spring showers, ushering in Christmas, parties, and cherries.
The joyful ‘silly season’ is my favourite time of year and a trip to Cherryhill Orchards is a highlight on my summer calendar. It’s the sweetest, most wholesome activity, just an hour out of the city. (Well, technically more like an hour twenty, if you hit the Friday afternoon traffic.) 
Cute photo ops abound with cherry trees, cherry ice-cream, and cherry-themed accessories. Regardless of the selfie scenery, I love just taking a stroll through the orchards. Focusing on finding the sweetest cherries for my basket helps me brush off a long work week and enjoy a moment of zen amongst the trees.
You can eat as many cherries as your heart desires in the orchards. Any extras to take home are charged by the kilo. I highly recommend doing both – this year’s early season crop is especially delicious! 
Cherry picking is family friendly affair. Fortunately, a few adult beverages are on offer too. Including cherry vodka, made from the orchards cherries at a local distillery. It’s smooth, delicious, and my personal favourite. For those who prefer a little pink in their drink, check out the cherry gin, cherry cider, or the limited-edition cherry beer. The later used a ‘truck tonne’ of cherries in the brew. Or, more precisely, 200 grams of fruit per liter. 
For an affordable excursion – pack your own picnic, savour a scoop of cherry ice-cream, and listen to live music on the weekends. Or splurge on a Cherries, Cheese, and Chocolate day trip. I haven’t tried the DIY tour yet, but it certainly piqued my interest. I mean really, is there a better trio?
If you really want to make trip to the Yarra Valley memorable, book a hot air balloon ride with cherries for breakfast. We sailed with Global Ballooning last year and can confirm it’s a memory that will last a life-time.
Cherry season is here for a good time, but not a long time. Book now to taste the sweet side of farm life. Missing out would be the pits! 
– Jenny
Jenny Schmidt is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling craft beers and dreaming of using her passport to travel internationally (and not just when she’s crossing the Yarra).
Book now at either the 100-acre Coldstream orchard (from 8 November – late December) or the 85-acre Wandin East orchard (from 27 November – early January).
