La Dolce Vita Weekend: Your Easy Guide to an Italian-style escape in the King Valley
Why La Dolce Vita is so special - La Dolce Vita is the King Valley’s delicious nod to Italian hospitality: cellar-door tastings, long-table lunches, pasta and pizza straight from the oven, live music, and that warm country welcome the region is known for. It’s the perfect weekend to gather your favourite people and settle into a slower rhythm, glass in hand, mountains all around.
What to expect
Cellar-door hopping: Taste Italian varietals the region does so well, think prosecco, sangiovese, pinot grigio and nebbiolo.
Food, music, atmosphere: Expect wood-fire aromas, handmade pasta, and acoustic sets rolling into the afternoon light.
Family-friendly vibes: Plenty of space to roam, easy parking, relaxed service.
Spring scenery: The valley is green, vines are budding, and the evenings are made for star-gazing.
How to plan your weekend
Pick 2–3 anchor wineries per day and leave time for a spontaneous stop.
Pre-book tastings or lunch where possible, popular sessions fill quickly.
Sort transport early: Nominate a designated driver or arrange a local shuttle/taxi, King Valley Winery Tours is a great option.
Stay close to the action: A comfortable base (hello, Bluestone Ridge) makes all the difference between a rushed day and a truly restful weekend.
A simple sample itinerary
Saturday
Late morning: Leisurely brunch, then prosecco tasting to ease in.
Lunch: Long-table feast with seasonal produce from Chrismont.
Afternoon: One relaxed winery stop, at Darling Estate.
Evening: Back to Bluestone Ridge for a slow sunset, cheese board, and a night by the fire.
Sunday
Morning: Easy walk or scenic lookout, then a tasting at La Cantina, which is just down the road.
Lunch: BBQ lunch and live music at King River Estate.
Depart with a boot full of wine and a happy heart
Handy tips:
Pack smart: Hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a light jacket for cool evenings.
Buy on the spot: Wineries often have weekend-only specials, grab a mixed case for home.
Keep it flexible: The best moments are often the unplanned ones.
Why base yourself at Bluestone Ridge
After lively cellar doors, you’ll want somewhere peaceful to land. Bluestone Ridge offers:
A boutique, countryside setting with space to unwind
Cosy living areas, comfy beds and a well-stocked kitchen
Friendly farm animals and open skies for stargazing
Easy driving access to favourite King Valley cellar doors
Planning La Dolce Vita? Book your stay at Bluestone Ridge and make a weekend of it.