The Road Trip begins with an uncanny French Connection

Tuesday 30 March

Today we start the road trip. An efficient Uber into Franklin St and we collected the Hyundi Kona from Budget, set the GPS and drove the M1 to Darnum for a coffee. Then on the way to Lakes Entrance, Lady P uses 21^st technology to search for an interesteting diversion, which is ‘exactly what Road Trips are all about’, she says. A short phone call to confirm opening times leads us to the Nicholson River Winery. ‘Never heard of it says Flashy,’ but it’s a winery with a cheese platter advertised, so we turn off the Princess Highway just north of Bairnsdale. Amazing boutique winery run by a senior gentleman and his charming wife. He is an ex scientist teacher and the winery, established 40 years ago is the oldest in this part of the region. Eight hectares of vines produce 10 different varieties of white and red, including a great rose, preservative free chardonnay and a pretty good cabernet sauvignon and a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. After some serious wine discussion and tasting, we took a small cheese platter and a glass of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon to the balcony overlooking the Nicholson river and surrounds, for a late lunch snack. A quick run into Lakes Entrance and we arrive at the Beachcomber Motel, our accommodation for the next two nights. Like much of Melbourne, there are plenty of closed businesses in Lakes Entrance and many for some unknown reason, ‘closed on Tuesday!’ Nonetheless, we go for a long walk along the foreshore and identify a fish and chip café that is a) open and b) looks popular. We adjourn to the flat for a gin and tonic and then walk off to get some fresh fish and chips for dinner. Excellent FnC. Lightly battered flathead and some flake all washed down with a Preece Pinot Gris.