We are so excited to host our first community getaway with the beloved, Melbourne Vegan Guide & its founder, Renee Buckingham. Join us for a weekend of gourmet plant based meals cooked by vegan chef, Yolanda Whelan, local wines, feel-good yoga, & great company… all set amongst the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. In our opinion, it’s the perfect recipe for resetting & reconnecting to the best things in life. Whether you’re plant based every day, keen to learn more about this community, or just in need of a trip- this getaway is for everyone.
Our home away from home for the weekend is The Farmstead - a magical property just an hour from the CBD & nestled in the Yarra Valley. The deeply peaceful 100-acre farm feels miles away from everything, but is only minutes from the region’s famous wineries & restaurants. With a billiards room, spacious dining area & multiple lounge rooms, there’s plenty of space for practicing, sharing a bottle of wine & swapping stories. Craving time for yourself? Heat up by one of the wood-burning fireplaces, visit the working farm (& four-legged farmhands), or retreat to your bedroom complete with an ensuite.
Our bellies are in the very capable hands of chef & cookbook author, Yolanda, all weekend. Lucky, lucky us. Their belief in food as an expression of love, mindfulness & community, create the foundation for their meals & they believe is a core ingredient to every dish. Seasonal produce, fresh textures & the simplicity of good ingredients guide Yolanda’s approach to cooking. Portions & flavours will be bountiful & 24/7 snacks will be available- we wouldn’t dare leave you hungry.
We’ll roll out our mats daily with Mat & Table founder & yoga teacher, Sarah McGrath. Haven’t taken a class with Sarah before? No worries- she brings thoughtfulness & lots of smiles to her teaching. Her classes are fluid, relatable & supportive- linking breathe, movement & a relatable intention together. Show up exactly as you are, don't take yourself too seriously, & move in a way that feels good for you... these are only 'requirements' for Sarah's classes.
Over the weekend, beloved Victorian ceramicist, Alicia McVilly will take us through a ‘Canapés, Chianti & Clay’ workshop. Each guest will learn clay handbuilding skills from Alicia & create pieces that will be fired, glazed & available for pick up post Mat & Table. Snack & wine will be there, too, of course. We’ll also dust off our own chef’s hats for a plant based workshop with Renee- leaving you with new tips & tricks to take home & incorporate into your daily cooking.
Lastly, we’ll leave you with plenty of time for resting or taking in this beautiful part of Victoria. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit one of the renowned wineries nearby, go for a drive along the picturesque Black Spur, or take a trip to charming Healesville. But we’ll always, reconnect in the evenings around the table , swapping stories, passing plates & pouring wine.
We are so excited share this refreshing & joyful weekend with the MVG community- new & old members. Just bring your mat- we’ll set the table!
What's included?
2 days & 2 nights stay at luxury accommodation, The Farmstead . (Friday 4pm arrival; Sunday 3pm departure.)
Daily yoga & meditation practices with Sarah. There will be a chance to practice a dynamic flow, slow flow, & yin throughout the weekend.
2 gourmet plant based dinners prepared by Chef Yolanda, & made with fresh local ingredients
2 abundant plant based brunch spreads by Chef Yolanda- full of sweet & savory options leaving you nourished & satisfied
Carefully considered Victorian wines to pair with dinner & whenever else you fancy a glass
2 hour private Canapés, Chianti, & Clay handbuilding clay workshop with Victorian ceramicist Alicia McVilly where guests will create multiple pieces that will be fired, glazed & available for pickup post Mat & Table.
Plant based workshop with Melbourne Vegan Guide founder, Renee Buckingham
Welcome goodie bag
24 hour snack bar filled of baked goods, fresh fruit, snacks, coffee, tea, fresh juices & kombucha
Pricing:
Pricing is all-inclusive & includes GST. A 25% non-refundable downpayment is due with your booking. The remaining payment is due 30 days prior to your getaway. Payment plans are available upon request.
Shared Bedroom with 4 people (with ensuite). Perfect for small groups or individual guests open to sharing a room- $1499/pp - (SOLD OUT)
Shared Bedroom with 3 people (with ensuite). Perfect for small groups or individual guests open to sharing a room - $1599/pp
Shared Bedroom with 2 people (with ensuite)- $1699/pp
Single Room (have a room & ensuite all to yourself)- $1999/pp
If you would like to book a private acupuncture & remedial massage with Mat & Table’s therapist, Courtney, please let us know & we are happy to organise this for you for an additional cost.
“They have curated the perfect getaway with Mat & Table. It brings together people who share common interests and as a result, not only is love shared for yoga, food and wine but love and kindness is shared with each other. The connections built on these getaways are special and it’s all thanks to the team behind it. They create this magical, genuine energy that makes people feel warm and welcomed, whether you’re there with friends or solo. I feel so thankful to have been able to experience what Mat & Table have to offer.”