One Sunday morning, in deepest darkest October we left Edinburgh at stupid o’clock and made our way to Mhor84 outside of Callander. Not a normal thing for us to do, but this was no typical day we had signed up to. After months of trying to make the dates work, we were about to embark on a Wine Safari, hosted by Tom Lewis, the exuberant and delightful owner of the wonderful Monachyle Mhor and Mhor84 (both firm favourites of mine).

The photographs from the August Safari looked great, the sun was shining, it looked wonderful, and in my head, that was how it would be on every Wine Safari. Wrong. This one, the weather gods were against us. It wasn’t cold, but it was driech, and that fine rain that just gets into everything and you end up soaked through every layer and start to smell like a wet dog after a while (tip: wool jumpers are not a great idea in this situation!)

But all of this did not dampen any spirits; we were wrapped up in many layers and in waterproofs and we had lots of lovely booze and food to look forward to.

We arrived at Mhor84 for around 10am and enjoyed tea and coffee in the dining room while waiting for everyone to arrive, I’m really not sure how many people were on the safari, but I’m going to take a guess at around 70 keen safariers. Once we were all there, we were given a warm welcome and overview of the day by Tom, and an introduction to Euan, the wine guy followed quickly by some tasty fizz and hot plate of kedgeree to line our bellies for the day ahead.

Once all ready to face the weather we headed outside to start our walk, accompanied by a piper (how very official)!

There were also a lot of cute doggies on the walk, so no need to leave your furry friends at home for this one! 

We headed off in the direction of Monachyle Mhor itself. To get to our first stop we took a little detour off the road just at Balquidder Parish church (home to Rob Roy’s Grave!), through Kirkton Glen, and up to Creag an Tuirc Viewpoint. For those interested in history/clan stuff this was the rallying ground of the Clan McLaren.

The walk through the glen was lovely (as much as it can be in the rain!), before we then turned to head up to the viewpoint, a steepish walk that ensured that we definitely deserved our next treat. 

No wine at this stop, but a dram of Nc’Nean whisky accompanied by a delicious ginger flapjack whilst enjoying the beautiful misty view over Loch Voil and the village of Balquidder.

Tom and Euan gave us a brief history of the area as well as some information on the whisky we were drinking. Nc’Nean is a new-ish kid on the whisky block, they started distilling whisky in 2017 over west on the Morven peninsula within the Drimnin Estate, pretty remote but tasty whisky which went really well with the gingery flapjack.

Totally moreish, and thankfully there were refills of both to enjoy!

Thankfully, we descended down the same route we’d climbed, so a more pleasant walk back down the hill.

At the time we got back to the the Church, the Sunday Service was over and we could take over the car park for our next tasting – our own Sunday Service if you will. 

This time a Yuzu Sake, which was far too tasty and drinkable (pretty much like juice) this was a accompanied by a Chicken and Lemon Pie, warming, delicious and went really well with the sake. Tom and Euan again gave an overview of the area as well as the pie and sake!

Once suitable refuelled we head off again, following the shore of Loch Voil, taking in what could be seen of the view and chatting away with fellow Safariers. Tom (and his dogs) mingled with everyone, relaying stories and ensuring everyone was having a good old laugh.

Our next stop was about two thirds of the way along Loch Voil at a little beach spot, where the brazier was lit and people were huddled round hoping to dry off a little. The dogs had a great time in and out of the water, even if they did look freezing! We enjoyed a white wine here along with some tasty Crispy Pork Belly.

Continuing along the remaining shoreline of Loch Voil, we are now on the home straight to Monchyle Mhor.

Our final stop of the day was at The Dutch Barn, which was warm, dry and decorated so beautifully. Long tables were set out for everyone, where again you got the chance to talk to fellow safariers over more delicious food and our final wines.

Tom and Euan again took the opportunity to welcome everyone to the barn, and to talk about the food we were about to eat and the final two wines. 

So, now with heat and a seat we enjoyed a lovely two course lunch, with some more great drinks. A main of roast lamb, mashed potato and roast veg, followed by a dessert of honey cake with brambles and clotted cream was a perfect way to end the day. 

I can also confirm honey cake doused in Kilchoman Bramble Liqueur is very, very good.

After all that food and drink, we were transported back to Mhor84, where we had wisely decided to spend the night.

We had a lovely cosy room and a hot shower (which was so welcome) before retiring to the lounge to enjoy a night cap or two before a very good nights sleep.

The Monachyle Mhor Wine Safari was a great day out, something a bit different but knowing you are going to have really good food and drinks, as well as plenty of good craic.

I look forward to attending another one in 2024, and you should too!