Every wine deserves to have a day dedicated to its consumption and none more so than Pinot Noir.
Pinot is a fantastic wine, but a temperamental grape – with its rich colour and complex flavours, it is considered one of the most hedonistic drops ever made.
Don’t make any pour decisions on National Pinot Noir Day on Friday, August 18 – try these five venues to un-wine as it’s wine o’clock somewhere:
Nestled among native gardens, The Studio Bistro on Marrinup Drive in Yallingup offers stylish dining and something for all tastes. Located in The Studio Gallery, diners can peruse local artwork and contemplate a Mod Oz menu with a classic home influence, or relax on the alfresco patio, listen to the birds and enjoy the fresh air of the Margaret River region.
Pair a glass of WA Howard Park ‘Flint Rock’ Pinot Noir with plates such as a perfectly cooked rib eye steak, bottarga butter and Wagyu fat or Muscovy duck breast, aged plum, beetroot and maple; don’t leave without trying the pumpkin pie and ice cream for dessert.
Dine in sweeping countryside landscapes at Restaurant @ Glen Erin at Lancefield on Rochford Road in Lancefield. Offering sophistication, warmth and the friendliness of a true country retreat, relax inside in front of open fires in Winter, or on the terrace during warmer months with picturesque views over the vineyard.
Order a glass of Glen Erin Pinot Noir with a sweet aroma of berries and subtle forest floor, long palate and smooth tannins to go with dishes such as signature slow-braised beef cheeks, creamy mash, lentils, seasonal greens and jus.
A long time in the making, City Winery Brisbane brings the grapes to Fortitude Valley…you bring the party. This multi-functioning venue on Wandoo Street is Brisbane’s first inner-city winery since 1860, boasting two dining options, a working micro-winery and cellar in a rustic converted warehouse.
Roasted almond-fed pork belly entices with yuzu kosho, English spinach and smoked shoyo jus is a great choice of main to go with a glass of 2021 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir before a dessert of mandarin cheesecake, mandarin sour gel and a ginger snap.
Renowned for exceptional food, wine and service, head to The Barrel Hall Restaurant at Mt Duneed Estate on Pettavel Road in Waurn Ponds for a memorable dining experience. This iconic Geelong winery and function venue, located in the picturesque Barrabool Hills, hosts stunning weddings, celebrations and events, along with a restaurant pairing estate wine with a delicious lunch menu.
Start a memorable meal with pulled lamb kataifi pastry rolls and labneh, enjoyed with a glass of estate Pinot Noir, before flame-grilled medium rare roasted Angus Porterhouse, black garlic and balsamic jus and sous vide Roma tomato.
Find a surprise package nestled on the edge of Wombat State Forest at Wombat Forest Vineyard and Winery on Springhill Road in Denver. Just 15 minutes from Daylesford, this family-owned and operated vineyard blends seamlessly into the natural environment with an abundance of native bird and wildlife on the doorstep.
Using sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, expect to sample cool climate boutique wines such as the 2020 Pinot Noir - full bodied with soft tannins and smooth acidity. This wine has floral characteristics and notes of plum and strawberry, while subtle oak and a hint of spice make it an ideal match for a variety of food.
