By Leigh O’Connor.
There’s nothing better than a delicious dish paired with the perfect drop of wine to make for a memorable meal with family and friends.
As we contemplate the 2023 Wine Harvest and the bounty of new drink choices it brings, we’ve curated three amazing dishes and wines from some of Australia’s top dining and wining destinations to make your next dinner party unforgettable:
Those seeking 132 years of winemaking excellence paired with seriously good food head to Brown Brothers Restaurant on Bobinawarrah Road in Milawa. Nestled in Brown Brothers Vineyard, dine alfresco under market umbrellas overlooking the vines, or indoors in a warm and welcoming vibe ideal for enjoying dishes from a menu showcasing freshly picked produce from the kitchen garden alongside estate wines.
Head Chef Bodee Price brings us his take on an ideal starter with this recipe for raw kingfish, fennel, caper leaf and horseradish, with a great balance of acidity that pairs beautifully with Brown Brothers Winemaker’s Series 2022 Fiano.
Made in the micro-winery named the Kindergarten, this Fiano is full of aromatic citrus notes, floral and spicy aromas and made to be enjoyed young and vibrant, although it will also benefit from short-term aging in the three-year range.
Josef Chromy Wines Restaurant on Relbia Road in Relbia is a stunning location to experience superb Tasmanian wines and fine cuisine made with fresh local produce. Set among old English gardens, stands of 100-year-old oak trees overlooking a picturesque lake, winery and a 61-hectare vineyard, the property is a 15-minute drive south of Launceston.
Head Chef Nick Raitt delivers a dish that came onto the menu at the Josef Chromy Restaurant in his first Summer on board and quickly became a firm favourite - pan-roasted Tasmanian white fish, snow peas, velouté and herbs.
"The flavours of our vibrant estate Chardonnay, or aromatic Pinot Gris are great matches for me,” Nick says. "The sauce is also so adaptable to different types of the best fish we can find during the peak fishing season here in Tassie.”
The 2022 Chardonnay has creamy textures and layers of white fruit with fresh mineral acidity all bonded together perfectly. Ready to enjoy now, the structure and natural cool climate acidity enables confident cellaring for 8-10 years.
Nestled in the beauty of the Scenic Rim, good food and wine, magic views, peace and quiet await at Sarabah Estate on Rymera Road in Canungra. Set on 50 acres with just on 10 under grapes, this hidden gem boasts not only a cellar door, but also Chalet Bistro for dining among the lush vines and the Smoke & Vine Bar for pizza and a glass of estate organic Shiraz.
Experience a weekend adventure with family and friends, visit the alpacas and vegetable garden; before heading indoors to devour the best steak in the Scenic Rim – Black Onyx marble score 5 – topped with Sarabah Estate Vineyard’s very own mushroom pâté, along with duck fat potatoes, bone marrow and housemade jus.
Pair this indulgent meal with a glass of 2020 Merlot Private Reserve, with ripe raspberry and cherry flavours on the palate. A good acidity gives wonderful length and tannins teamed with spice to surprise and delight the senses while still inducing a dulcet finish.
