Eat & Drink Magazine #40 Summer 2022/23

O nce the old Fire Station , BeachHouse Barwon Heads showcases some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s finest p roduce, wine, beer & cider.

B eachHouse serves up a modern Australian cuisine for break f ast, lunch, dinner and all times in between. The BeachHouse f unction space is per fect for a work celebration or f am ily ga therin g a nd caters for 3 5 g uests seated or 60 gu ests “cocktail sty le”.

W hether it be a casual drink with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the friendl y BeachHouse staff are happ y to accommodate.

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With the arrival of summer and what is described as the most wonderful time of the year, we find ourselves enjoying many celebrations and this summer that includes Eat & Drink magazine.

This 40th issue of what has been affectionately known over the years as ‘the little food bible’, celebrates 10 years of publication, not only a very proud milestone for us but also a wonderfully rewarding journey which has thoroughly enriched our lives.

We have been absolutely privileged to have had the opportunity to meet so many fabulous people throughout the past decade, some of whom we now count as friends.

We’d like to sincerely thank every business that has chosen to advertise with us during the previous 10 years including the new businesses featured in the pages of this summer edition, your support has been nothing short of amazing and greatly appreciated.

We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay a special thank you to everyone who has been a contributing and valued team member throughout the past decade of Eat & Drink magazine.

Wishing you all a safe and happy summer.

MARK & DONNA WILKINS

Eden Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and country on which we publish, the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Ancestors, to Elders past, to Elders present and to emerging leaders, recognising their continuing connection to land, water, culture, and community.

GEELONG VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

26 MOORABOOL ST, GEELONG P: 1800 755 611

TORQUAY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

77 BEACH RD, TORQUAY P: 5261 4219

LORNE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 15 MOUNTJOY PDE, LORNE P: 5289 1152

E&D Mob:

At Parkers, meat is taken seriously, all the steak is yielded from Prime Australian pasture fed beef, dry-aged for 28 days at strictly controlled temperatures to maximise tenderness and enhance flavour. With six different cuts, offered in various sizes to choose from there is a steak for every meat lover, including our delicious Wagyu eye fillet. But don’t worry if beef isn’t your thing as there is a chicken breast, lamb

chops, the house specialty of pork spare ribs that the meat virtually falls off the bone and even a vegetarian meal.

A selection of entrées, salads and side dishes are available as well as a separate dessert menu –prepared home style on the premises.

Parkers Steakhouse aim to give you a unique and most importantly memorable experience.

Delivering MouthWatering Creative Dishes with Attention to Detail

ALLY WIMMER MARK WILKINS

Originally established in Pakington Street in 2016, the 9 Grams founding venue was later reproduced to the same high standard in Geelong, Mt Duneed and Torquay. Featuring fresh produce, free range eggs, quality meats, selected roasted nuts, relishes, and so much more, all beautifully presented in pleasurable and mouth-watering meal choices.

Whether meeting a friend or having a business lunch the 9 Grams menu offers an extensive variety of options, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, fish, and meat dishes. The diversity and possibilities are outstanding with presentation of all meals being aesthetically appealing and full of flavour.

As the weekend trade draws the crowds, be sure to make a reservation during these peak periods and experience Ihab’s passion for sharing the 9 Grams hospitality and tremendous service to all who enjoy the pleasure of eating and drinking.

The team at 9 Grams offer a superb coffee supplied by Veneziano Coffee Roasters from whom they source their chosen blend Elevate. From breakfast to lunch daily, 9 Grams have you covered in all locations in and around Geelong with this medium to strong velvety brew.

As a new doting father, Ihab understands that children too need to be catered for, therefore 9 Grams offers a kids’ selection which includes child-friendly favourites along with beverages and juices, so that parents and families may visit, relax, and enjoy the experience.

The art of presentation within the venue extends throughout the dining experience with Head Chef Suman Giautam and his flair for creative plating and absolute attention to detail.

Chef Suman who likes to apply a modern influence to his food with Mexican spices, has chosen to share his crowd favourite Burrito Bowl which is in high demand during the lunchtime hours as well as his House-Made Granola which is one of the most popular breakfast alternatives for many regular patrons of 9 Grams.

In asking why he selected these two recipes to share; Chef Suman advises that it’s always about the service, and as these are popular menu items, he felt they were the best choices for this time of the year.

In the kitchen with Chef Suman, I hear of his Nepalese roots and how his earliest memories are those of cooking with his mum. At the young age of seven years, he loved observing and discovering the passion for cooking from which he has wonderful recollections of shared experiences, laughter and delicious Nepalese flavours with his mum and family.

One of Chef Suman’s earliest memories is creating exquisite chicken dumplings full of seasonal taste which are popular in Nepal. His love of cooking grew from those early days and literally kept growing.

To this day Chef Suman continues to use Nepalese techniques in his cooking and plating. Among other items, he proudly refers to the unique differences of preparing rice, which is valued by the regulars of 9 Grams and further highlights his detail-oriented skills and abilities in the kitchen.

It is not surprising that Chef Suman’s knowledge has been inspirational in his proficiency to mix cuisines, systems and styles

while still honouring the process and artistry of food. His experience brings a calming element into a kitchen of passionate team members who strive to create a truly lovely experience to savour with delight.

For those individuals who value variety, flavour, and presentation, 9 Grams is sure to not only please but also impress any foodie or regular diner.

Asian & Mediterranean influenced cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional service

food | wine | coffee

Open Tues 5.30pm–10pm Wed–Fri 9am–3pm, 5.30pm–10pm Sat–Sun 10am–3pm, 5.30pm–10pm

24 Hodgson Street, Ocean Grove www.napona.com.au

Call for reservations 5256 3153 Walk-ins welcome

moorabool valley chocolate

PAKO FESTA

REFLECTING ON 1983-1992

Pako Festa is the brainchild of what was the former Geelong West City Council, The Pakington Street Traders, and The Geelong Ethnic Communities Council. First staged in 1983, this event allowed diverse communities to dance in full cultural costumes to an audience of 12,000 people taking over Pakington Street.

The street was closed to traffic for the afternoon to allow the city’s mix of cultures to congregate in Geelong West. A highlight of the day was a ‘Parade of Nations’ with 19 communities represented: including Croatia, Holland, the Philippines, Greece, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Wales, and Ukraine.

Much of the inaugural event was a family affair, with many creative nostalgic activities such as the best-dressed, and wheelbarrow and bike competitions. Suburban strength was put to the test in a tug of war, while food was high on the agenda for much of the day, most noticeably during a local pizza eating competition!

The second festival saw the audience increase to 20,000 people and this number continued to grow over the proceeding years with the audience increasing to 30,000 for the 1988 event.

Geelong’s Pako Festa not only highlights the region’s diverse cultures, but it also provides an opportunity for people to understand and learn more about the unique mix of cultures in the community. Since the inception of the festival, dozens of community groups have used the event to proudly showcase their heritage and invite visitors to sample their culture.

Joan Kirner who was the Premier of Victoria at the time, praised Pako Festa organisers as she opened the 1991 festival to the delight of more than 35,000 visitors with over 30 diverse communities participating in the event.

The then Victorian Premier declared, “Geelong’s multicultural extravaganza was equal if not bigger than Melbourne’s Lygon Street Festival and should be used as a major tourist attraction.”

REFLECTING ON 1993-2002

Popular 1990s television star ‘Effie‘, and ‘Comanche Indian Lightning Bear’ were both highlights of Pako Festa 1993. While the two might have been worlds apart, both added an extra touch of cultural diversity to Victoria’s foremost multicultural festival.

Along with the traditional parade, food stalls and dancing, a Tai Chi demonstration featured in West Park, while the Town Hall played host to a fashion parade.

Virginia Todd who was the Geelong West Mayor at the time said, “The suburb had a history of providing a focus for migrants. Cultural diversity was the ingredient that made Pako Festa such a special event.”

The Carmen Miranda design debuted as the face of Pako Festa in 1994. Moving forward to 1995 the event day was met with a scorching 40-degree heat that failed to stop the Bosnian community from taking part in their first Pako Festa. For the first time, the festa party carried over to the following Sunday when the Geelong West Traders Association took over with Pako Alfresco.

While the festival wound up on the Saturday with an open-air rock concert in West Park featuring bands including Hurricane Kenna,

Plenty and Angel Pavement, the entertainment continued on Sunday with Pako Festa’s first Battle of the Youth Bands.

No matter where you originate from, what language you speak, or what your socioeconomical background is, you are an integral part of the community. That was the message of Pako Festa 2001.

The then Geelong Ethnic Communities Council Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Mavros, said that the festa would continue to aim toward developing a collective appreciation of the cultural diversity of Geelong. With approximately 75,000 visitors and 80 floats in the annual Saturday parade, his words rang true.

Mr Mavros said, “The Festa is about bringing all the human resources in the region - the community groups, the cultural groups, the business sector, the media, the schools - to show the community the human assets we have in the region.”

“We are encouraged by the fact that the most recently arrived ethnics are willing to be involved in the festa. We have groups like the Bosnians and the Fijians, groups that are essentially small in number but are saying ‘we are part of this community, we want to be accepted and we want to contribute.’”

REFLECTING ON 2003-2012

A Decade of Milestones

2003 - 21st Birthday Event - The Coming of Age

The 2003 Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, was among a host of dignitaries and celebrities to take part in the Pako Festa’s 21st birthday bash. The festa, which has been helping Geelong’s multicultural populations expose their heritages since 1983, celebrated its 21st birthday in style. Ethnic groups, schools, religious and volunteer groups all took part in the two-day event, which attracted approximately 100,000 visitors.

Channel 7 became a major broadcast partner and for the first time TV show ‘Home and Away’ stars, Ada Nicodemou and Danny Raco, along with ‘The Big Arvo’ team took to the street during the annual parade before signing autographs for a host of adoring fans.

Old favourites returned to the festa in celebration of its 21st birthday. The perennially popular African Royal Drummers returned to entertain crowds, while the Russian Matryoshka dolls were restored to their original glory to take part once again in the parade.

2012 - Happy 30th Birthday Party

Thirty Carmen Miranda’s kicked off the parade along ‘Pako’ creating colour and movement representing each of the years the great procession has transpired. The great Pako Festa Parade winners included St Patricks Primary School, the Chinese Community, and the Slovenian Community.

Thirty-three communities were represented in the parade and on stage: Afghan, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Congolese, Croatian, Dutch, Filipino, French, Greek, Hungarian, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Italian, Karen, Karenni, Liberian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Maori, Mexican, Polish, Russian, Scottish, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Sudanese, Ukrainian, Welsh, and Zimbabwean.

A further 30 local community groups such as local schools, social clubs, music groups and bands, and sports clubs were also involved on the day, with many participating in the muchloved Pako Parade. Audience numbers attending the event have now grown to more than 100,000 people from across the region.

The Pako Festa celebrations continued into the night with an after party in the Geelong West Town Hall. The night included Latin sounds of Combo La Revelacion supported by the soulful sounds of Sabrina and the Red Vans.

REFLECTING ON 2013-2022

In 2015, Pakington Street turned into a sea of colour, as thousands packed the street to celebrate the 33rd year of the festival. The theme of the event was “Different Therefore Equal” and showcased 35 ethnic community groups, community services, local schools, and organisations.

This theme allowed Pako Festa to attract attention and then reinforce the core idea that difference is something to be celebrated. By celebrating difference, the event emphasised equality and the need for respect for all human beings. We are all the same and it’s our experiences that make us different irrespective of cultural backgrounds, religious belief, or economic status.

In 2017, Pako Festa celebrated its 35th year with the largest crowds ever (police estimated 110,000). The day was filled with colour, music and most importantly a diversity of food from around the world. ‘Food of the World’ was the theme for the event, which inspired the creation of the community Recipe Cards. Once again, the street parade did not disappoint with more than 90 floats parading a sea of colour.

Free recipe cards were available from the local community group food stalls on the event day, featuring 17 signature dishes from Bosnian, Croatian, Dutch, Filipino, French, Greek, Indonesian, Iranian, Irish, Lao Thai,

Macedonian, Maori, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovenian and Ukrainian cuisines.

Pako Festa Event Manager, Luisa LaFornara, is proud of the success and recognition Pako Festa has achieved, both state-wide and nationally.

Ms LaFornara said, “Pako Festa has been recognised as Victoria’s largest free multicultural celebration, receiving a number of awards in the 2004 Premier’s Award for Harmony in the Community and Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.”

In 2009, the event was a finalist in the Australian Event Awards in the Best Community Event category. In 2015, Pako Festa won the Best Community Event category for the State of Victoria in the Australian Event Awards, which is a fantastic achievement for a not-for-profit organisation with an event that keeps growing every year!

According to Ms LaFornara, during the COVID-19 period, 2021-2022 stayed true to presenting an event that highlighted the local diverse communities, staging two reimagined Pako Festa events.

Ms LaFornara said, “During this time, we had the opportunity to develop an online history project reflecting on the event’s 40-year history. The online project, launching in 2023, features an amazing collection of images from our archives, footage, and community interviews.”

2023 EVENT 40+1 YEARS

Pako Festa is going home on Saturday 25 February 2023

After two years of dealing with the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and adapting our major events and businesses accordingly, it’s time to bring Pako Festa back home!

According to Cultura CEO, Joy Leggo, Cultura is thrilled to be bringing the 2023 Pako Festa back home to Pakington Street.

Ms Leggo said, “That’s right, we are bringing Pako Festa back to Pako! The team, led by Luisa LaFornara, are currently planning the 2023 event to be staged on Saturday 25th February along Pakington Street, between Gordon Avenue and Waterloo Street.”

“The theme for 2023 will be ‘Sharing and Connecting Cultures: The Reunion’. This is about human reconnection, not only within the diverse communities, but with the broader Geelong community as well.”

Joy Leggo reiterated that Pako Festa was established in 1983 and has been one of the highlights on the Geelong Events Calendar for more than 40 years. The 2023 event will be a great opportunity to truly celebrate the 40+1 years of staging Pako Festa.

Ms Leggo said, “This successful event attracts crowds of over 100,000 people and fulfils its purpose, which is to celebrate local diversity. The event brings diverse community groups together and offers a safe environment in which to share their culture with the broader community while fostering a spectacular cultural experience full

of music, colour, food, costumes, dance, and movement.”

Cultura - the vibrant new organisation that has emerged from the merger of Diversitat and Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) will deliver the 2023 event. Cultura combines more than 70 years of knowledge and experience from Diversitat and MACS – which have historically been two of the Geelong region’s largest and longest serving multicultural organisations.

Ms Leggo added, “We have an ambitious intent to connect, inspire and embrace culturally diverse individuals throughout their entire life journey, and after 70 years, I think we’re just getting started.”

Come join us in celebrating our local diversity!

U Pakington Street Geelong West

Piknik

MACKENZIE PENNYCOOK / DAVE AND DENISE HUMPHRIS MARK WILKINS

Piknik originally started out as a small market stall selling jams, preserves and other produce that had been ‘picked and nicked’ from local farms and orchards along the Bellarine Peninsula.

When the old local service station became available some years ago, it was the perfect place to set up a café that could showcase the homemade preserves and deliver fresh creative dishes.

An easy long-lasting lunch at Piknik is a unique experience. There are not too many places where you can relax in a converted service station and sip a glass of local pinot noir with lamb kofta or pair a prawn pasta with a glass of crisp riesling. Go all out and finish with a slice of one of the house-made cakes or a scoop of house-made ice cream.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to take one of the jams or preserves home with you. They are equally as seasonal, and taste just as good lathered on Piknik’s fresh baked bread.

The ever-changing all-day menu means that Piknik is ready and waiting, regardless of what time you roll out of bed. Whether it be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or sometime in between, head to PIKNIK where you will experience some of the best the Bellarine has to offer.

With so much more available than just breakfast and lunch, the café which has been owned by Dave Humphris and his wife Denise for the better part of eight years, is now offering baked goods alongside pantry staples and an excellent selection of local wines, spirits, and beers.

Dave and Denise have experienced a number of summer seasons at the café, and while they know what to expect of the busy period, they’re anticipating it to be busier than ever this summer since Nathan and Alchemy Bakery moved onto the Piknik premises during the covid pandemic.

Dave says, “This will be the first summer for a few years where we haven’t had some sort of restrictions applied. It’s a really good feeling knowing that people can head to the Bellarine Peninsula and enjoy all it has to offer, especially over the festive season.”

He continues, “We have a bit of everything down here. And after eight years we’ve developed a business where we keep on building on what we have to offer. We also have Alchemy Bakery onsite so now we are doing all our own baked goods which is really exciting.”

Piknik now has a delicious range of baked goods made in-house, there’s fresh baguettes, ciabatta, and a selection of 100% sourdough loaves including white, stoneground, and seeded. In terms of sweet treats, there’s custard and berry Danishes, escargots and a range of authentic croissants as well as a few surprises that Nathan throws in now and again.

There are also savoury treats on offer, including house-made meat pies, sausage rolls and pasties.

Coming into the festive holiday period, Piknik is only going to get busier, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and order your baked goods in advance if you know you’ve got something coming up and you want to ensure you don't miss out.

Dave says, “Generally, all the baked goods go quite quickly, so if you’re wanting to grab something you should try to be early.”

With so many delicious sweet and savoury treats on offer it's no wonder they are flying out the door!

Dave continues, “For baked goods you can also always call ahead and order for the next day. That way you’re guaranteed to get it and we’ll bake it fresh the day you need it.”

In addition to having a range of baked goods and pantry staples available at Piknik, they also stock a generous range of local produce from surrounding businesses.

Dave says, “Nearly all of our food offerings are made here onsite. And if it’s not made here, we try to source from the local surrounding businesses.”

Some of the local producers and products that Piknik support are Bellarine Distillery gins, Otway Estate and Blackman's Brewery beers, Lighthouse olive oil and salts from Shire House Farm. There are also some great local wines from wineries such as Marcus Hill, Banks Road and Scotchmans Hill. It’s the perfect place to stop, shop, and support local.

Dave adds, “It’s full table service, there is an extensive affordable wine list, you can come in and have breakfast or lunch and stock up your pantry while you’re here.”

The wine list is something Dave is quite proud of at Piknik, they also have a takeaway liquor license, so you can stop by, pick up a house-made family pie and a bottle of wine and have your dinner sorted!

After years of purchasing and peddling alcohol in the hospitality and wholesale markets, Dave and Denise know a thing or two about putting a high quality, great value wine and beer offer together. These days there is an amazing array of fantastic quality new and oldworld wines available and don’t forget about the awesome craft beer movement too.

The folks at Piknik love to support the up-andcoming Geelong and Bellarine producers as well as representations from all over Victoria and renowned regions throughout Australia. Throw in a few interesting examples from the old-world and they have put together an ever changing and concise list of tipples.

The menu is packed with dishes inspired from many different cuisines which is perfect for food and wine pairing. If you’re not sure of what goes with what, just ask and the team at Piknik will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Dave says, “Wine is all about enjoyment so explore the wines and ask for a taste of something you might not have tried. If it’s one by the glass, we’re happy to oblige with a sample.”

Piknik is family-owned and operated, and it prides itself on being a true one-stop shop for its customers. Supporting other local businesses is also really important to Dave and Denise, so if you’re wanting to do some fuss-free shopping, have a delicious bite to eat or just get out there and support local businesses, Piknik is the place to do it!

PIKNIK CAFE

Dale delivers another outstanding Cognac

DONNA WILKINS SUPPLIED

Fused spices and a trace of black pepper along with notes of raw walnut and a slight hint of vanilla are just some of the wonderfully warm and inviting aromas of the Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series 002.

This highly expressive liquid luxury with its striking honey-yellow hue is the second edition of an XXO Series resulting from a partnership between Maison Prunier and Dale Cooper, owner, and operator of Wine {Domain}, a premium speciality liquor store in East Geelong, Victoria.

Elegantly presented in a tall, tapered bottle, this beautifully refined Cognac exhibits an initial robustness prior to displaying a delicate smooth body. The palate first detects liquorice before a touch of citrus being that of sweet orange preserve as well as stone fruits, juicy apricot, and peach. Divine!

A subtle dryness upon consumption assists in giving rise to a finish with a longer length, reflecting the high quality of this undeniably delightful drop.

Unlike the Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series 001, which was created from a blend of two vintage Cognacs being 1992 and 1996 from the Fins Bois growth area, this second instalment is a single vintage single cask Cognac originating from soils of the premier growth area or terroir of Grande Champagne, known for producing Cognac of extreme finesse.

Grande Champagne is one of six distinctive vineyard growth areas in the Cognac region in the southwest of France, and not to be mistaken for the renowned sparkling wine region of Champagne, which is situated in the northeast of France.

Deeply influenced by heritage, Prunier is a small independent, yet greatly renowned family owned and operated company, with cellars in the heart of the beautiful town of Cognac on the Charente River, where Prunier has resided for more than 250 years.

As the dynasty doesn’t have its own grapevines, they alternatively purchase the clear, colourless young brandy known as eaude-vie directly from vine growers and distillers every year, and then conduct the maturing process within their personal cellars.

It was from inside Prunier’s cool and damp cellars in Gimeux, a small village a brief tenminute car trip beyond Cognac, that Dale, who is now very much a part of Prunier’s rich history, and its current cellar master Stéphane Burnez, conscientiously chose the eau-devie used to craft the Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series 002. An understandably timeconsuming process as confirmed by Dale.

This 1985 single vintage Cognac from the Grande Champagne terroir was the one that Dale thought exceptional, amid every other sample and tasting from numerous individual barrels. It comprises superior eau-de-vie that has been aged for more than 14 years in barrels made from French Oak.

Bottling occurred less than three months ago in September 2022 at its natural cask strength of 48.6%. This vessel of free-flowing translucent gold is unlikely to diminish at all throughout the passage of time.

In keeping with the presentation of the first release of the Family Series, the front label of each limited-edition bottle is hand signed by Stéphane Burnez who is not only the presentday cellar master of Maison Prunier but also the fifth generation to take up the reins.

Each bottle also has a nod to Dale and his Wine {Domaine} boutique, with the East Geelong Post Office stamp proudly displayed

opposite the wax seal featuring the Prunier coat of arms.

Both the stamp and the seal occupy a side each of a historic photograph from the Maison Prunier archives. The black and white image portrays Ambroise Lamandé, who was a French representative and salesman for the company, flanked by a dog and a kangaroo from days gone by when in the 1880s Prunier once had a base at 483-485 Collins Street in Melbourne, Australia.

Dale, a connoisseur of Prunier Cognac, and with extensive knowledge of the luxurious French brandy, is quite proud, and rightly so, to be from Geelong and having the opportunity to create a connection between his hometown and Prunier and the heritage link between the Cognac house and Melbourne.

The connection for Dale is further enhanced due to having been initially invited to return to the beautiful European country every year for two decades to continue with the collaboration

of the Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series for a total of 20 releases.

With the release of the first two editions of the Family Series being an overwhelming success, and with years of sampling and selecting still ahead of him, we can very much look forward to indulging in the fruits of Dale’s partnership with Prunier Cognac for many more years to come.

Prunier’s Family Series is a collection of Cognacs produced in very small, limitededition quantities and are highly sought after. The second instalment of the Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series is ‘extra, extra old’ and is perfect served neat, over ice or paired with food.

Garnering both national and international rave reviews, this Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series 002 is limited to 300 bottles, with only 200 of those having been made available in Australia exclusively at Wine {Domaine} in East Geelong, Victoria, and retailing for $399.

For those lucky enough to lay their hands on one of the 300 limited-edition bottles, it’s presented in a sophisticated and protective custom housing and displays a golden plaque on the front which identifies the limited-edition bottle number, it also includes a Certificate of Authenticity and an information booklet.

This release truly is a must have for any Cognac connoisseurs, especially those who were able to indulge in a limited-edition bottle of the very first instalment of the Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series.

To ensue you enjoy your locally connected Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series 002 the way it should be enjoyed, Wine {Domaine} is also pleased to offer for purchase Riedel glassware specifically designed for savouring your Cognac.

Barwon Heads Brewing Co.

Coming soon to Ocean Grove

Warm Hoisin Duck Bao

Gravlax

The Sprout About

The Sprout about Café has to be East Geelong’s go-to eatery. Christina La Fornara has put her heart and soul into the food sprouting from her kitchen. The experienced cook not only serves food, but she is offering cooking workshops, catering, and cakes made to order. Chris delights in experimenting with creating new and exciting raw slices to tempt those diet-goers so that you can be both naughty but healthy. Her Italian heritage influences her cooking style, as her hearty meals are sure to bring a bit of nostalgia to your experience. The café supports international coffee roasters, Julius Meinl, whose rich chocolate undertones are enhanced when perfectly paired with Chris’ family recipe of Italian canoli filled with chocolate and lemon custard. The menu includes a range of all-day breakfast and lunch options that offers gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options as well as take home meals if you are ever in need of a quick dinner selection. The ambiance of this quaint little café is sure to allow you to relax and sit down with a good book while enjoying a Julius Meinl coffee. The friendly staff offer service with a smile, operating Monday to Friday from 8am, Saturday from 8.30am.

Barwon Edge Boathouse

Barwon Edge has been operating for over 16 years, offering unique surroundings, stylish cuisine and professional service. Ideally situated along the banks of the Barwon River, 5 minutes from the middle of Geelong and about an hour away from Melbourne.

There are three areas available for private functions. The Balyang Room has views of the Barwon River, our landscaped gardens and ponds. It also has its own outside decking area for the warmer months and can comfortably accommodate up to 50 guests seated or up to 70 for a cocktail party.

The whole restaurant can also be booked, giving full use of the deck area and gardens. This option seats up to 120 guests with a dance floor and room for your entertainment to be set up. Or alternatively, up to 200 guests for cocktail style functions.

Another option is to book out the whole restaurant but only use the main dining room. This caters for up to 100 guests for a cocktail style function and approximately 70 seated depending on set up. U V O M

Croatian Club Geelong

Mexican Graffiti is so much more than just a restaurant, it's an opportunity to try Mexican food at an entry level in a fun, casual setting. Relax in a friendly family atmosphere inside or enjoy the casual ambience of the new alfresco area out front.

Open for takeaway or dine in 6 days a week, from Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays).

The menu includes Californian-style choices and the full range of classic Mexican flavours including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Frozen Margaritas and Daiquiris are a popular choice with diners, as is the large range of local and imported beers that pair perfectly with Mexican flavours, as well as a well-established range of wines.

Mexican Graffiti is located at 43 Yarra Street, Geelong. Gift vouchers are available for your foodie friends.

Take-away orders can be made on 5223 1093. Now’s also a good time to start thinking about your birthday celebrations, Christmas break-ups or any other function that you have in mind. Book now on (03) 5222 2036.

The Australian Croatian Association also known as the Croatian National Hall or “The Dom” to the locals was formed in September 1957 by the local Croatian Community of Geelong to create a place of comfort and welcome where you can enjoy the wide range of Croatian culture. Today we are proud to offer a unique, relaxing and friendly place to all.

We have a wide range of delicious bistro meals for lunch and dinner and a specialty seafood night on Friday’s. Whatever the occasion we use only the freshest, best quality ingredients to prepare our meals. As well as offering a wide range of food we also offer a wide range of wines, both local and Croatian wines. Over the last 60 years we have been offering functions of all sizes right through to 250 people. Whether it’s a small lunch with friends or a wedding with a large number of guests our experienced functions manager will assist you to create that special occasion and make it a memorable event.

- Since 1957 -

The Most Fun Functions South of the Border

CHLOE CICERO SUPPLIED

However, if you are looking for a venue with a fun atmosphere, where the staff are always welcoming and – pardon the pun – full of beans, then Mexican Graffiti is the place to book for all your upcoming events.

Complete with a function room upstairs, Mexican Graffiti has no limits to what kind of occasion they can host. Think birthdays, Christmas parties, Hen’s nights, family catch ups and more, you name it, and they’ll be super excited to host it.

What makes Mexican Graffiti the perfect place for your next gathering? Well, in addition to offering free room hire, they also have cheap cocktails, and a vast and affordable flavoursome menu that caters for everyone, so why would you look elsewhere?

This long-standing, family-friendly venue has all your Mexican favourites on offer, including traditional menu items such as nachos, tacos, burritos and fajitas, and most definitely not forgetting ever popular Tequila and Margaritas.

Have your guests order from the main menu or alternatively, a restricted menu is available if required. Their extensive catering menu also offers plenty of options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten intolerant diners.

The team at Mexican Graffiti understand that almost all party’s kick-off with a few drinks that are a little stronger than the softer kind, so make sure you look through their large cocktail list, and then order one or three of their must have fishbowls. But if cocktails aren’t really your drink of choice, that’s okay, because you can

also choose from Corona buckets or other local and imported beers as well as a great variety of assorted spirits, wines and more.

In terms of booking your next function at Mexican Graffiti, upstairs is more suited to bookings of 45 or less, but if you have a bigger party in mind, there is always the downstairs area for larger bookings. There is also an al fresco area available for limited guests and ample parking at the rear of the restaurant.

Reservations are essential, so to secure a space and confirm the menu for an upcoming event, email juliehardy7@hotmail.com, or telephone 03 5222 2036.

Should you wish to treat a foodie family member or friend, gift vouchers are available and make an ideal Christmas or any time present.

Be sure to chill out at Mexican Graffiti this summer in the comfort of their air-conditioning with a special amigo or two and enjoy a mouthwatering frozen Margarita or ice-cold Corona.

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Café Zoo@ Drysdale

Located a stone’s throw from the Geelong CBD, and nestled amongst some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s finest Wineries, Café Zoo at Drysdale is an ideal venue to hold your next function or event. With beautiful gardens, a character building and committed friendly staff, we will make sure your event is a memorable one.

We have a mix of indoor and outdoor areas that can accommodate a variety of different functions and events, such as our private Gallery which seats 8-10, a rear Function Room with French doors to an adjoining private courtyard, our popular Yak Shak which seats 6-8 as well as the undercover marquee and lawn areas. We can cater for anything from a stand up gathering with drinks and finger food for 100+ guests to a small intimate celebration.

We believe great events require great food which is why we only use the best produce sourced locally wherever possible together with a selection of excellent wines. Our range of packages and menus have been designed to suit your event, or we can tailor something just for you.

Noble Foods

Noble Foods has years of experience specialising in corporate and school meetings luncheons and dinners, funeral services, open days, private functions and birthday parties.

We are always open for take away coffee, desserts, lunch, and a large range of fresh or frozen nutritious meals; available for pickup or delivery every Friday. Our range includes roast packs to curries and everything in between. We have your parents covered as well with our special Seniors Meals that are freshly cooked weekly. Our shop is always stocked with lasagnas, pies, fresh and frozen quiches and a dedicated gluten-free range of products. You are welcome to come and get take away or dine in.

Oh, and don't forget to start you Saturdays off with Ket Baker and La Madre breads baked fresh that morning. For catering enquiries, call into the shop, grab a catering brochure (or download from noblefoods.com.au).

Portarlington Golf Club

Take your event to the next level.

With large private indoor spaces and our spectacular Terrace overlooking the pristine golf course, we have the perfect location for your next function.

From sit-down meals to canapés or share tables to cocktails, our functions team is extremely flexible and knows exactly how to make your party memorable.

Whether you’re planning a quiet family get-together or a massive wedding, we can do it all.

We have set menus that feature a tasty mix of modern and traditional cuisine – the flavours you’d expect from our beautiful neck of the woods, but with influences from around the world. But we are more than happy to tailor make something specifically for you.

And of course, we pride ourselves in sourcing local and sustainable produce.

Call Ash on (03) 5259 2492 to get your party started!

Bellarine Tasting Boards

Lamb, Vegetable & Rosemary Pie

Tomahawk Rib Eye on the Bone

Lamb Moroccan Spring Rolls

9 Grams cafe/restaurant is now in four great locations: Newtown, Geelong, Mt Duneed and Torquay. We stock Brunetti cakes and two kinds of coffee beans; Pulse blend, that is served best with milk, and Single Origin coffee from Ethiopia, that is used for short blacks. We have great all day breakfast & lunch menus and are open 7 days a week from 7am to 4pm.

Proud to offer a unique, relaxing and friendly place for all. With delicious bistro meals for lunch and dinner - whatever the occasion we use only the freshest, best quality ingredients to prepare our meals. As well as great meals we also offer a wide range of wines, both local & Croatian. If it’s a function space you’re after, whether for a small lunch with friends or for a large wedding, we will assist you to create that special occasion and make it an event to remember. U V

Established by Will and Avanelle Derham in 2002, planting first Pinot and Chardonnay then expanding to Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Minimalist intervention from the low yielding vineyard encourages high natural acidity and sugar levels, resulting in well-structured, elegant wines, made on-site in the winery. The cellar door and restaurant offers a wonderful grazing menu featuring locally inspired shared plates and seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting.

Cellar door open Wed-Sun 11am–4pm, restaurant WedSun 12pm–4pm, dinner Sat from 6pm. Bookings essential.

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Barwon Heads Brewing Co is the heart of a local Barwon Heads family. We have spent time creating passion, perfection and heart by putting in long hours sourcing quality ingredients to bring you quality beer brewed for Barwon Heads.

Offering pale ale, mid strenth and draught initially, with plans to expand the range in the future.

BeachHouse Barwon Heads is to be found in the town’s old fire station. This beautifully renovated venue is a fusion of café and restaurant styles. A relaxed café environment during the day, serving brilliant coffee, then makes way for magnificent modern Australian cuisine and a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience in the evening hours.

Open seven days.

Situated in the heart of Ocean Grove Main Street, Bean to Steam will be your new regular pit stop for coffee, sandwiches, bánh mi, pastries & cakes.

While there will be seating available to relax, unwind and chat amongst the locals we have designed our menu for you to take on the run. Picnic by the beach or a quick sanga, sweet treat and caffeine hit to get you through the work day, Bean to Steam have got you covered. Don’t believe us, stop by and give us a try, you’ll soon get on board. U

Barwon Edge has been operating for the last 16 years. Ideally situated along the Barwon River walking track, it offers family friendly dining along with unique, tranquil & isolated grounds just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Geelong.

Currently operating a take away kiosk with plenty of seating around their ponds, lawn areas and deck. Inside there’s the Boatshed Bar and a restaurant offering a delicious menu to choose from in addition to a popular “feed me” option.

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Winners of Silver and Bronze 2019 Australian Food Awards. It’s simple. Pure taste. Our premium products are cured and hot smoked. We also sell cold smoked NZ Ōra King Salmon. Other products include NT Barramundi, Tasmanian Salmon, Goulburn River Rainbow Trout, Port Lincoln King Fish, Victorian Western District Eel and Geelong Salt Flakes.

We are passionate about what we do and believe in sustainably farmed and sustainable wild caught products. U V

Swan Bay Rosé 2022 Beef Croquettes

Cocktail hour

Oysters Mornay

Positioned on the corner of Macadams Lane Portarlington Rd. With views over the vines to the You Yangs, enjoy sitting under the sugar gums & taste a comprehensive wine-tasting menu.

Our Cellar Door is set against the backdrop of a rustic 100 year old dairy. Drop in & chat with Jamieson Bennett who offers friendly old fashioned hospitality & quality wines.

Visit bennettsonbellarine. com for opening hours.

Café Zoo is a great family café with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Bring the kids, your friends and even your dogs. Everyone is welcome!

The café is fully licensed offering excellent wines and boutique beers, and an extensive menu, indoor or outdoor dining, free wifi, private areas for meetings or functions, a baby change table, room for prams plus plenty of local artwork on display. U V

Saturday 25 February 2023

This award-winning, community street festival celebrates cultural diversity and is the biggest of its kind in Australia! An extravagant street parade (kicking off at 11am) will feature a sea of colour and costume with hundreds of performers bringing the street alive, representing local community groups, schools and organisations. Authentic cultural food, folk dancing, workshops and entertainment complete this celebration of diversity. U O V

Proprietor Greg Holt is passionate about fresh healthy produce and old fashioned customer service. Greg’s East Fruit Market is a one-stop gourmet grocery, encompassing everything from fruit and vegetables to flowers and a large selection of gluten-free products, sourced locally wherever possible.

Opening hours:

Mon to Fri: 7.30am–6.30pm Saturday: 7.30am–5.30pm Sunday: 8.00am–5.30pm U V

Bringing a taste of Italian coffee culture to the main street of Portarlington with our popular Antico blend, this family owned and run business offers an all day breakfast menu and selected family friendly lunches.

Fully licensed and air conditioned, you can sit back and enjoy the relaxed ambience indoors and outdoors with our slightly quirky style and layout and beautiful gardens.

Come and join us Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 3pm.

Purveyors of fresh local seafood in Geelong since 1971. Fishermen’s Pier is the region’s premier fine dining waterfront restaurant and is a must visit when driving through. Enjoy superb seafood in an exceptional atmosphere.

We offer express lunches Monday to Friday for those quick business meetings or midweek catch ups with friends. We are committed to providing you with exceptional service and a memorial dining experience.

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our focus is on perfect pasta and pizza but we do like to change it up a little, to give our customers variety.

Our pizza oven is imported from Italy and creates the traditional wood-fired pizzas with few but quality ingredients that we are known for. With fresh and flavoursome combinations, Gusto is traditional with a modern twist.

Check our website for opening times www.gustohighton.com.au

With an enviable reputation as Geelong’s premier Vietnamese Restaurant, Hanoi Kitchen have been serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine in Barwon Heads since 2016. Now a destination for foodies from the region and afar, Hanoi Kitchen draws diners regularly from Melbourne to enjoy their flavoursome dishes.

Owners Hong and Nick Lee have 20 years of international hospitality experience running 5 and 6 star properties, which shows in the quality of the service they deliver. U

Seafood Tower

A small intimate restaurant focusing on the simple flavors of Italian/Sicilian cooking. Located on the Newtown end of Pakington street, Chef Julian Barbagallo prides himself on fresh pasta, thin crispy pizza and house made Italian classic desserts best paired with imported Italian/Sicilian beer and wines.

Open Wed–Fri: 5pm–10pm Sat & Sun: 12noon–10pm Take away available via our website www.iragazzi.com.au

Peter & Donna Jenkins are legends in the seafood industry and his son now represents the fifth generation fisherman in this family business. A lifelong resident of Portarlington Peter says the quantity and health of seafood in Corio Bay is now extremely good and Jenkins and Sons also sources from local fishermen. All seafood sold at the premises can be purchased whole or filleted. Jenkins have a large variety of fresh fish, mussels, calamari and also fresh bait for all anglers. Now also supplying smoked seafood.

WINE | COGNAC | WHISKY

Now open for all your coffee, juice and delicious food cravings. Friendly service in buzzing Pakington Street.

∙ Coffee

∙ Deli-style panini

∙ Juice bar

∙ And more!

Mexican Graffiti is the most fun restaurant south of the border! Open 6 days a week from Tuesday–Sunday, closed Mondays. Dine in, enjoy our great new alfresco area out front or take away. Air-conditioned and heated for your comfort. Our menu offers a large range of dishes to choose from, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Sit back and enjoy one of our delicious margaritas or Coronas. Our staff look forward to welcoming you and making this a most enjoyable dining experience.

If you are after something a little different visit Moorabool Valley Chocolate chocolaterie and tea rooms where the chocolates are carefully hand-made in a modern chocolate kitchen attached to a 90-year-old farmhouse. There’s great coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks, cakes and slices and, of course, wonderful chocolates. The owners are always experimenting with new flavours and combinations to add to the product range and while you’re there, have a look at the village made almost entirely from chocolate!

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Large selection of takehome meals both fresh and frozen plus the usual faves such as quiches & lasagnas, risotto cakes, and many more. A vast selection of gluten-free is also available. Ask about our special Seniors Meals offer.

Drop into the shop, grab a coffee, indulge in a piece of cake from our large selection and see what’s on offer this week– or if you don’t want to miss out, go online to order by the close of Monday night for Friday delivery.

Parkers Steakhouse uses only the finest range of produce, ensuring your dining experience is both unique & delicious. The steaks on offer at Parkers Steakhouse represent the very best in grass-fed Australian beef, so whether you fancy fillet, rump, T-bone or porterhouse then you’ll be in luck when you pay a visit to their Geelong location. Their dedication to quality, service & the delivery of the ultimate Steakhouse experience, certainly sets them a breed apart.

Housed in an invitingly converted service station, PIKNIK sources all of the very best produce the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer. PIKNIK is a unique fully licenced cafe & pantry at the heart of the Bellarine taste trail. Match our ever changing fresh menu with a fantastic selection of local wines & beers. Try house-made ice cream or select one of our delicious cakes. Alchemy sourdough bread & pastries now baked in-house daily by Nathan Chinn. Why not pick up some wonderful preserves from the pantry on your way through?

At Napona, it’s all about creating a positive, lasting impression. Expect to find fine food featuring both Asian & Mediterranean influences in a relaxed & friendly dining atmosphere. From the breakfast menu to the full degustation menu & everywhere in between, Napona is known for high quality dining & contemporary style. Also offering pizzas for takeaway, pickup and delivery.

Open Tues 5.30pm—10pm, Wed to Sun 9am—3pm, 5.30pm—10pm U V

There’s been a massive overhaul of everything “eat and drink” at the Portarlington Golf Club. Fresh, bright new surrounds, scrumptious menu alternatives and Richard, our recently appointed executive chef, to name a few.

Now with full table service in the main restaurant, our friendly staff are all about helping you and your guests have a great experience.

Call 5259 2492 for bookings. U V

Nestled on the highest point on the Bellarine, Scotchmans Hill offers spectacular panoramic views across rolling vineyards to the Melbourne skyline.

Scotchmans Hill’s knowledgeable, passionate and friendly staff take visitors on a journey of fun and informative tastings that encourage an appreciation of wine for years to come. Enjoy magnificent wine and a mouth-watering menu at a cellar door that boasts beautiful decor, a fantastic alfresco area for the warmer months and a cosy fireplace for those cooler months.

Open 11.30am - 4pm, 7 days U V

The Egyptian-inspired Sphinx Hotel is a premier venue for great value eating and entertainment.

The Sphinx offers indoor and outdoor dining in our Pharaoh’s Bistro for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. The extensive menu includes daily specials and kids meals and there is a playground to keep the kids busy. The spacious Sports Bar has a big screen TV and bar meals.

Large bookings and functions catered for. Check their website for upcoming live music and comedy events.

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Located in the main street of Portarlington with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay.

Sit on the deck or inside the cafe and watch our boats pull into the pier and deliver some of the days catch directly to us.

The Little Mussel Cafe’s delicious seafood menu is still available but we have added a changing scrumptious lunch and dinner menu. Fully licensed.

Local food lover Christina La Fornara has opened her own little food haven, after accumulating over 18 years of hospitality experience. With few cafés in the East Geelong area, The Sprout About is establishing quite a following, with many locals flocking to try dishes made with fresh, local produce, keeping a rustic feel. The menu offers an all-day breakfast and a variety of lunch options as well as an array of sweets to entice those with a sweet tooth. Follow us on social media to find out our daily specials.

Serving up blow waves, hair styles, makeup & delicious cocktails. Check out our full list of events and packages on our website.

Open 6 days a week in beautiful Barwon Heads on the Bellarine.

Appointments essential. Book online or by phone. Find us on Instagram for some makeover inspiration. U O V

Located in the heart of Ocean Grove, serving classic seafood cuisine in an elegant but cozy space.

Chef & owner Ivan Roianov is well known in the Bellarine Peninsula for his work at Terindah Estate Winery and Lago restaurant at Lonsdale Links.

Using fresh locally sourced Bellarine Peninsula produce, the seasonal menu offers the likes of Oysters

Mornay with Shellfish

Bechamel and Citrus Cured Kingfish with Drysdale Goat Cheese. All complemented by an extensive Australian and International wine list.

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Drawing on a wealth of experience cultured both locally and internationally, Two Sugars’ management have brought the aromas, textures and flavours of Italy to Geelong without neglecting modern Australian dining.

Authentic pasta and woodfired pizza –don’t forget to try their delicious cake, specialty coffee, tea and juices too.

Wine {Domaine} is a speciality Wine Store catering to the needs of the Wine Connoisseur through to the person who would just like professional advice when selecting a wine.

With near 30 years experience in the wine industry including a stint in Champagne and Cognac France.

Wine {Domaine} is a fully independent, local store which exceeds all expectations. Let the journey begin.

Scotchmans Hill celebrates multiaward-winning season

Local winery Scotchmans Hill has been awarded a mammoth number of trophies for their wines over the past few months of competition season.

Former Wine Geelong president Robin Brockett has never had a winery take out so many trophies in only one year!

Robin entered Scotchmans Hill in several competitions this year, beginning with the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge.

He says, “There’s been a number of awards. It started with the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, which is pinot noirs from all over Australia.”

The Australian Pinot Noir Challenge is no small feat, with over 300 wines from across the country lining up to be judged with Scotchmans Hill being awarded a well-deserved trophy for best Geelong Pinot Noir.

Robin continues, “There’s about 300 wines, it’s really some of the best in Australia. We won the trophy for best Geelong Pinot in that.”

Riding on a high from the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge 2022, the next competition for Scotchmans Hill was even bigger, the biggest competition in Australia to be exact!

Going up against 700 wines is no easy feat, but that's exactly what Scotchmans Hill did at the 2022 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

Robin says, “Then there was the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, which is one of the biggest in Australia. We won best Victorian shiraz, and best shiraz at the show, which was the Trevor Marsh trophy. That was huge. There were about 700 entries.”

But Scotchmans didn't stop there! They took out five different trophies at the Ballarat Wine Show, and another trophy at the Victorian Wine Show.

Robin says, “At the Ballarat Wine Show, which was October, we won five trophies. We won best chardonnay, best shiraz, best white, best red, and then wine of the show, which was the shiraz.”

Then came the Victorian Wine Show, “At the Victorian Wine Show we also won the best rosé trophy.”

Entering, and winning this many competitions is a huge achievement, Robin says that normally the competition season sees him entering only a few competitions. In his 40 years of experience, he has never had this many wins across the one season.

He says, “Normally we only enter a handful of shows every year, we normally win one trophy a year, but at the moment we’ve won 10, and maybe more by the end of the show season. That’s very rare, I’ve been doing this for 40 years and it’s the first time it's ever happened to me.”

Robin said that it was COVID that encouraged him to enter more competitions this year, with a desire to support the wine shows to ensure they continue for years to come.

He continues, “Normally I’d only enter about three or four shows but this year I entered about six. Mainly because of COVID, I’ve been really focusing on supporting the region. The groups organising these competitions are working tirelessly, it’s a huge amount of work so we really like to support them as much as possible.”

In terms of the trophies Robin is most proud of this competition season, he says the Trevor Marsh award was a huge achievement for the winery.

He says, “The Trevor Marsh trophy for best shiraz is the biggest award we won this season by a long shot. The others have a few hundred wines entered whereas that one was measured against everybody in Australia.”

In addition to trophies, Scotchmans Hill were highly regarded throughout the competition season, with their wines making it to the final tastings for several prestigious awards – most notably, the Jimmy Watson award.

Robin says, “There’s also the Jimmy Watson trophy, which is the most prestigious trophy in Australia, it’s the best one or two-year-old red wine in Australia. We ended up getting through to the final tasting of six wines. It was definitely nice to be up there.”

Scotchmans Hill is just enjoying the ride of their competition wins, this year is also their 40th anniversary so the recognition from a number of wine shows is certainly one of the best anniversary gifts the venue could ask for!

Robin says, “November is our 40th anniversary. So, it’s a really lovely thing to happen on our 40th anniversary, it's great to have all these awards coming in.”

It’s clear that there is a huge amount of work that goes into being able to take home these trophies.

Robin says, “It's a reflection of all the hard work that's been put in by everybody in the vineyard and winery. It’s a group of people that are really dedicated to making this happen.”

Scotchmans Hill has been on a real roll this competition season! Be sure to visit this summer and experience some of their awardwinning wines for yourself!

Opening Hours:

Winemakers Peter Armstrong & Marcus Holt

Sunset sounds and wine among the vines

MACKENZIE

An ever-popular venue, Bennetts prides itself on family roots and its close-knit group of staff, all of whom share a passion for wine, food and creating a great time for their patrons.

With a style that suits this ethos, the Bennetts space is what owner Jamie Bennett calls a ‘rustic’ venue – a place where people feel comfortable and can unwind with a drink or two with good company and great food.

Jamie, who is very active in the business along with his partner Fay, says, “We want Bennetts to really be a casual, rustic space. It’s almost as though it’s an extension of people’s living rooms. We really try to emulate that warm and inviting feeling.”

Their hospitality philosophy reflects this notion of casual, comfortable dining – wanting to ensure their guests feel like part of the family is a key aspect of their business.

Jamie says, “It’s sort of at the centre of our philosophy on hospitality. We want it to be warm, inviting and really allow people to relax and enjoy themselves. Alongside good food and good wine of course.”

Given their enviable but on occasions challenging position on the Bellarine Peninsula, Bennetts recently decided to purchase a brand-new courtesy bus, enabling them to provide a pick up and drop off service for people wishing to visit their venue.

No one will ever again need to feel like they’ve drawn the designated driver short straw, with everyone now able to sit back and enjoy themselves while savouring a few glasses of wine this summer.

Jamie says, “If you’re coming with a group up to 11 people, we now have the ability to pick you up. We offer local pick up via our bus

around North Bellarine and out to Ocean Grove as well.”

“We haven’t had the bus on the road for a full summer season yet. This is its first full summer which is really exciting.”

Bennetts also pride themselves on sourcing as much local produce as possible from the region, as supporting locals is paramount to their business philosophy.

This support is evident with their menu offering a host of different food options from local suppliers. Choose from an appetising array of casual share plates, tapas, seafood, and flavoursome wood fired pizzas.

The food, while more casual, is without a doubt delicious and the perfect accompaniment to a wine or two on a sunny afternoon.

Jamie says, “It’s just really good, honest drinking food.”

Bennetts also have a strong stable of very good wines under their belt of which they are proud, and the process along the way has been a very enjoyable one for Jamie and Manager Tom Overman.

Tom says, “We have two vineyards that we manage, the first is the estate block and the other is a privately owned vineyard on Whitcombes Road in Drysdale. We oversee those two vineyards and farm that fruit. However, we do also purchase some parcels of fantastic fruit from some local growers as well.”

The wine is made close by, with a majority being made just a stone's throw away at Bellarine Estate. The properties are in close proximity to one another which is convenient for keeping the winemaking process local from start to finish. The result has been a diverse range of lovely cool climate wines that are fresh and extremely approachable.

Going into summer at full steam, Bennetts is gearing up for a big silly season and will be welcoming locals and visitors alike every day between December 27th and mid-January.

Additionally, given their love for music and a good time, Bennetts also host a range of music events that vary all the way from funk through to jazz, classic Australian and even house.

Tom says, “It’s a great space for music events and a fantastic opportunity for customers to see the venue in a different light.”

If you’re looking for a place to kick back, take it easy and relish a glass of wine and tasty tapas style food, Bennetts on the Bellarine should absolutely be your new go to.

The rustic vibe coupled with the convenience of their very own courtesy bus makes this the ultimate summertime drinks venue.

THE DROP

BANNOCKBURN

13.5%

Cracking good cool climate Chardonnay from a hallmark Geelong producer. Despite the modest price, this is an old world, Chardonnay; A great indication that Australian winemakers are getting to know the varietal intimately well.

Citrus and stone fruit characters dominate the nose; however, they’re not overbearing, rather they’re enticing enough to yearn for a sip. The talented team.

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BANNOCKBURN

É 13.5%

Bannockburn’s ability to constantly push the envelope on quality is a true testament to the team, especially as their already stellar range continues to grow. The 1314 range represents their early bottlings, albeit with extremely good quality fruit.

This Rosè is made from Shiraz and bears a lovely bright salmon hue; the colour makes this wine really pop in the glass. A savoury nose is supported by Turkish delight and rose petal aromas, while the palate

Rosè from a producer that’s never resting on laurels. :

RRP:

Please

BENNETTS ON BELLARINE

Wadawurrung Country – Bellarine Peninsula

11.6%

farming fruit that covers a great cross section of the region. This Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Whitcombes Road vineyard

fruit of life and great intensity. Belied by a steely and crisp nose, the which is pertinent to the wine’s freshness and life. A real winner for Sauvignon Blanc lovers and could even sway those that are less partial to the varietal.

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BENNETTS ON BELLARINE

Wadawurrung Country – Bellarine Peninsula

13.0%

The three heads on the Bennetts label aims to represent the lineage the vines. the wine is lighter in structure than what would be initially envisaged. The nose is quite delicate on account of the Pinot Noir contingent, the tannin and structure are seamlessly integrated, achieving a wine

: RRP:

Please be advised that prices given are the recommended retail price at the time of printing.

THE DROP

PROVENANCE WINES

Golden Plains

12.8%

There’s very little doubt that Chardonnay in Geelong is alive and kicking and you wouldn’t need to tell that to Provenance Wines. This 2020 is truly alive.

Pale straw in colour, it’s a wine that makes you want to drink it sheerly by lucid appearance. Stone fruit and peach do the talking on the nose but are shy early so don’t keep it too cool. Once the wine reaches the palate there’s rockmelon, peach and lemon zest. All cornerstone indicators that you have a Golden Plains Chardonnay of character, charm, and regional nuance.

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PROVENANCE WINES

Geelong

14.0%

Winemakers Scott Ireland and Sam Vogel’s propensity to work with terms of uniqueness. With some air, the nose of this Shiraz opens and is far from basic as tobacco leaf, cedar and berry aromas do much of the heavy lifting. dance around each other in perfect symmetry, leaving a medium to Shiraz is headed in the right direction.

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Please be advised that prices given are the recommended retail price at the time of printing.

SCOTCHMANS HILL

Bellarine Peninsula

13.0%

Chardonnay which is yet to be spoiled, as Robin Brockett’s team seemingly fails to rest. This is serious Chardonnay; all the way from the fruit through to the ferment, to the elevage mainly held in barrel

The wine bears phenomenal drive on the palate borne from an electric line of acidity. The nose seems closed early but opens with that commands attention. :

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SCOTCHMANS HILL

Bellarine Peninsula

13.0%

vary considerably depending on the site. Scotchmans are a producer that have understood and pioneered their sense of space and produce what is now considered to be benchmark Bellarine Pinot Noir.

Their 2021 Pinot Noir shows earthy tones on the nose but also intimated fruit aromas; a sign that the wine is brimming with layers. The palate changes the nexus somewhat as bright, almost confectioned red fruit comes to the fore. Given that the Scotchmans site is up on the volcanic slopes of the Bellarine; this is a delicate Pinot Noir which :

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Please be advised that prices given are the recommended retail price at the time of printing.

SANTA & D'SAS

King Valley

Prosecco is a very interesting varietal in Australia at the moment ‘Glera’ grape, which is grown widely in the King Valley and is where

Extremely light in colour, the nose is toasty and moderately fruit forward, with some weight and yeasty characteristics bobbing up : RRP: $24

SANTA & D'SAS

King Valley

13%

The Santa & D’Sas ‘ish’ range attempts to ‘seek uniqueness’ - a theme The 2022 ‘ish’ Pinot Noir is crafted using fruit sourced from the King wise, the wine is very generous and the structure through the mouth : RRP: $25

TOM OVERMAN

BARWONHEADS BREWING CO.

PALE ALE 4.9%

Bellarine Peninsula

BARWONHEADS BREWING CO.

JAPANESE LAGER 4.5%

Bellarine Peninsula

have achieved a great result with their newest brew on the beach.

This Japanese lager exhibits a perfect balance between rice