What’s better than a long lunch? A long lunch at a winery!
We’ve put together a list of local wineries that also serve lunch.
We recommend just working your way through the list – one weekend at a time!
Food and wine go together like Netflix and chill, avocado and toast, and coffee and Monday morning.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of the wineries in the Highlands that also serve lunch!
Who doesn’t love a bit of delicious food to line your stomach before or after a wine tasting?
Here’s a list of fabulous cellar doors where you can also grab some food with something here to suit every budget and taste. Yum!
Centennial Vineyards Restaurant
When you arrive at Centennial, you can tell straight up you’re in for a treat.
It’s a special place to grab a bite, and if you sit on the veranda, the views are lovely.
Opening hours :: A la carte lunch available Wednesdays – Monday from 11:30am.
Menu ::The food here is all top-quality local produce and the menu changes seasonally so you know you’re getting the best the region has to offer.
Good to know :: After something fancy? You can grab High Tea or Devonshire Tea at Centennial.
Highlight :: Last time I ate there, I was blown away by the twice cooked duck leg, spiced plum chutney, apple and radish salad with the pinot glaze.
Artemis Wines
If chill vibes and a relaxed atmosphere are what you’re after, you simply cannot go wrong at Artemis.
Opening hours :: Open 7 days a week, 11am-4pm.
Menu :: On offer all the time are some cracking cheese and nibble boards that use locally made produce. On Saturdays and Sundays, they whip up some pretty awesome woodfired pizzas.
Good to know :: Artemis is a pretty popular place, so I’d suggest booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, if you don’t mind making friends with the grass, pull up, grab a picnic blanket and claim your spot!
Highlight :: Artemis is a great family-friendly venue. There’s loads of space for little tykes to let off some steam while the grown-ups enjoy their adult grape juice. And they have live music on Sunday arvo’s 12-3pm.
Bendooley Estate
Wine + food + books = my heaven! If anyone needs me, I’ll be at Bendooley…
Seriously though, you won’t want to leave once you’ve seen and tasted what this place has to offer.
Opening hours :: Open 7 days a week, with weekday lunches from 12 pm and weekend lunches from 11:30am.
Menu :: You’ll find an extensive menu with plenty of options, including pizzas, grilled meats, seafood and more. My advice? Don’t miss the Pear & caramelised white chocolate galette, pear sorbet & dulce de leche.
Good to know :: The vibes here are pretty relaxed, but the food and service is anything but. You’re in for a fabulous experience that’ll only be enhanced by a wine tasting after lunch!
Highlight :: The Cellar Door is open for tastings from 10am daily with Cheese + Charcuterie Boards available during the day with wine tastings. Might be worth popping in before or after lunch! We see rolling out Bendooley in your future though….
Eling Forest Estate Café
If you’ve got coffee on the brain, this café should be on your list.
Not only is it on the lovely grounds of Eling Forest Estate, but the baristas really know what they’re doing.
Opening hours :: Open 7 days a week, 8am-4pm.
Menu :: They specialise in breakfast, light meals and gourmet lunches with daily blackboard specials. You’ll find everything from bacon and eggs to toasties, burgers and delicious sweets.
Good to know :: They also have an exciting sounding “Tour, Taste and Lunch” package offer that includes a guided tour of the wineries colonial-era buildings, exploring traditional winemaking processes,followed by a professional tasting of five popular wines. The experience ends with a lunch at the café. This is for groups of 4 or more and needs to be booked in advance.
Highlight :: If you need to walk off your food (or clear your head after your wine tasting) make sure to go for a wander around the little lake.
Alternatively, the lake is a great spot to sit and enjoy some takeaway goodies and let the kids run around.
Mount Ashby Estate
A visit to Mount Ashby will give you that French holiday feeling without having to board a plane.
From the moment you turn onto the tree-lined drive, you’ll be transported to the hills of Provence! BYO beret is optional (but encouraged!).
And they were awarded a Chef’s Hat in the Australian Good Food Guide 2023 – congrats team!!
Opening hours :: Open for lunch, 11:30am-3pm. Wine + Grazing until 4:30pm!
Menu :: Local produce prepared à la française – think lovely, rich flavours and stunning sauces. I highly recommend the pork belly paired with a glass of their rosé. The lavender crème brûlée is also divine.
Good to know :: Some of the menu items including the Charcuterie Plate and Cheese Board are also available at the cellar door if you would like to continue your snacking as you sip and taste.
Highlight :: You can dine inside or out at Mount Ashby, and there are usually some adorable wine pups running around.
There’s also an amazing store on site – Sally Beresford Antiques / French Farmhouse Tables showroom – that’s worth a look. You’ll find provincial 17th to 19th century antiques sourced from France and other parts of Europe, as well as some uniquely crafted French farmhouse tables made exclusively from hand selected European timbers.
So, there you go, Highlanders!
That’s Sunday lunch for the next good few weeks sorted – you’re welcome!
…
This blog features friends and advertisers of The Fold Southern Highlands and is fully endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold and we’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses. We want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible.