Regional World's Longest Lunch at Mitchelton Wines
Regional World's Longest Lunch at Mitchelton Wines for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival was a spectacular event on a sun drenched day. This was a sold out lunch featuring top notch food and wine, and I was also blessed afterwards with dinner at Muse Restaurant and a stay in MGallery The Mitchelton Hotel. A walk in the town of Nagambie the next day completed a full experience and celebration of the region.
Perfect day for an epic event, the foodies included many locals as well as those of us who drove up from Melbourne. It doesn't matter where you sit; there's a festival atmosphere, conviviality and common appreciation for outstanding food and wine.
Regional World's Longest Lunch in Nagambie highlighted the stunning new-look Mitchelton Winery. With its landmark Ashton Tower overlooking the slow glide of the Goulburn River, Mitchelton is the perfect backdrop for a celebration of the region. The photo above was taken the next day from the Ashton Tower looking down on where the lunch event was held. Absolutely stunning.
Kudos for the exceptional table decorations.
Teaming up with long-time neighbours Tahbilk, the two wineries showcased all that the Goulburn Valley has to offer from paddock to plate and from grape to glass.
First dish hit the high notes with Charred zucchini, trout gravlax, and lime; Jamon serrano, fresh fig, and vino cotto; and Duck pithivier, quince and star anise. Served with Tahbilk Marsanne 2018.
An exciting menu for a premium Melbourne Food and Wine Festival event.
Lunch from Mitchelton's Executive Chef Daniel Hawkins highlighted produce from local growers and artisan producers and included handpicked ingredients from Mitchelton’s vegetable garden, with each dish matched to wines from the Mitchelton and Tahbilk ranges.
Steamed Murray Cod was a compelling dish; a fish that is often under rated but has a wonderful taste and texture. Perfect with fennel, lovage, cos and Mitchelton Blackwood Park Riesling 2017.
Main course of Three rivers lamb, curry spices, kuri squash, mustard leaf was a showstopper. The dish highlighted the premium lamb and brought some welcome "kick" with the curry spices. Served with Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2016.
Dessert was also a triumph with this Vanilla mouse, port wine jelly, spiced plum and wild blackberries. Served with Tahbilk LBVP 2008.
The cheese selection was strong with L'Artisan Le Rouge, roadside fig chutney served with Mitchelton Single Vineyard Shiraz 2016.
Mitchelton Cellar Door is well worth a visit.
After this amazing event I enjoyed a luxe spa treatment at Mitchelton Day Spa in the MGallery Mitchelton Hotel complex.
MGallery hotels each have their own unique identity - a reason why I love them. The MGallery The Mitchelton Hotel is highly impressive with spacious modern rooms (and the pool and river view rooms are stunning).
Stunning grounds and pool area. Needless to say I went for a swim.
Morning breaks with outstanding views from my hotel room.
The Muse restaurant at Mitchelton Wines is a delightful destination and dinner and breakfast here were top notch. The menu is inspired by fresh local produce found throughout the Nagambie Lakes District. The Muse serves modern farmhouse cuisine overlooking the banks of the Goulburn River.
One of the advantages of dining here is the availability of the extensive premium Mitchelton Range. I love the Preece wines but also the eclectic artistic labelling - unique for every bottle.
Oak smoked Goulburn river trout, wild blackberries, walnut featured local produce at its best.
Pork and yabby dumplings, roasted shell and chilli sauce. These dumplings were magical; the only thing is I would have like to have more of the sweet hit of yabby compared to the pork.
Venison carpaccio, figs, blue cheese, lovage was a tasty dish excellent paired with wine. The figs in season were a perfect compliment to the carpaccio.
Mitchelton Heathcote Shiraz is always a good idea.
Slow cooked Seven Hills goat was a triumph.
The standout dish for me was the Whole Roasted free range Cornish Cross chicken , heritage tomatoes, asparagus, tarragon. Melt in your mouth roasted chicken.
Sides were also compelling including the Triple cooked chips and the Charred broccoli.
Whipped dark chocolate, raspberries, chocolate sable was a chocolate lovers must order dish.
Views from The Ashton Tower are breathtaking.
Extraordinary river setting.
Take time to visit the Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art.
Nagambie is a charming town, only a short drive away.
Checking out the lake; tranquil setting and beautifully presented lawns and paths at Nagambie.
The World Loves Melbourne loved the Regional World's Longest Lunch at Mitchelton Wines, as well as the Spa treatment, stay in the hotel, dinner and breakfast. A visit to Mitchelton Wines with its magnificent facilities is highly recommended.