Whenever somebody utters the words 'Mornington Peninsula', a flurry of thoughts immediately come to mind. Pristine white beaches, delicious food and the best golf courses in Victoria are just a few of them, but there's one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Wine is, by far, the product most heavily associated with the region, and this can be attributed to the incredible quality of the varietals that are produced here.
Accordingly, many of the visitors to the Peninsula have got vino on their minds, but the question remains how best to enjoy it. Undoubtedly, the best option would be to pair it with some sumptuous food and a spectacular view! Luckily for lovers of grapes, that's just what we do here at Moonah Links with our yearly wine pairings. Intrigued? Read on for the lowdown.
Wine pairings at Moonah Links
Dave Sherlock, the food and beverage manager at Moonah Links, describes the location of the resort as something that very few destinations get to truly boast – being situated in such highly regarded wine country. In his own words, the pairings provide a great opportunity to "build relationships with the local wineries" in order to showcase the very best on the Mornington Peninsula. This doesn't just include the vino, but all of the region's great seasonal produce, too.
The events started out as an offering that was exclusive to members and guests, but over the years it's grown and now attracts a larger crowd. Even with more demand, Dave likes to keep things intimate, with no more than 50 people at each meal. This results in a relaxed atmosphere which really makes the meals special. Held annually, and on some occasions twice a year, the most recent instalment of the event was recently held in July, and featured wines from Peninsula standout Paringa Estate.
The producers themselves come along to provide insight into the wine making process.
Paringa and the process of pairing
Planning for these meals begins months in advance, and after we've determined which winery we'll be going with, it comes to the pairing side of things. Often, the wine makers will have their own specific notes for what their product will match best with, and we combine these with our team's own culinary flair to give things that extra little twist. In the case of Paringa for example, their "peninsula" shiraz paired wonderfully with slow-cooked Saltbush lamb, spiced beetroot, saffron eschalots, petite carrots and shiso.
What really makes the events different though, is that the producers themselves come along to provide insight into the wine making process. The discussions and questions around the table are often as interesting as the food itself, helping to provide the perfect atmosphere for the Peninsula's very best wines.
For more information on these event, get in touch with Moonah Links today.
Filed under: Blog, Mornington Peninsula Events, Members News