“I like a drive in the Country. Don’t you?”
James Bond.
Yes I do thank you James, although taking the corners in your Aston Martin would certainly clinch the deal.
UPDATE 2017. This restaurant is now under new ownership and is known as Hogget Kitchen.
One hundred kms South East of the City of Melbourne, on a well worn path of Freeway that skirts the ranges, you will find the “wild dog” country town of Warragul. Surrounded by rolling green hills be-specked with dairy farms, Warragul reaches for the Strezleki ranges on one side and the Baw Baws on the other and armfuls of swamp filled flatland in the space between.
Well, and now you quit the dish of soft hills
with eyes of water clouds forever rising
grass dotted here and there with leather-bound animals
sunlight in drifting swatches.
“Gipplsand Fading” by Chris Wallace-Crabbe. Read more here.
Warragul is a town I once knew well but on each of my recent visits I am impressed afresh with what she offers. There are her overtly observable charms of open space, green hills and rolling countryside. But I have more recently been beguiled by her finer features; the pastoral bowl, the recently accredited Farmers Market, historic buildings, accessible parklands and a burgeoning food scene.
I have written before about the surprising Big Spoon Little Spoon in Warragul and String and Salt Cooking school. But this time I was in search of something new.
Just outside of the main town is the award winning Wild Dog Winery and this was my destination. Eat My Street went for a visit for a mid-week lunch.
Wild Dog Winery has just been awarded the Restaurant and Caterers Savour Award for best country restaurant in a winery. After my recent visit, I can understand why.
Perched upon a hill top in the rolling ranges just outside of Warragul, this winery and restaurant pleases with stunning views and striking architecture form the moment you arrive. The delicious food being served up by Chef Ed McDowell only serves to continue the impressive display.
The views once you get to the car park are pretty delicious.
The restaurant itself is full of blonde wood, glass windows and those grape-vine dotted, gum-fringed, rolling green hills beyond.
We ordered the Charcuterie share plate as the front counter fridge was just bursting with charcuterie goodness and who am I to resist such visceral temptation?
We were given 3 choices from the following options; Wild Venison Salami, Chilli Pancetta, Wagyu Bresaola, Proscuitto, Felino Salami, Wild Boar Salami, Jamon, Pepper Pancetta, Olive Sopressa. This was served with Hope Farm bread, pickled vegetables and Burratta. $32.90
Time waiting for our food was passed in the pleasant occupation of wine tasting. A bottle of the Wild Dog Wild Nectar wine was then purchased to accompany us home.
Wild Dog Winery boasts an extensive seasonal menu.
We very much enjoyed our lunch and those views and the friendly service in from restaurant staff. A great place to visit, even if you don’t drive an Aston Martin.
Happy Eating.
Dani xx
The details
Address: Warragul-Korumburra Rd, Warragul
Phone:(03) 5623 2211
