Modern sculptures dotting the grounds signal this isn’t your run-of-the-mill winery with restaurant; the owners are avid collectors who oversee a prestigious annual prize. Their love of beauty extends to the sleek glass and wood structure that embraces its picturesque location and manages to feel relaxed despite white linen and some officious service. The food of long-time chef Barry Davis is well-matched to the mood - his love of classical French technique leavened with a light hand. He adds the region’s fine produce to the heirloom varieties in the vegie patch. Quail and foie gras terrine comes with a well-judged puree of muscatel acidity; scallops, barely seared and still translucent, play off the sweetness of buttery leeks with romesco adding a bolder note. For mains, pork cooked sous-vide into velvety softness saddles up with surprisingly delicate puy lentils and a tarragon jus, while a creamy/crunchy mango and raspberry chiboust with punchy mango sorbet doesn’t let the momentum slide.

Open Daily noon–3pm; Fri–Sat 6.30–11pm (extended hours in summer)
Typical prices E $22 M $42 D $17
Cards DC AE MC V Eftpos
Wine Local and Old World list; estate wines dominate
Owners John & Wendy Mitchell
Chef Barry Davis
Seats 120; outdoor seating; private room 

And … Montalto caters for private picnics, and the Piazza is the cheaper, more casual cafe.