With Spring here and Summer just around the corner we are all starting to venture out from the warmth of our homes and back into the big world to see what new adventures await.

Our latest adventure had us heading towards the scenic Red Hill towards Montalto, nestled into the rich greenery and vineyards of the Red Hill wine country Montalto is home to not only a beautiful winery but both casual and fine dining through from the Piazza and Restaurant respectively each offering its own unique food experience.

But wanting to get out and experience the beautiful weather all while having a drink and bite to eat. Montalto offered us just that, beyond the wine and food, Montalto offer a range of experiences that will leave you wanting for nothing.

Opting for the Spring Picnic, a stunning way to enjoy the spoils of Montalto away from the crowds and secluded away in your own private space.

Arriving at Montalto, we were greeted warmly and welcomed into the cellar door before we were taken into Crow’s Nest, a private dining and wine tasting room that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the vineyard.

Here we were treated to a premium wine tasting of the Montalto wine range, exploring the Montalto’s Pennon Hill, Montalto Estate and Single Vineyard labels with each developing new flavours and complexity highlighted by our host Jason. It allowed us to understand the difference between their wines and how they have come together to create such an amazing range to be experienced. We enjoyed this not only because we got drink wine, but because it was more than just the traditional swirl and smell that most wine tasting are, they really allowed us to get an insight into what we were drinking.

After finishing our wine tasting, we were asked to choose a bottle from what we’ve tasted to take with us on our picnic (this was an additional expense). Armed with a glass of bubbles, a map, the warmth from all the wine and the promise of amazing picnic ahead, we headed off through the sculpture garden towards our hidden hideaway.

As we made our way to the picnic area, a private clearing near the lake we discovered our picnic nestled among the trees hidden away, you feel remote like you’re in a different place altogether.

What followed was a picnic that surpasses all picnics. Laid out for us was a feast for the senses and the taste buds.

Foccacia, rosemary, olive oil
Marinated estate olives
White bean dip
Smoked ricotta, pickled mushrooms, hazelnuts
Trout rillettes, crème fraîche, chives
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Grilled lamb rump, crushed peas, jus
Pommes anna, confit fennel
Roasted beetroot, feta, rocket salad
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Cheese plate, accompaniments
Baked chocolate pudding, crème fraîche

Starting with warm focaccia with rosemary, olive oil, estate olives and white bean dip.  Smoked ricotta, pickled mushrooms, hazelnuts, trout rillettes, crème fraiche and chives.  This was followed with lamb rump, crushed peas, jus pommes anna, confit fennel with roasted beetroot, feta and rocket salad.  With the little room we had left we enjoyed a cheese platter and the best baked chocolate pudding we’ve had in a long time. All teamed with the 2017 ‘Tuerong Block’ Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, from our tasting, this was shaping up to be a perfect afternoon.

Finished by strolling back to the piazza for coffee, there aren’t many other ways we would recommend spending your day out.

And while we loved our tasting and picnic experience, it might not be for everyone, Montalto offers a full range of experience to suit your day, you can find these here.

Beyond great food and wine, we found a haven away from the busyness of our lives.  We reminisced, laughed and escaped reality for a bit.  No matter if you just want an afternoon with friends or to celebrate with that special someone, Montalto has an experience for you.  Plan your escape and create memories.

Montalto
33 Shoreham Road,
Red Hill South VIC 3937 Australia
03 5989 8412
www.montalto.com.au
@montaltovineyard