Scenic drives with a stunning  destination to finish, are always a delight, albeit somewhat rare.  An easy meander from Brisbane to Ocean View Estate Winery, provides a breathtakingly peaceful finish to  the relatively short drive.   

As you head down the path towards the cellar door and restaurant, the visible piece of the heart shaped pond, leads you to wonder what view lies ahead.    The chilly bite in the wind which greeted us, could not dampen our enthusiasm to uncover this entriguing area.

Close to the buildings, the winds bite forced me to duck a quick left  turn, into what just happened to be the cellar door.  With warmth taking over from that outside coolness, it was a delight to find the smiling Chloe offering a wine tasting.  Now who could refuse this.

Tonight we were guests of Ocean View Estates Winery to partake in their degustation dinner.  Given this was the first visit, the cellar door provided an opportunity to not only taste the wine varieties on offer, but to also learn some of the background behind this Winery.

Subtle pink hues were intriguing in this taste of Ocean Views rose.   Much lighter than the usual heavier pinks of other rose’s.   

Their cellar door is well presented with shelving showcasing the extensive wine selection, offered by Ocean View Estates.     Plenty of other options including wine accessories or even honey,  for the shopper.   

Some very nice wines on offer amongst the broad range.   Even Hubbys sweet tooth was catered for with dessert wine & port which definitely hit the spot!  My favourite amongst the tasting was 2010 OV Cabernet which left that wonderful mouth drying sensation, with a bonus chocolate cherry aftertaste, superb!

Having tasted the variety on offer, we were both interested to see which of these delights would be matched with Chef’s dishes at tonight’s degustation.

Tearing ourselves away from the warmth of the cellar door, we ducked across to the welcoming restaurant to be greeted by even more welcoming staff.  This of course was after signing up for to receive a couple of cases a year as well as a discount on meals etc at the restaurant…..which means we will have to return to this slice of paradise – it’s a hard life sometimes!Fabulous warmth radiated from this wonderful burner near our table tonight.  Loved the kettle sitting atop, it was a nice touch.   Everything about this restaurant is clean, tidy, with lovely lines and plenty of room.  Always nice to dine where distance between diners is respected.  

The floor to ceiling windows offered some relaxing vistas.   Outside was a large balcony area which, would no doubt be a fantastic place to wile away some time on a lovely mild afternoon or evening.   This place has been designed to encourage you to unwind, relax enjoy and stay a while.  Owners Kate & Thomas have built this hub, with hard work and dedication.  It shows, and they should be commended on their efforts.Tonight Chef Tony Tierney had organised a wonder degustation menu, which unfortunately he was unable to enjoy as he celebrated his birthday the same day.  However, back of house staff do require a mention here, the standard of presentation, quality of food, and overall taste went beyond superb.  Chef Tony should be very proud of the efforts he has put in to ensure his team can turn out dishes to the standard he has obviously set.  Well done.

In saying that, the front of house upheld the high standards.  Service for the entire duration of the evening, could not be faulted.   To have your staff share your passion and enthusiasm as an owner, is an accomplishment and certainly no mean feat.

By definition Dégustation is a culinary term meaning ‘a careful, appreciative tasting of various foods focusing on the gustatory system, the senses, high culinary art and good company.  Dégustation is more likely to involve sampling small portions of all of a chef’s signature dishes in one sitting. ..it may be accompanied by a matching wine degustation which complements each dish.’ (Quote: Wikipedia).  

I view Degustation as a delightful play on all the senses, tempting, salivating and teasing.  A culinary delight.  Each morsel needs to be enjoyed to its fullest potential.

As for the company, some of Brisbanes intriguing instagrammers, as well as owners Kate & Thomas,  I would have to say, this was one of the most delightful groups of people.  Before tonight we had not met any of them, however conversations, common interests and simply wonderful company, was definitely the perfect accompaniment to this dining experience.  FInally here was an opportunity to photograph food and wine without people looking at you strangely… The whole table did it.  Hubby was simply delighted he finally didn’t have to wait for me to photograph his meal, only because our dishes were the same. Sometimes it is the small things……!

Our first course tonight was Roasted scallops & Mooloolaba spanner crab accompanied by a pea purée, macadamia crumble and coc nibs.   Scallops literally melted in your mouth, washed down by the Chardonnay which hinted vanilla oak.   There was nothing in this dish to disappoint.The bar had now been set.   How was Chef Tony going to follow up first dish?

With the superb presentation of one of the most crunchy dishes ever, no-one at the at table could hide the fact you were eating.   The resounding crunch from enjoying this confit pork jowl, nesting in ham hock broth, with pigs ears, snow pea and nori, echoed around the table.  This was pork at its finest, which could only be enhanced by the soft, yet crispness of the 2014 Reserve Voigner.

Still savouring the delights of the pork, we moved on to the third dish of this dining experience, the French oak smoked duck breast.   Teamed with burnt pumpkin, lotus root and the 2015 (aptly named) Unwound Shiraz, taste buds danced with the rich full flavours, smoothed with the Shiraz.   As a side note, there are not many Shiraz’s I find which sit and digest,however this one was definitely an exception to the rule.   There comes an end to every dining participation event.  Yes this means dessert.   Following on with the crunch theme over the last couple of dishes, Chef Tony had  created a delicious raspberry rubarb combination.  Now I will be the first to admit that whilst Hubby enjoys rhubarb, I don’t particularly, only remembering it as one of those dishes you had to eat as a kid.  Whilst Hubby had viewed this menu item with delight, I was somewhat apprehensive, yet willing to try.Wow!   No disappointment here, everything about this dish was simply brilliant.  Raspberry sorbet, crumble and  jelly, added to the rhubarb and rosemary flowers was topped off with the perfect partner of 2012 OV Gold, hubbys pick of the wine choices.

Thank you to all who participated in this evening and for those of you who follow Instagram, check some of these lovely people we met and their Instagram feeds:

#rikerama #brisbanefoodlovers  #queensland #melissafindley #foodieinheels #atetoomuch

Everyone in the Instagram community we have met so far, has been welcoming, warming and encouraging.  Thank you all!   Big thank you to our hosts Kate & Thomas and their superb staff.   We cannot wait to return – hopefully to stay onsite in one of those appealing cottages.   Remember to check the website www.oceanviewestates.com.au  Kate, Thomas and staff look forward to your visit!