Yarra Glen — Gastrology

4 ½ star Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley recently released its new winter menu for 2015 with a strong focus on local regional dishes.

Each menu at the resort’s Rae’s Restaurant varies from season to season in order to take full advantage of the wealth of fresh produce in the Yarra Valley, with many of the herbs and vegetables sourced from Balgownie Estate’s very own kitchen garden.

Having lunch rather than dinner ensures that you are afforded a picturesque view of the sundrenched pinot noir vines and its leafy surrounds. The floor to ceiling windows which encase the dining room, allow warm sunlight to billow in and provide a bright, airy and spacious atmosphere – a spaciousness underscored by the generous apportioning of space to each table.

The focal point of the restaurant remains the outstanding wines. Known for their ability to age, we enjoyed glasses of the 2010 Balgownie Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that had been highly recommended to us.

Hand rolled Potato Gnocchi, Smoked ocean trout, fennel, minted pea puree, Balgownie Estate chardonnay cream

The gnocchi was a beautifully rich dish which was highlighted by the light gnocchi.

Lamb fillet, Fried eggplant, tomato and zucchini ragout

The high quality pieces of lamb were cooked perfectly to a tender and juicy pink. The accompanying eggplant and tomato and zucchini ragout made this wonderfully flavoursome dish.

Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon, Thai red curry marinated, baked cashew nut, coriander and Vietnamese mint

The perfectly seasoned curry broth possessed the customary punchy flavours exhibited by South East Asian curries and was a great match for the oily texture of the salmon. We loved the inclusion of crunchy baked cashew nuts and fresh coriander and Vietnamese mint.

Broccolini, soy ginger glaze and crispy shallots; Crumbed button Mushrooms, herb pesto

Vine Smoked Chargrilled Boneless Rib-eye, Crispy fries, green beans, Bordelaise sauce

The steak was delicious. Cooked to our liking (medium rare), the steak was delectably juicy and tender. The accompaniments to the steak were each delicious – the crispy fries were perfectly seasoned and wonderfully flavoured and the green beans provided a thoroughly enjoyable freshness.

Warm Red Wine Cake, Balgownie Shiraz, cinnamon ice cream, sultana compote

For dessert, the Warm Red Wine Cake was a delight. Fluffy and moist with aromatic cinnamon ice cream, this cake was a deliciously sweet end to our visit.

Overlooking Balgownie Estate’s pinot noir vineyard; the rolling hills and expansive views, Rae’s Restaurant affords the perfect backdrop for a lovely meal to be enjoyed over award-winning wine.