Winter Gathering Menu

There’s something unmistakably comforting about gathering around the table in winter. As the temperature drops, the menu shifts — from bright, summery dishes to deeper, slower-cooked flavours, best enjoyed with good company and a glass of your favourite wine.

This winter, we’ve curated a menu of three seasonal dishes, each thoughtfully paired with a selection of wines we think perfectly pair to keep you warm in this weather.

Entrée: Olives Ascolana

Golden and crisp on the outside, with a rich, savoury centre, these stuffed and fried olives are an irresistible start to any gathering. The briny olive, spiced meat filling, and crunchy coating create a salty-savoury interplay that calls for a wine with lift and energy.

Our Great Southern Rosé is the perfect match — offering freshness, red fruit vibrancy, and enough acidity to cut through the richness while enhancing the aromatics of the dish. Serve on a platter, with glasses poured and guests gathered, for a relaxed start to the evening.

Main: Pastrami-Spiced Roast Beef with Sweet & Sour Cabbage

This standout beef main pairs warming spice with depth and richness. The pastrami-style crust infuses the roast with pepper, coriander, and smoke, while the sweet and sour cabbage adds lift and brightness to the plate. To complete the dish, we suggest serving with crunchy roast or fried potatoes on the side.

The Single Vineyard Frankland River Shiraz brings dark fruit and pepper spice to complement the beef’s intensity. For a more elegant pairing, the Single Vineyard Frankland River Grenache offers red fruit and subtle spice, allowing the aromatics to shine. You could also try a slightly savoury, earthier match, with the Great Southern Tempranillo — all offering a different lens through which to experience the dish.

Dessert: Dark Chocolate & Pear Tart

Rich, dark chocolate and poached pear come together in this elegant tart — a dessert that balances sweetness with dark chocolate bitterness. The wine pairing here needs generosity and finesse.

Our Great Southern Malbec is an ideal match, offering plush dark fruit, gentle spice, and fine tannins that frame the richness of the chocolate without overpowering the dish. The pear’s delicate character mirrors the lift and freshness of the Malbec’s natural acidity.