A vine time to visit Ocean View Estates

Summer’s the perfect time to head for the hills and plan a trip to Ocean View Estates.

Co-owner Kate Honnef says the vineyards are at their best, with juicy plump grapes bursting on the vines and the menu is packed full of the flavours of the season.

“It’s always four to eight degrees cooler and there’s always a breeze blowing through the vines,” Kate says.

“You can either have a beautiful meal in the restaurant or have a picnic and watch the kids run around.

“We serve great food in a stunning location.”

Nestled in the Moreton Bay Hinterland, Ocean View Estates serves up handcrafted wine and elegant food in scenic surrounds.

Soak up the serenity

The 150 acre-estate is family owned and operated, and provides an authentic experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the vineyards.

Guests can book a picnic experience, with Ocean View staff preparing a basket complete with a blanket and a fire pit, or select food from the menu and BYO picnic blanket.

Kate says the picnics are popular with families, but also with guests who have something to celebrate.

“A lot of people are doing that for gathering people for a special occasion.

“A picnic among the grapevines is a beautiful, relaxed way to celebrate.”

Tastes of the season

Ocean View Estates have recently welcomed two new chefs to the team and launched a new menu to showcase the flavours of summer.

“The menu changes regularly and seasonally. There’s a big change seasonally and within the season it changes as different produce becomes available,” Kate explains.

“We have the best burgers you will have anywhere in Brisbane and there’s also salads and vegan options – we cater to all dietary requirements.”

Among Kate’s favourites on the summer menu are crispy pork belly with a strawberry glaze made using berries sourced from fellow Moreton Bay food icon LuvaBerry and served with home grown pumpkin.

Other taste-tempters among the entrees include vegan tempura eggplant, ginger mushroom wantons and a calamari salad dressed with chilli and nahm jam.

The mains range from salted beef cheek served with wilted greens, an Asian herb salad, coconut jus, chilli and jasmine rice; and chimi churi crusted lamb rump served medium rare to a pea, roasted pumpkin and mint risotto.

Among the desserts are a chocolate fondant with white chocolate sauce, raspberry sorbet and chocolate floss; sticky banana pudding; and sweet spring rolls.

Behind the scenes

Kate says the weather’s been perfect for a cracking 2024 vintage and taking a tour of the vineyards – arriving by helicopter takes things to the next level – is a great way to learn why.

“It’s vintage 2024 that’s growing now and it’s exciting for us to watch as the grapes develop in the vineyard,” Kate says.

“We’ve got good quantities and excellent quality.

“It’s a great time to do a winery tour – you will see the grapes in their infancy and then as they mature and you can come back in February or March to taste the juice.

“Every time you come, there’s something different to see.”

Learn more about Ocean View Estates.