Winter warmth at Ocean View Estates

The rolling hills of Ocean View Estates come alive in winter, with crisp weather and clear skies creating the perfect atmosphere for a fireside picnic or cosy mid-week getaway.

Co-owner Kate Honnef says the winery’s a popular destination for locals and visitors year round, but especially so in winter.

“People love to visit us in winter when the beaches are less popular but they still want to soak up the region’s natural beauty,” Kate says.

“It’s the best time in Brisbane for rounding up friends and having a picnic on the lawn with our firepits to keep you warm.

“Or enjoy our seasonal menu packed with locally sourced produce, with the fires burning in our restaurant.”

The picnic menu features favourites such as marinated chicken burgers, barbecue pulled beef burgers and tempura vege burgers, as well as tempting cheese and charcuterie boards accompanied by truffle salami, olives, dips and Barossa bark.

Ocean View Estates has recently welcomed a new head chef and Kate says he’s taking full advantage of the in-house wood smoker crafted from an old barrel from the winery to inject bursts of flavour into the winter menu.

“They’re fantastic flavours,” she says.

Perfect getaway

“He’s loving the wood smoker and has created our signature winter dish – smoked duck breast with a beautiful potato galette, sauteed greens and a thyme and red wine jus.

“The smoked pork shoulder tostadas are so full of flavour, served on a crispy corn tostada with a bourbon barbecue sauce, tomato relish, petit salad from Blue Dog Farm and chipotle cream.”

Butters are also being smoked to serve with Ocean View Estates’ house bread and with an entrée of pan-seared scallops.

Kate says the winter school holidays are also a fantastic time to plan a mid-week getaway with the family.

“Our cottages are often booked out on weekends, but if you plan ahead you can spend time here during the week.

“It’s just lovely to spend time in the cottages with a fire going during winter.”

There are three beautiful cottages to choose from – the one-bedroom Cabernet Cottage, the two-bedroom Shiraz Cottage and the five-bedroom Winemakers Cottage.

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