Recently we took advantage of
Vikki being home on a Sunday and a beautiful autumn day and went for a drive to
the Southern Highlands. Destination: Centennial Vineyards, Bowral. While still
still crisp the autumn foliage once we hit the Southern Highlands was a blaze
of golds and reds.
Located just before the town of
Bowral, Centennial Vineyards and Restaurant is positioned on top of a hill to
take advantage of the views down over the vines and surrounding country side. A
courtyard at the rear offers some protection from the elements and is furnished
with an antique fountain and rustic tables and chairs.
Our
first stop was the tasting room where we tried several of the sparkling and
white wines. Some really great wines and one variety we had not tried before,
Savagnin. I am not usually a Riesling drinker but was pleasantly surprised by
the three that we did try. Definitely on
the list for future buying. We didn’t try the reds this time around which gives
us an excuse to go back later in the year.
From the exterior the buildings
have a slight European appearance. The restaurant has a tower and an open floor
plan dining area replete with a large open fireplace, perfect for a chilly day.
As the weather was so fine we decided to dine on the enclosed verandah which
was cosy as several heaters were in use. This provided some stunning views as
we enjoyed our lunch.
Our lunch started with a
complimentary amuse bouche of sweet potato soup.....
After choosing our beverage for
lunch, a bottle of sparkling, rather than have two entrees we decided to share
the Highland Platter, which is a signature tasting plate of seasonal and local
products, comprising six individual components.....
I
decided to have the locally bred, “TOVA Platinum” beef fillet. This was a
Southern Highlands grass fed beef fillet with smoked potato puree, red onion
compote, Worcestershire mushrooms, grilled bone marrow and Centennial Shiraz
jus.....
Vikki went for something a
little lighter, pork cooked two ways, corn puree, corn salsa, bacon crisp.....
Of course if you are having a
steak you have to have some fries.....
Rather than have a dessert we
opted for Cabot cloth bound cheddar, apple paste, persimmon and freshly baked
breads....
This was a truly delicious long
lunch. Unfortunately we had to say good bye to the Southern Highlands and head
back to the city.
Should you ever find yourself on
a sunny day looking for a driving destination with lunch thrown in, head to
Bowral and try Centennial Vineyards and Restaurant, I highly recommend it.
Perhaps stay the night and have a look around this great town and region.
