Taste of the Highlands: Pinot Masterclass and Gourmet Lunch With Wine Pairings

The Southern Highlands of New South Wales offer a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts to enjoy the captivating world of pinot noir. Centennial Vineyards, renowned for its exceptional pinot varietals, hosts an enlightening masterclass that delves into the nuances of this revered grape. Following the masterclass, guests will embark on a charming garden tour in historic Berrima before indulging in a gourmet three-course lunch at the acclaimed Eschalot restaurant, where each dish is expertly paired with local wines. This experience promises to elevate the senses and leave indelible memories for those seeking a true taste of the highlands.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Sydney.

Key Points

• Explore diverse pinot varieties from the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales through a masterclass and gourmet lunch with wine pairings.
• Participate in a pinot masterclass featuring a curated tasting flight and insights from a knowledgeable sommelier.
• Enjoy a bespoke garden tour in historic Berrima before the gourmet lunch experience at Eschalot restaurant.
• Savor a three-course meal expertly paired with regional pinot noir, pinot grigio, and dessert wines.
• Convenient transportation from Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel and all-inclusive package for a seamless, highly rated experience.

Experience a Pinot-Centric Day

Why not embark on a pinot-centric day in New South Wales’s Southern Highlands, where you’ll explore the nuances of this captivating grape variety?

Begin your journey with a pinot masterclass at Centennial Vineyards, where you’ll savor a tasting flight of diverse pinot styles accompanied by tempting snacks.

Discover the region’s renowned pinot noirs, pinot grigios, and even a pinot-based sparkling wine, each offering a unique expression of the grape.

After this immersive wine experience, venture to the historic town of Berrima for a bespoke garden tour and a three-course gourmet lunch at the celebrated Eschalot restaurant, with each dish expertly paired with a pinot selection.

Exploring the Pinot Masterclass

At the Centennial Vineyards, participants explore the nuances of pinot noir, pinot grigio, and pinot-based sparkling wines through a carefully curated tasting flight.

Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, the pinot masterclass explores the unique characteristics of each varietal. Guests savor the delicate aromas, complex flavors, and subtle differences between the pinot styles.

Snacks are provided to enhance the tasting experience, allowing participants to discern how the wines pair with various culinary elements.

Throughout the masterclass, the sommelier shares insights into the winemaking process, regional influences, and the versatility of the pinot grape.

This interactive and educational session lays the groundwork for the gourmet lunch to follow, where the pinot wines will be expertly matched with the chef’s creations.

A Historic Berrima Garden Tour

After the pinot masterclass, the group sets off for the historic town of Berrima, where they explore a charming garden just a stone’s throw away from the town center.

The garden, tended with care by the owners, features a variety of native and exotic plants that thrive in the cool Southern Highlands climate.

The visitors wander through the well-manicured paths, admiring the vibrant colors and lush foliage. They learn about the garden’s history and the challenges of maintaining it in this region.

The tour provides a peaceful respite before the group heads to Eschalot for their gourmet lunch, eager to pair the delicious dishes with the pinot wines tasted earlier.

Eschalot’s Three-Course Lunch

Following the tour of the charming Berrima garden, the group settles in for a three-course gourmet lunch at the acclaimed Eschalot restaurant.

Crafted by chef Matty Roberts, the Modern Australian menu offers an exquisite dining experience.

To start, they savor crispy pork belly with cauliflower puree, paired with the Rotherwood Pinot Grigio 2016.

For the main, they indulge in lavender smoked duck breast with kohlrabi kimchi, complemented by the Artemis Pinot Noir 2017.

To end on a sweet note, they delight in a lemon curd tart with caramelized pineapple, sipping the Cherry Tree Hill Maya Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2013.

The expertly curated wine pairings elevate each course, ensuring a truly memorable gourmet lunch.

Wine Tasting Flights and Pairings

The pinot masterclass at Centennial Vineyards allows participants to explore various pinot styles through tasting flights and snacks. During the class, guests sample a selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling pinot wines, learning about the unique characteristics of each varietal. The wines are paired with delectable snacks that complement their flavors, enhancing the tasting experience.

Wine	Region	Vintage	Tasting Notes	Food Pairing
Rotherwood Pinot Grigio	Southern Highlands	2016	Crisp, refreshing with citrus and stone fruit notes	Crispy pork belly, cauliflower purée
Artemis Pinot Noir	Southern Highlands	2017	Medium-bodied, red berry and earthy aromas	Lavender smoked duck, kohlrabi kimchi
Cherry Tree Hill Maya Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc	Southern Highlands	2013	Sweet, tropical fruit flavors with a balanced acidity	Lemon curd tart, caramelized pineapple

Transportation and Meeting Details

The tour kicks off at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, where participants can easily access the meeting point via public transportation or by walking from nearby central Sydney hotels.

Situated just a short distance from Circular Quay railway station, the centralized location ensures a convenient start to the day’s activities.

Once gathered, the group will board a private air-conditioned vehicle for the scenic journey to the Southern Highlands.

At the end of the day’s experience, the tour returns participants to the original meeting point, allowing for a seamless start and finish to the excursion.

With all fees and taxes included, travelers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the culinary and wine-tasting delights that await.

Activity Inclusions and Recommendations

This premium experience packs a wealth of indulgent offerings, from expertly curated wine flights to a gourmet three-course lunch.

The pinot masterclass at Centennial Vineyards allows guests to sample an array of pinot wines – red, white, rosé, and sparkling – accompanied by tasty snacks.

Lunch at the acclaimed Eschalot restaurant features a Modern Australian menu, with dishes like crispy pork belly, lavender-smoked duck, and a decadent lemon curd tart, each expertly paired with a complementary wine.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy private transportation and the camaraderie of a small group, capping off an unforgettable taste of the Southern Highlands.

This experience isn’t to be missed by oenophiles and foodies alike.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Taste of the Highlands: Pinot Masterclass and Gourmet Lunch With Wine Pairings

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have consistently rated this premium experience a perfect 5.0 stars based on 11 reviews, praising its seamless organization and the quality of the wine and dining offerings.

Participants were delighted by the intimate and informative pinot masterclass, as well as the exceptional three-course lunch at the acclaimed Eschalot restaurant.

Many highlighted the exceptional pairing of the dishes with the region’s finest pinot wines.

Overall, guests felt the experience provided excellent value and an unforgettable glimpse into the Southern Highlands’ renowned food and wine scene.

With its small group size, this tour ensures a personalized and memorable day out in New South Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine?

No, guests cannot bring their own wine to this experience. The wine tastings and pairings are an integral part of the tour, and outside alcohol is not permitted. The experience is designed to showcase the region’s renowned pinot wines.

Do You Offer Vegetarian/Vegan Menu Options?

The tour offers vegetarian and vegan menu options at the Eschalot restaurant. Guests with dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. The chef will work to provide a suitable alternative to the standard menu items.

Is There a Dress Code for the Activity?

The activity doesn’t have a strict dress code, but smart casual attire is recommended. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for a day of wine tasting and dining in a winery setting.

Can I Purchase Wines From the Vineyards?

Visitors can purchase wines from the Centennial Vineyards during the pinot masterclass. The tour includes wine flights, allowing participants to sample and select their favorites to take home after the experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Experience?

The cancellation policy allows full refunds for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the experience. Within 24 hours, no refunds are provided but participants can reschedule for a fee. Strict cancellation terms apply to ensure availability for other guests.

Recap

This immersive Pinot Masterclass and gourmet lunch experience in the Southern Highlands offers a delightful deep dive into the region’s diverse Pinot varieties.

Guests will enjoy an enlightening tasting session, a scenic garden tour, and a three-course meal expertly paired with local wines, providing a well-rounded celebration of the Highlands’ vibrant food and wine culture.