Driving through the rolling hills of Onkaparinga Gorge, you’d be forgiven for speeding past as you head through the Gateway to McLaren Vale.
You may have even passed Victor’s Place, where once a derelict shearing shed stood. Now after numerous years of upgrades, one of the most beautiful hidden-gem destinations exists.
Victor’s Place is also relaunching their restaurant with an exciting new dining experience.
Victor’s Place shares its space with the Varney Wines cellar door and winery where the beautifully restored limestone barn lends itself perfectly to intimate dining and Varney Wine tasting experiences.
The heritage listed 1870’s Limestone barn had fallen into a derelict state with large sections of the limestone walls and the original roof collapsing.
Winemaker Alan Varney and his wife Kathryn Dressler purchased the property in 2015 and embarked on a three year long refurbishment.
The sweeping views over the Onkaparinga Gorge and rolling hills of McLaren Vale have not changed very much over the last 150 years, the main difference being that they can now be enjoyed by the many guests to Victor’s Place and Varney Wines.
In March, Alan and Kathrin appointed executive head chef Chris Bone to their team.
Chris has 15 years of experience under his belt working in the Fleurieu peninsula, where recently led him to be awarded a coveted Chef Hat by the Australian Good Food Guide.
When coronavirus swept through the restaurant industry, Chef’s new menu launch quickly pivoted to takeaway and online offerings.
Now, as restrictions continue to ease Victor’s Place can finally relaunch their offering, and it has been worth the wait.
“At this point in my career I’m more focused than ever on having a smaller refined menu that hits all the marks in ways of flavour, texture, contrast and balance. I’m not willing to compromise. We have created a venue where the experience really comes first and we make the numbers work behind the scenes,” Chris says.
“Pulling from my years of refinement, resources, regional knowledge and quality produce, the new Victor’s Place menu offers a rounded dining experience that can be enjoyed more often than just a special occasion. I look forward to expanding on our menu as the restrictions to continue to ease.”
Diners can select from a two course experience (at $58 per person), and a three course experience ($74 per person, $102 with pairing).
For wine tasting experiences, the Varney Wines cellar door are offering a $15 tasting experience which includes a guided tour through six premium Varney Wines, and is accompanied by Chef Bone’s sourdough of stone milled locally sourced whole wheat and warm local McLaren Vale olives.
Varney Wines craft limited release wines with brightness and freshness of varietal fruit expression, combined with effortless balance and length.
With a focus on premium grenache, mourvèdre, shiraz, touriga, nebbiolo, cabernet sauvignon, fiano, semillon, verdelho and chardonnay – from vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, and a small parcel from Langhorne Creek.
Victor’s Place Restaurant June opening times (set to expand)
Friday to Sunday
Lunch – Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm
Dinner – Friday and Saturday 6pm to late
www.victorsplace.com.au
Varney Wines Cellar Door June opening times (set to expand)
Friday to Sunday
Tasting appointments available at 11am, 3pm and 4pm
www.varneywines.com.au
You can find Victor’s Place and Varney Wines cellar door at 62 Victor Harbor Road, Old Noarlunga SA 5168.
More News
