This week the Australian Good Food Guide announced it's 2019 Chef Hat Award winners.  These awards are determined following anonymous inspections as well as the opinions of the dining public, who send in their comments throughout the year.

We are thrilled to see so many Ultimate Wineries in amongst this year's Chefs Hat recipients.  In celebration we have curated a list of culinary experiences at these wineries, enabling you to tick a few off your foodie bucket list and enjoy an Ultimate Winery Experience along the way.

South Australia

Penfolds Magill Estate (3 hats)

Twilight Tour & Luxury Degustation

Embark on a guided historical tour of Penfolds Magill Estate just on twilight.

Your host will take you on a journey through Penfolds history including a visit to the Grange Cottage and the vintage cellar. You will also experience the underground drives and see the original hiding spot of Max Schubert’s hidden Grange.

Your host will then lead you to the award winning Restaurant where you will enjoy a 7 course Degustation Experience. 

St Hugo (2 hats)

Chef's Table Experience

For the best seat in the house, book a seat at the Chef’s Table. Your experience starts with a guided tour and tasting, followed by the full St Hugo degustation menu.

Looking straight into the kitchen, you will not only watch the chefs’ work, you will interact with them, discuss ingredients and techniques and learn how our menu is created.

This is an amazing encounter, as relaxing as it is exciting.

Western Australia

Vasse Felix (2 hats)

Vasse Felix Epicurean

This tour takes you behind the scenes of the winemaking process, sharing unique historical insights into Margaret River and all facets of wine production at Vasse Felix. Meet with the winemaker as you explore the winery and red barrel hall, before joining your host for a tasting of the Wine Collection.

Next step into the world of food and wine matching, where you’ll gain insights into Margaret River’s local produce, and the philosophies that guide the Vasse Felix Chefs in their creation of dishes to match with the region’s wines. Enjoy the ultimate treat of a five course tasting menu, paired with wines.

Wild Swan at Mandoon Estate (1 hat)

Meet the Makers at Mandoon Estate

Take an in-depth guided tour of Mandoon Estate’s working winery, hosted by a member of the talented winemaking team. Taste some award-winning wine straight from the barrel as you learn about Mandoon’s winemaking philosophy.

Next, discover the flavours of the unique German Brew House as you take a tour and sample Estate made beers with the Head Brewer.

Finally, a 5-course degustation lunch awaits, paired with Mandoon Estate wines at fine dining restaurant, Wild Swan.

Leeuwin Estate (1 hat)

Ultimate Leeuwin Wine and Food Experience

This is the most elegant introduction to Leeuwin Estate. Upon arrival guests will be greeted by a tutor in the Art Gallery and welcomed with a glass of Leeuwin Estate Brut as they enjoy the unique collection of contemporary artworks that feature on the labels of Leeuwin’s premium ‘Art Series’ range of wines.

A tutored wine tasting of five Leeuwin Estate wines, each accompanied by perfectly matched food, will precede lunch in the award winning restaurant where guests will continue to enjoy the range of five wines accompanied by a seasonal menu including house baked bread and olive oil, à la carte selection of mains, à la carte selection of desserts, a farm cheese and tea and coffee.

Voyager Estate (1 hat)

Discover Wine and Food with Voyager Estate

Through Voyager Estate’s introduction to wine tasting, you’ll learn some of the techniques of wine tasting in an interactive and fun way. Discover your ideal wine, using a three step approach of appearance, aroma, and taste. You’ll gain an understanding of key wine descriptors and learn to identify the main characteristics of wine, especially in Margaret River varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Next, take a journey of the senses with Voyager Estate's famous wine-paired seven-course, Wine Discovery Menu.

Tasmania

Josef Chromy (1 hat)

Let's Do Lunch

Arrive in the beautiful grounds of Josef Chromy Wines and take a stroll through the gardens established in the 1888.

Enjoy a complementary tasting at the Cellar Door before heading to the Restaurant for a two course lunch of fine Tasmanian produce matched with wines.

Victoria

Montalto (1 hat)

Estate to Plate - A Gourmet Indulgence

A guided exploration of the property will show you the best of the seasonal cycle at Montalto.

Montalto combines a working vineyard and olive grove, kitchen gardens, fruit orchard and berry plantation with a commitment to the arts and an extensive sculpture collection. This is a unique visitor experience at any time of the year.

Included is a structured wine tasting in the Alto wine room overlooking the property, featuring Single Vineyard Wines that truly reflect the location of the vines. Experience Montalto’s Estate to Plate philosophy with a stunning five-course tasting experience with matching wine.

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