Good Times

Congratulations to all involved in the Wild Cattle Creek wine making process as our winery has been rated for the first time in James Halliday’s 2006 Australian Wine Companion as a four star winery. Our Sauvignon Blancs rated highly: 92 for the 2004 and 93 for the 2005: definitely a wine that “demands attention”. Also highly rated (90) was the 2004 Rose.

What fun we all had at our first New Release Dinner on Friday June 23rd. The trivia was challenging and brought out the competitiveness of some otherwise reserved guests….we look forward to the next dinner in November. More details in the next newsletter.

That was then followed by the Beer Dinner and special thanks to Simon from Hargreaves Hill and Peter (formerly CUB) who came out of retirement to host the evening. We all learnt some interesting things about beer and got to taste the first batch of Heargreaves Hill Hefferweisen!

A reminder to the people that book Christmas Functions: dates are filling up fast, so to ensure you get your preferred date, book with Jeynelle now. Christmas menus start at just $35.00!

Chef’s Table Dinners

Scott and the kitchen brigade will be serving two exclusive and intimate dinners on October 5th and November 30th, featuring some “classic” cuisine specially prepared with the assistance of our good friend and highly acclaimed chef, George Hill. George will be spending some time with our kitchen brigade over the next few months, doing some specialized training, the result of which you the customer can enjoy on either of these two nights. Numbers will be limited, so make sure you book in early.

Both Scott and George will be in attendance to chat with guests over the course of the evening and each guest will receive a special memento of the evening. $75 per person includes hors douvres, 3 course dinner, Wild Cattle Creek wine, a recipe and a wine glass to take home.

Light Meals

Our Light Meal menu is available from 11.30am until late and offers some great options for light lunches, evening suppers in the wine bar by the fire, or snacks in between meals! Enjoy a Dip and Pate platter, roast vegetable frittata, the buffalo sausages with mash or the salt and pepper calamari to name a few. Prices range from $7.50 to $18.00. Available Wednesday to Sunday.

Don't forget our 2 course Lunch Special – only $27.50 which includes two courses and a glass of Wild Cattle Creek Wine.

Our current menus are available on our website. Keep an eye out for the new Spring menu starting late August.

Wine Orders

Get onto the Wild Cattle Creek website to place your wine orders via the online form. Or visit the Cellar Door and take advantage of our August wine Special: 3 bottles for $50.

Chef’s Recipe – Semifreddo

Translated from Italian means semi cold: not half a Freddo frog as some customers have thought! This dessert has been popular even throughout winter. It does not require churning like ice cream, and does not set as hard. Its smooth texture comes from the Italian Meringue base.

We serve semifreddo sandwiched between chocolate coated brandy snaps, but it can also be served with tuille wafers or shortbread or just scooped into a bowl!

1. Slowly heat condensed milk in a saucepan, stirring constantly until caramel in colour.
2. Whisk cream in an electric mixer until soft peaks form, cover and refrigerate.
3. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to boil over high heat, then simmer for 8 minutes, or until it reaches 120 c on a sugar thermometer.
4. Whisk egg whites until soft peaks form, then slowly add the warm sugar syrup, whisking continuously. Add vanilla and whisk until meringue is cool.
5. Gently fold in whipped cream with a metal spoon until combined.
6. Spoon mixture into a 2 litre capacity container, adding spoonfuls of caramel, then swirling through as you go. Freeze for 10 hours, or until firm.

Rock 'n Roll dinner

Richie and the Royals will be back by popular demand on September 9th. Choose to come for dinner, or simply for supper and to dance the night away! We will be giving away prizes for the best dressed, and again the Pink Ladies will be serving you.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival, followed by a 3 course dinner. Supper price includes an anti pasto platter. Supper bookings will be limited. $70 dinner / $20 supper.

Wine and Food Suggestions

2004 Cabernet Merlot, with 15% Merlot, is an easy drinking red that will go well with a hearty slow cooked dish such as Lamb shanks or a venison and chestnut ragout. It also goes well with the game Shepard’s Pie on the current lunch menu. Our Sangiovese is now being planted along the Warburton Highway frontage and we look forward to our first vintage in the next few years. Sangiovese is a great food wine and it’s high acidity compliments tomato based foods such as pasta and pizza, but it also goes well with game, rich soups (such as Scott’s Lamb shank or Kangaroo Tail) and risottos. We wait in anticipation!!

Cup Day Tuesday November 7th

Join us at Wild Cattle Creek on Melbourne Cup Day for a relaxed afternoon. Mainstream will be playing, bbq will be sizzling (the light lunch menu will also be available) and there will be entertainment for the kids. For the adults, we will be running a number of sweeps and our new sparkling wine will be available on the day for a discounted price. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Wild Cattle Creek in the city

As part of the Australian Wine and Food Exhibitions, Wild Cattle Creek regularly attend city venues. Make sure you come and visit us for a tasting and to pick up some exclusive exhibition specials. Keep an eye on the Coming Events page at the Wild Cattle Creek website to find out where we will be and what specials are on offer.

Coming Events

• August 13th - Cheek to Cheek playing soft jazz
  and pop
• August 27th - Mainstream playing rock and pop
• September 3rd - Mainstream playing rock and pop
• September 9th - Richie and the Royals,
  Rock and Roll dinner
• September 17th - Mainstream playing rock and pop
• October 5th - Chef's Table Dinner #1
• October 8th – Shedfest. Warburton Highway
  Wine Festival
• November 3rd - Spring Fizz Dinner
• November 7th – Cup Day with live music,
  sweeps and glorious food
• November 30th - Chef's Table Dinner #2
• December 31st – Richie and the Royals. Rock and Roll dinner dance $85 per person

BOOK NOW