Ok, I have given this place a couple of chances. But, again I am disappointed in the cellar door experience. Not for anything too serious, but just a couple of repetitive problems.
What might the problems be? Well, mostly the guests they allow into this place or lack of supervision? This was my third visit to the Cellar Door and third time I have seen a bunch of drunk girls and boys yelling about god knows what and hitting golf balls onto the green in the dam. Just another bucks day. Guys yelling "Boys club, boys club" and smashing glassware is not my idea of spending a relaxing afternoon at a winery. Isn't there some other room you can shove these people in so the rest of us can relax?
The only reason I persist with Sidewood Wines is that their Shiraz is pretty damn good. It's well priced and just really tasty. Their tasting room is also worth visiting, it's comfy and the staff will look after you. Some are a little up tight, but maybe I would be the same if I constantly had bucks parties coming through.
The other let down was the food. Not as good as my last visit which was a shame as I had interstate guests. We had the radish salad dish, which was just confusing. Big chunks of radish with a weird sauce? Radishes should be sliced thinly, so as to not overpower the palate. The tasting plate was ok, nothing really stood out. Just some pickled veggies, olives and a couple of dips. No cheese? Why no cheese?
Croquettes were ok as well... Did not taste like anything special. In fact, they were a little big so inside they were really pasty. Meh...
The best of the bunch was the duck parfait. It was well seasoned, creamy and quite tasty. However, a little on the grainy side. The bread biscuits served with it were a little over toasted though. Oh well...
It's not all bad though. If you manage to score a table inside (which is always well booked in advance) it is really lovely and quiet. I think that most of their other customers know what goes on outside and try to avoid it by going inside.
Hmmmm.... after three chances I think I might just stop here to buy a couple of bottles of their Shiraz. I am just not going to bring guests here again in fear of disappointment. The Management staff here need to really consider when they are letting in certain guests. This doesn't really reflect well on their brand. Let alone, are the drunk bucks really going to be returning customers and buying their wine? Surely not. They are up for a winery tour to get on the piss.
p.s. I really want to give this place a higher rating for their Shiraz, but I just can't bring myself to. read more