Victorian Wine Centre – Middle Park

I rate their coffee highly as I have had many over the years and been known to drive out of my way to ensure my coffee fix is satisfied with their quality coffee! I have never had breakfast, but worked my way through their lunch menu on several occasions. The timing and accessibility of the tasting really works on a Friday night (6 – 8pm). Wine on tasting is offered by the glass, by the bottle and on discount for 3 bottles or more for take-away. What a great way to try before you buy , to have a glass or bottle with your meal. In fact any bottle available in the retail store is available on-premise for a very reasonable $8.00 corkage (I love this concept).

This is very much a ‘locals’ venue although saying this everyone is made to feel welcome. The nature of the venue is easy and relaxed and nothing is too much trouble for the staff to organize. I have probably frequented the venue more times on my own than with other people and several years on am still aware of the genuine welcome I get from staff and locals alike.

Dinner is only available on Friday night and bookings are essential. The same goes for breakfast and lunch bookings on the weekend. With the Grand Prix just down the road, Victorian Wine Centre will be under the pump again towards the end of March. You will be guaranteed atmosphere and entertainment but you may have to wait a little longer than normal for service.

Last Friday I dined there after I hosted their regular wine tasting. Luckily I booked well in advance, so a few friends were able to join me. It was great to stay on for a meal as I was able to see a number of tables enjoying the wine I had shown earlier with their meals. I was fortunate to see several of the mains leave the kitchen en-route to customers, so had decided on my meal before I even sat down. I settled for vitello e funghi, baby veal pan fried in white wine topped with Napoli sauce & mushrooms served with vegetables. Portions are on the generous side which was the only reason I left a little on my plate.

A bottle of Domaine Georges Michel Pinot Noir 2007 (from Marlborough) was already open so I settled for a glass of this. Pinot Noir would not normally be my first choice with veal, however I was not disappointed. My dining companions equally enjoyed their meals and wine and when we left at a respectable time of 10:00pm the venue was full and buzzing.

Thank you Joe, Peter, Rosemary and staff for a great space to showcase my wine, a great meal to end the day and for attracting some great locals who are delightful to catch up with whenever I visit! The venue is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, Friday night for dinner and Saturday night for drinks. As I have already mentioned it is best to book if you are considering a meal.