Want to be led down a literal garden path and into a fine dining experience that still feels homely? Head to Polperro.
Owners Sam Coverdale and Emma Phillips have built a name – some might say small empire – for themselves as masters of sustainability, community and experience. It’s embedded in every touchpoint, from their wine brands (Polperro and Even Keel by Polperro) to their restaurant, luxury vineyard villas, Hut Yoga & Wellness, boutique clothing store and 1950s farmhouse accommodation.
There’s a lot to love about Polperro, before you even wine, or dine. The rugged-sleek Hecker Guthrie-designed interior is upmarket cottage charm at its finest: whether you're sinking into the rich, lived-in chocolate leather booths, sitting next to the open fireplace on your Mongolian sheepskin-laden chair or heading out through the gauzy linen curtains to the overhanging wooden deck (the perfect spot to toast the sunset with a glass of Even Keel Méthode Champenoise Rosé).
Despite the sophisticated menu, humble produce picked from Polperro Farm, remains the main source of inspiration, setting the tone for every delicate dish served up. It’s a true seasonal menu that “moves” with what Polperro’s produce manager Nick Monaghan pulls out of the ground, and what’s been planned for, and planted – whether that be beets or a bumper crop of just-picked heirloom tomatoes.
This seed-to-plate philosophy is reimagined into inspiring dishes, such as King George Whiting caught in Port Phillip Bay and cooked over coal with Amma’s sambal. Vegetarians will delight in the beetroot terrine with crème fraiche and feta snow, while meat lovers can indulge in the Pinot noir braised Cape Grim ox cheek served with molasses jus.
With a wine lovers’ wine list, Polperro showcases their land, vineyard and organic produce farm with an ever-changing menu highlighting seasonal harvests. Presented as a journey, you can experience Polperro at its finest. Their approach offers a visual, textural and seasonal experience – a true collaboration between winemaker, farmer and chefs.
Indecisive? Sample the chef’s menu for $130 matched with an $60 wine pairing. And if you’re only there for the wine (and to admire the view) that's okay too with Polperro’s cellar door open Wednesday to Sunday for walk-in tastings, up to 10 people.
