Clyde Park Vineyard & Bistro

It 's been too long since we last visited this beautiful venue. The views are spectacular, the 'big shed ' embellished with reclaimed wood is so well done, the massive new historic French glass doors on the Barrell room impressive! All our food and we had heaps) was yummy, obviously all prepared with only quality ingredients: taste sensations. On a busy day our service was friendly efficient. The live music at just the right volume. Quality wines we 're in love with the Estate Shiraz. We were lucky enough to chat with Owners Terry Sue. The business is a credit to their hard work. Hospitality done right. We won 't leave it so long to return this time.

We booked a table, online and confirmed by phone, inside because of concerns about sun exposure. We were directed to a table outside, not under the verandah but outside in the sun. When we told the waiter about our booking the best he could do was put up an umbrella beside the table it cast its shadow away from the table! The umbrella then collapsed with one of the arms hitting me on the head. We had to then tie up the umbrella ourselves with no help from staff. Very disappointing.

Most spectacular view from the balcony and the pecking duck pizza is to die for!! Such a lovely atmosphere and the team where so friendly. The wines are a bit on the expensive side however they are quality and all of the grapes are grown on side. Definitely worth a visit

As is its normal practice westbound, the seasonal summer only 'Great Southern ' sleeping car train operated by private equity-owned Journey Beyond stopped at Inverleigh for about 45 of its 130 passengers to detrain, the others previously having alighted at Broadmeadows for various Melbourne tours. The road coaches took 21 minutes to reach Clyde Park Winery. It was very windy. The winery is on an escarpment and has much outdoor seating offering views over the valley including the vineyards. Our group was hosted inside so given JB pays for lunch and alcohol, I don 't know if the food served is typical for those who like me most of the time are so-called 'free and independent ' travellers. However the bistro menu for 'normal ' patrons looks extensive. While the introductions from winery staff went on a bit long, the great service from staff was pleasing. The food was served promptly with dishes maintaining their recommended temperature. Before coming on this Brisbane to Adelaide rail tour, I had visions of being served meat dishes that were stone cold in line with what some media say is commonplace on large group tours. Thankfully, not the case. I enjoyed the Peking duck pizza and various other offerings, together with a pleasant local Pale Ale as normally I don 't drink wine. A tasting was organised for the vast majority of the group as quite a few seemed to be wine enthusiasts. Later I asked vintner and owner Terry how he distinguished the winery from its huge number of Australian competitors. His reply was to the point: 'we concentrate on two varieties (from memory, a red and a white, although its website indicates it has more varieties) and do them well '. Naturally the winery was badly affected by Daniel Andrews ' repeated lockdowns that have destroyed so many Victorian businesses, but it has bounced back. That it 's been operating for 42 years (since 1979) may have helped. This would be a pleasant outing for lunch. Couples may find it romantic. I don 't know if the winery has tours of the vineyard. Its professional website The spacious indoor bistro has an inviting setup with quite some funds spent on fitout. Everything was clean. The only reason I gave it '4/5 ' rather than '5/5 ' is my lack of interest in wine. Anyone not as ignorant as me in that field may rate it 'excellent '. A good choice by Journey Beyond.

Wedding Anniversary Lunch on the terrace (if weather good, choose option). Brown, bald valley hills with the rows of grapevines make a fine view. Winery deli board, garlic bread, steak, salsa verde, salad and a bottle of lovely Pinot Noir shared. A beautiful day, friendly, attentive service and a wonderful gourmet experience. Shall come back soon.