Meet the Winemaker with Wine by Sam: A Culinary & Viticultural Journey

Friday, August 29 | $180 per person | The Kitchen – Mornington Peninsula

We’re setting the table once again for one of the most special nights on our calendar — an unforgettable food and wine experience with Mark Hickin, winemaker at the celebrated Wine by Sam in Seymour, Victoria.

Mark returns to The Kitchen to share not just his wines, but his stories — from working vintages in Burgundy and Canada to crafting cool-climate expressions of Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Riesling and beyond in the heart of Central Victoria. On the night, you’ll enjoy a 7-course tasting menu designed to highlight local seasonal produce and showcase the subtle brilliance of Wine by Sam’s current releases.

Each dish is thoughtfully paired with a wine that elevates and enhances the flavours on the plate. Throughout the evening, Mark will guide you through the journey — glass by glass — with insights into the winemaking process, vineyard stories, and a few laughs along the way.

🥂 FULL MENU & WINE PAIRINGS

Canapés
A gentle opener to awaken the palate:
• Smoked salmon mousse tart, topped with salmon pearls and baby herbs
• Citrus roasted beetroot tart, whipped goat’s chèvre, candied walnut
Paired with: The Victorian Prosecco 2024
Fresh, zippy, and celebratory – the perfect spark to kick things off.

Course 2
• Seared kingfish with a green tea smoked oyster, celery & walnut remoulade
Paired with: The Victorian Riesling 2025 & The Victorian Pinot Gris 2025
Aromatics, acidity and texture working in harmony with the ocean’s finest.

Course 3
• Corn-fed chicken breast cooked sous vide for extra tenderness, wrapped in steamed cabbage and filled with a roasted chestnut farce. Finished with house-made romesco sauce.
Paired with: The Victorian Mid-Strength Primitivo Rosé 2025
Soft florals and a whisper of fruit to meet this dish’s earthy, nutty warmth.

Course 4
• Rendered duck breast with sticky cumquat preserve, sweet potato purée, and a glossy pinot glaze
Paired with: Stardust & Muscle Pinot Noir 2023
This wine sings with duck – juicy, light-footed, and savoury with a gentle grip.

Course 5
• Macadamia-crusted lamb loin, pommes anna, and mint chutney
Paired with: The Victorian Primitivo 2023
Silky, spice-kissed Primitivo meets one of the season’s most elegant main courses.

Course 6
• Beef cheek slow-cooked for eight hours, served on celeriac purée with a crisp parsnip crown
Paired with: The Victorian Shiraz 2022
Rich, full-bodied and perfectly matched to this dish’s deep, comforting flavours.

Refresher
• Green apple & mint granita
A bright, palate-cleansing break before dessert.

Course 7
• Caramel Basque cheesecake with raspberry purée and caramel popcorn
Unapologetically indulgent, sweet, and crunchy – no pairing, just pure delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this will be a night to savour. Guests will also receive 15% off all Wine by Sam wines ordered on the night, so you can take home your favourites.

📍 The Kitchen – 1917 Point Nepean Road, Tootgarook, 3941
🎟️ Tickets: $180 per person
🪑 Strictly limited seats – bookings essential

Book your seat now for a journey through terroir, flavour, and craftsmanship with one of Victoria’s most exciting wine producers.

This event is for people over the age of 18. Please note: We will be serving up over a bottle and a half of wine per person, so please make sure travel arrangements are in place!