Chrismont Winery has opened the doors on a state-of-the-art wine, food and events complex at its Cheshunt vineyard.
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Nestled into the slopes of the Upper King Valley, the complex brings a modern face and daily dining to a region known for its tobacco kilns, rustic cellar doors and cooking school lunches.
Owners Arnie and Jo Pizzini said the development, which was boosted by a $150,000 grant from the Regional Victorian Growth Fund, took the winery to a new level.
“We started growing grapes in 1980, then expanded to making wines in the style we believed honest to the Mediterranean varieties we were contracted to grow,” Mr Pizzini said.
“As interest grew we quickly found ourselves converting the garage into a makeshift cellar door and our barrel shed into a long-table venue for wine and food events.”
Mr Pizzini’s northern Italian heritage and Ms Pizzini’s Sicilian roots complement their modern approach to wines under the direction of long-standing winemaker Warren Proft.
“Our food is inspired by time-honoured family recipes that ignite honest flavour and speak authenticity,” Ms Pizzini said.
“We want to be true to who we are, be honest to the recipes we grew up with, and allow the generosity of flavour and beauty of ingredients to leap from the plate.”
The 16-dish larder menu ($6-$38), created by Ms Pizzini and Sicilian food specialist Giovanna Jones, is designed for sharing or individual dining.
The food is served on Sarah Schembri ceramics made with clay from the property.
Chrismont’s unparalleled views of the King Valley have been captured by building designer MG Designs’ use of a floating deck over the vineyard and floor-to-ceiling glass panels.
Bright Alpine Builders completed the 900 square metre project while stonemason Frank Vickers built the entrance wall and free-standing fireplace with stone from Glenrowan.
Restaurant dining and wine tastings are available between 10am and 5pm seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day.
