By Franz Scheurer
Just south of Orange is the imposing entrance to the Highland Heritage Estate, vineyard, conference centre and restaurant, owned and loved by the D’Aquino family. Originally from Sicily they settled in Orange in 1958 and three generations of winemaking and wine knowledge, passed down from father to son, have given the D’Aquino business a strong foundation.
The Mount Canobolas range is the individual vineyard premium limited release wines. The Wellwood range is blended from premium grapes grown primarily in specific areas around Orange District and the Gosling Creed range is wines produced from grapes grown in the South Eastern area of Australia, including Orange. An old railway carriage serves as a tasting shed and the wines are available in the restaurant.
Paul and Lisa Wilderbeek run the restaurant, which offers views over the vineyard, good table and glassware, friendly service and an interesting menu. The ‘Vietnamese Style Rice Paper Rolls filled with our Own Roast Pork & Quail’ are freshly made, crisp, crunchy and savoury, with just the right amount of Vietnamese mint. The “Herbed Chicken & Leek Pie with Spring Salad Greens’ is delicious. The pastry is excellent and the filling chunky. I would prefer to see more filling in the pie, though. When you eat the ’Pork Medallion with Glazed Braeburn Apples, Sweet Cider & Crème Fraiche’ you could easily imagine dining somewhere in Normandy. Desserts are quite imaginative and every dish on the menu is available with a recommended wine. Value for money is reasonable. The only criticism: Once patrons ask for the bill they want to leave, don’t make them wait!
Score: 6/10
For more information or bookings:
The Highland Heritage Estate
Mitchell Highway
Orange
02 6361 3054