Awards and Accolades
A Blog by Maria
December 2012
Silver Award
South Australian Restaurant and Catering Awards, June 2012
Best Winery Restaurant
South Australian Restaurant and Catering Awards 2005, 2006 and 2008
View From the Verandah
Wine Companion, Amelia Ball, April 2012
'd'Arenberg's Head Chef Peter Reschke has had the stoves humming at this iconic McLaren Vale Restaurant for the past eight years - and his enthusiasm for the place is still bubbling over.'
Afternoon Under the Verandah
Ellen Morgan, Hello Fleurieu Blog. April 2012
'As I sat at d’arry’s verandah restaurant in the thick of mclaren vale wine country, I was immediately reminded of the classic Australian song ‘Home Among the Gum Trees’. This restaurant is about as quintessentially Australian as it gets, and it does indeed have a “verandah out the front.” In fact, the whole restaurant is a verandah, and it is stunning in every way.'
Rediscovering the Vale
Kelly Noble, It's a Glam Life. March 2012
"I can't recommend that restaurant enough. It's a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. Absolutely amazing food, plus another great view to enjoy while you eat."
Top 10 Regional Restaurants Gourmet Traveler Sept 2011
#5 d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant
"Wine inspires the menu- self-evident, as d'Arenberg wineries cellar door is beside the enclosed dining terrace, and vineyards cascade beyond the restaurant windows. Intelligent use of local produce defines the dishes...'"
Foodie Fare for Kids
The Advertiser, Nov 2010
'No nuggest' children's menus are becoming the norm in gastro-pubs and restaurants, but d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant manager Jo Reschke is determined to push the trend one giant step farther. Chefs at the McLaren Vale restaurant, Peter Reschke and Nigel Rich, have introduced a seven-course children's degustation menu "to stimulate and educate young foodies".
Best Aussie Dining Experience
Wine and Spirits Magazine's 'Best in the World of Wine'
Awarded for the view over the valley, the friendly staff, and the local food- especially the seafood.
Marie Claire Australia, Feast for the Senses. November 2012
"You’ll need to book ahead to eat at d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant at d’Arenberg winery. Expect exquisite, seasonal local food at about $30 for mains. With any luck, you’ll also meet the irrepressible winery owner, Chester Osborn."
Wine and Dine, The Australian. Sept 2006
Don't limit your cellar door tasting to wine; some of the country's best restaurants are found among the vines
"d'Arry's Verandah boasts a spectacular location, with views of the Willunga Escarpment and St Vincents Gulf, and tag-team chefs Peter Reschke and Nigel Rich. These two know their way around a truly amazing array of quality local produce: almonds, olives, cheese, honey, every conceivable berry, herbs, wild mushrooms....It's a menu with gusto."
Foodies Guide: McLaren Vale
Delicious Magazine, Matt Preston. 2006
"Arguably the best place in the Vale for lunch, most obvious on weekends when the tasting room and restaurant are inevitably heaving.
The food is big and bold of flavour, whether in entrees such as a gorgonzola pannacotta with pear chutney or a turkey-liver parfait with seared plums and fortified jelly. Don’t miss out on the rosette of raw kingfish popping with wasabi flying fish roe. Desserts are a high point: the passionfruit soufflé is exemplary.
The wine list is mainly current vintages; for something older, call ahead and order from the cellar."
Cold Comforts, The West Australian. 2005
Christine McCabe travels up hill and down vale for wonderful winter tucker.
"d'Arry's Verandah is perfect; a winter bolt hole, tacked on to the cosy d'Arenberg cellar amongst twisted gums with broad valley views over vineyards to the ranges beyond."