Written by Lizzie Macaulay
I had to laugh as I typed out the title of this month’s column… I’ve been known to enjoy both the wine and the dine elements of many an evening. But never have I had an experience quite like the one I’m about to share with you.
Readers of my column know how thrilled I am every time I get to step out of my little office and embrace a new experience.
This time, however, thrilled doesn’t even come close to describing my reaction to being invited along to one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s signature events.
As a business-owning mum of two and wife of one, quiet time is in relatively short supply, so the opportunity to carve out just a tiny pocket of quiet in my hectic day-to-day was an absolute dream. Add to that, the tantalising offer of a 5-course degustation with paired wines and an overnight stay… This was literally an offer I couldn’t (and wouldn’t) refuse.
While I was going in blind as far as expectation goes, my anticipation for this assignment was high. I know what a ‘normal day’ at Kingfisher is like, so to think that there was an even more ‘perfect’ perfect day on K’gari? Well, this I had to see…
And so, the day arrived.
It was time to get rolling, and of course there was a mad dash to pack my overnight bag and scoot over to River Heads to Sealink K’Gari’s mainland reception. But what an immediate contrast for the day from then on.
With every new member of staff I encountered, I felt the tension of a hectic morning subside – I could relax knowing that everything was already being taken care of.
This time, the barge journey across the bay felt lightning fast, figuratively speaking. My mind wandered as I looked out over the sprawling ocean and pondered the evening ahead. What would it be like? Would I know anyone there? What if I didn’t know enough about wine to fully participate in the experience?
I guess the only way to answer any of those was to simply immerse in the experience.
The barge arrived at Kingfisher Bay Resort mid-afternoon, so there was ample time to settle in, explore and unwind before preparing for the evening ahead. I spent an hour or two taking in the scene at my favourite spot of the resort over at the Sunset Bar, and before I knew it, it was time to get all glammed up and ready for the main event – The Allegiance (Cox) Wine Dinner.
Arriving at the ballroom, guests were greeted by cheerful staff, and treated to a glass of a frankly superb glass of prosecco. As I mingled with guests I caught a similar vibe coming from many as what I had felt coming into the experience: hard-working business folk ready to press pause, step out of their busy lives and luxuriate in the sensation of letting go and having the experts take the reins for the evening.
And what safe hands we were all in.
As we were shown to our seats, the striking decor was further evidence that we were very much in for a treat. At the front of the room, rolling images of the primary vineyard of our hosts for the evening set the scene. Tim and Sonia Cox, Allegiance Wines’ founders, joined us for the evening to guide us through their signature selections for each course. Joining them at the helm for the evening was Sealink K’Gari’s General Manager, Kane Bassett.
Course by course, Kane and Tim eased us through a culinary journey with effortless charm and heartfelt storytelling. Their passion for their craft was deeply infectious, as is often the way for food and beverage devotees.
First came the fig amuse-bouche paired with more of that delectable Anna Spinato Prosecco. Then asparagus paired with a crisp pinot grigio. A shellfish bisque with chardonnay. Duck with cabernet sauvignon, Beef fillet with Shiraz. A mystery bonus wine (my favourite of the night), and finally, a dessert known only as an ‘edible garden’ paired with a syrupy semillon.
To say we’d been taken on an epic adventure of flavours, textures and artistry would be a complete understatement. The flair, passion and dedication of the kitchen team was evident throughout every dish, with such distinct attention to detail.
And of course, it’s always a joy to uncover the transformation of a dish by its accompanying beverage choices.
What I loved most about this evening though, beyond the fabulous food, the exquisite wines and the incredible service, was the camaraderie. We all came to the dinner as strangers, but thanks to the banquet-style seating and expert hosting, we left as friends, bonded over this shared experience.
As the night drew to a close, I knew I had been a part of something very special indeed. The overwhelming sensation I had from the entire experience was one of generosity – from the welcoming nature of the staff and hosts, to the expansive culinary provisions, to the sharing of wine and knowledge throughout the night.
Then of course, came the equally generous breakfast from Sand & Wood restaurant the next morning. Breakfast here is always a highlight of the Kingfisher Bay Resort experience, and this visit was no exception. Realistically, I was still pretty full up from the night before, so a simple offering was the order of the day. And then all there was left to do was continue the immersion in nature and architecture until it was time to head back to ‘the real world’.
Sitting back and people-watching poolside in perfect weather with an excellent coffee in hand? Yup, life really doesn’t get much better than this.
What’s most exciting about all this, is that this event is just one of many on the dance card at Kingfisher. Speaking to Andrew Sturges, Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Director of Food and Beverage, it was clear that there’s a definite surge of excitement and unique creative energy coming from the team for all that’s to come. And what’s even better is that, while it’s always been a joy to escape to K’gari for a night or two, now there’s an even more fascinating element we’ve never had the privilege of experiencing before. Lots of surprises ahead for us all.
Packing my bags to head home, I’m met with a familiar pang. It’s always challenging to leave such a magical place. But while my departure may be tinged with sadness, ultimately, like always, I leave with gratitude in my heart, and a huge smile on my face.
With deep gratitude to the Sealink K’Gari team, and Tim and Sonia Cox from Allegiance Wines for generously including us in their event. Visit Kingfisher Bay Resort year-round. For the latest info on upcoming events, sign up to the Kingfisher Bay Resort newsletter.