Byron Bay’s Raes on Wategos has plenty on its plate at the moment, if you’ll pardon the pun. Fresh from the news of its expansion is an announcement that the iconic coastal escape is partnering with Australian vino brand Bird in Hand for a special event.

Marking the arrival of Bird In Hand wines at the exclusive beachside retreat (as well as a nod to its newly released 2022 Syrah) is a two-day, two-part event which will make its way from the rolling green Adelaide Hills to the idyllic oceanside of Wategos Beach.

On Sunday, August 25, friends of both brands will have the opportunity to privately preview an eight-course, 14-plate menu at the winery’s acclaimed LVN Restaurant in the Adelaide Hills. It will also offer an unveiling of Bird in Hand’s new accommodation, the ‘O’ Quarters. The unique three-bedroom residence – a private extension of the founding Nugent family’s private home – is available exclusively for guests with a booking at the onsite LVN Restaurant.

The second event, to be held at Raes on Wednesday, August 28, will be an exclusive one-off lunch open to the public. The Byron gathering will be centred around a 14-plate menu co-curated by executive chefs Jacob Davey of LVN Restaurant and Jason Saxby of Raes Dining Room and featuring local produce from both Byron and the Adelaide Hills.

Bird in Hand wines, a number of which will be specifically chosen by senior winemaker Sarah Burvill, will be served to complement each dish, including an exclusive preview of the soon-to-be-released méthode traditionnelle pinnacle cuvée, Nest Egg Joy 2020. Guests can nibble on snacks such as wallaby tart with Quercus truffles and nannygai skewers with pickled fennel, before enjoying hero dishes from both venues, including Davey’s wild venison smoked over bunya branches and Saxby’s Australian bay lobster glazed in fermented chilli.

“With Jacob Davey joining Bird in Hand upon the opening of LVN Restaurant earlier this year, it’s a privilege through this partnership with Raes to share his culinary approach beyond the Adelaide Hills,” says Bird in Hand founder Andrew Nugent. “By collaborating with chef Jason Saxby, we are excited to bring a touch of our beautiful winemaking region to Wategos, and vice versa; first with this special event, and then ongoing with our 2022 Syrah appearing on the Raes’ wine list.”

Tickets for the LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand x Raes on Wategos lunch on Wednesday, August 28 at 12.30pm are priced at $195 per person (all inclusive).

Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Reservations are essential.

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