{"id":9056,"date":"2025-08-23T11:46:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T01:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/?p=9056"},"modified":"2025-08-23T14:25:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T04:25:11","slug":"south-coast-getaway-seniors-food-wine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/south-coast-getaway-seniors-food-wine\/","title":{"rendered":"A Perfect Coastal Getaway to the South Coast’s Foodie Paradise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Words by Dorian Mode Photography by Lydia Thorpe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something about the South Coast that makes you breathe differently. Perhaps it\u2019s the salt\u2013laced air or the endless horizon stretching beyond Norfolk Pines but stepping into our luxury suite at Banisters feels like entering a coastal magazine spread come to life. King\u2013size comfort wrapped in raffles\u2013era bamboo and coastal art, with sheer cotton curtains dancing in the sea breeze like nature\u2019s own theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long hush of the sea provides the soundtrack whilst views of the ocean, framed by whispering casuarinas and curling dragon trees, reminds me why this stretch of coastline inspires everyone from painters to poets. The smells of kelp and brine drift up from the shore below\u2014the same briny essence that no doubt inspires the culinary creations at Rick Stein\u2019s restaurant downstairs. Moreover, the infinity pool and Cool Bar prove perfect spots for watching the world drift by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old Friends and New Flavours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our South Coast adventure has a delightful reunion element\u2013catching up with my old chum Simon Marnie at the launch of the Shoalhaven Food Network\u2019s Seasonal Celebration of Food. Simon, the former ABC weekend presenter who used to have me on his show as a monthly guest to chat about all sorts of nonsense and travel, was hosting the launch with his typical flair. The Shoalhaven Food Network is special. It brings together the region\u2019s creative community of food purveyors, growers, producers and hospitality venues in a way that feels genuinely collaborative rather than competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s wonderful to see Simon in his element, championing local producers and the region\u2019s culinary scene. But special mention must go to Di Laver \u2013 if there was ever a gong for services to food, Di should get a papal award. A former TAFE hospitality teacher turned food network founder, Di earned the unofficial title of \u201cQueen of Hospitality\u201d through sheer dedication to the industry. She mentored and inspired so many people in the food industry, her influence rippling through kitchens and producers across the region. What started as a local Huskisson initiative grew under her guidance to encompass Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Nowra, Milton and Ulladulla, creating connections between producers and chefs that strengthen the entire food ecosystem. The success speaks for itself \u2013 last year\u2019s festival served over 8,000 meals across six weeks, with events selling out left and right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chef Simon Marnie is interviewing Jason Wilkinson from Sandbar in Huskisson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Di Laver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Rosie Cupitt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lunch and Lodging at Cupitts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our South Coast adventure continues at Cupitts Estate, the renowned Shoalhaven winery that\u2019s earned its stripes in James Halliday\u2019s Wine Companion. Meeting Simon and Rosie Cupitt for a wine tasting proves enlightening, particularly when she pours their Nebbiolo. Simon quipped, \u201clike a choir of angels crying on your tongue.\u201d This northern Italian variety is famously picky about where it\u2019s grown, yet it seems to thrive in the cool climate conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rosie is fun and engaging and her tasting is a masterclass in how terroir and winemaking skill can coax excellence from even the most demanding grape varieties. James Halliday\u2019s high ratings for Cupitts\u2019 wines, including their Merlot and Fiano, speak to the quality they\u2019re achieving in this picturesque corner of the Shoalhaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But wine is just the beginning. Our lunch at Cupitts\u2019 restaurant elevates country dining to sophisticated heights. Simon and your author opt for the ricotta gnocchi with duck rag\u00f9\u2014slow\u2013braised to perfection with sourdough crumbs and pecorino for $38. Meanwhile, my wife Lydia chooses the grilled snapper with red pepper sauce, complemented by tomato, fennel, and courgette for $46. Both dishes showcase the kitchen\u2019s commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Between bites and catching up on old times, Simon can\u2019t resist pulling out his Opal card to brag about his $2 seniors\u2019 fares. Hey, there\u2019s an upside to ageing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After lunch, we settle into Cupitts\u2019 smart cabins for the late arvo\/night \u2013 a perfect way to extend our stay at this exceptional estate and fully immerse ourselves in the vineyard experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cabins strike that ideal balance between contemporary comfort and rustic charm, nestled amongst the vines with views that sweep across rolling vineyard rows to the distant Budawang Ranges. There\u2019s something deeply satisfying about falling asleep to the sounds of the countryside after a day spent tasting wines where they\u2019re actually made, and catching up with old mates, knowing you can wake up and step straight back into the heart of this working winery. It\u2019s accommodation that doesn\u2019t just house you \u2013 it connects you to the land and the craft that makes places like Cupitts so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Hip Finale at Gwylo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our final evening brings together the whole gang \u2013 Griff and Rosie Cupitt, Simon, Lydia, and me \u2013 at Gwylo, a hip Asian restaurant in Mollymook that proves the perfect finale to our South Coast adventure. There\u2019s something wonderful about ending a food\u2013focused trip with new friends around a table, sharing dishes and stories as the evening unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Perfect Coastal Equation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The South Coast has always been about more than just pretty views and sea breezes. It\u2019s a region where food culture thrives, where winemakers push boundaries, and where festivals celebrate the marriage of land and sea that makes this corner of New South Wales so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Banisters\u2019 sophisticated coastal elegance to Cupitts\u2019 rustic wine excellence and the warm embrace of the Shoalhaven Food Network\u2019s fabulous community spirit, this South Coast sojourn reminds me why some places simply get under your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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fact box 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Shoalhaven Food Networks features local producers and culinary experiences, with the upcoming event the Terra Firma Long Lunch at Wildwood KV featuring asada\u2013style cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more events visit: shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au\/events<\/a> or sign up to their fab newsletter for early notifications.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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fact box 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday 4 July \u2013 WINE & TRUFFLE DINNER at The Carrington Hotel Katoomba<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This new series of exclusive culinary events will be hosted by Simon Marnie \u2013 much loved ABC presenter, food lover, and proud advocate of Australian produce and wine. Set in the grand surrounds of The Carrington Hotel, these intimate dinners feature exquisite multi\u2013course menus matched with premium wines, celebrating the best our regions have to offer.
Get ready for an indulgent 4\u2013course celebration of truffles, expertly paired with wines from Brown Brothers Wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets are $185 per person and bookings are essential. thecarrington.com.au\/whats-on\/simon-marnies-supper-club<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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fact box 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cupitts Estate Winter Gourmet Getaway Package<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From only $499 for a couple (midweek), this popular package includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overnight stay in an Estate Villa \u2022 Two course dining experience at Cupitt\u2019s Restaurant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two glasses of Cupitt\u2019s Brut Cuv\u00e9e \u2022 In\u2013room continental breakfast hamper first morning of stay<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barista\u2013made coffee first morning of stay \u2022 Wine tasting at the Cellar Door \u2022 Local handcrafted chocolates<\/p>\n\n\n\n

stay.cupittsestate.com.au\/wintergourmetgetaway2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Handy websites and linkS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Banisters: www.bannisters.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cupitts Estate: www.cupittsestate.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoalhaven Food Network: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Shoalhaven: www.shoalhaven.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Words by Dorian Mode Photography by Lydia Thorpe There\u2019s something about the South Coast that makes you breathe differently. Perhaps it\u2019s the salt\u2013laced air or the endless horizon stretching beyond…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,78],"tags":[75,45,70],"series":[],"class_list":["post-9056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-travel","tag-article","tag-dorian-mode","tag-lydia-thorpe"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/08\/Cupitts-Hero-Shot.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/feed\/podcast\/coffee-with-a-coastie","embedCode":"

A Perfect Coastal Getaway to the South Coast’s Foodie Paradise<\/a><\/blockquote>