That’s a wrap!

A *vintage-wrap that is, for our local vineyards and winemakers.

It was a late one, though, which is not really a surprise, given how out-of-whack our delayed summer weather was, as many vines across our region found it hard to achieve full ripeness until much later than usual.

One particular grower/maker I spoke with last week, Ray Nadeson of Lethbridge Wines, reported that the last of the shiraz grapes were only picked a week or so earlier (in May still).

It’s quite crazy, given that wineries in our Geelong area usually conduct harvest towards the beginning of March.

But then again, the tomato plants in my garden at home are still bearing fruit – and probably will for another couple of weeks yet – so that means I’ll be picking ripe tomatoes in winter, rather than the usual months of February and March. Strange times indeed!

In term of our grape harvest, vintage 2026 will most likely go down as good, yet not spectacular, in terms of quality: the late start to ripening and then inconsistent heat patterns will likely produce enjoyable, early-drinking wines, although perhaps not the longest lived (although there are always exceptions).

A couple of new openings (or soon-to-be new openings) caught my attention this week, starting with the Jo Barrett-led kitchen at Surf Hotel.

 

This water-facing spot along Torquay’s Esplanade is the newly renovated accommodation, restaurant and bar that once housed Surf City Motel and Zeally’s Bar & Grill.

The site has been under the watchful eye of locals for the past two years, wondering what would be emerging when the construction dust settled.

Well, thankfully it wasn’t another taco or Thai joint.

Last seen in Lorne at Little Picket just under two years ago, Jo Barrett is a highly decorated chef with serious credentials (she was named ‘Chef of the Year’ by The Age’s Good Food Guide in 2024) so it was a joy to learn she’s continued to stay a resident of the Surf Coast.

The menu reads like a celebration of all the things we love about our coastal region, with a modern take on some ol’ pub classics (venison schnitzels with parsley sauce and wild boar dim sims) that sound both delicious and fun.

I can’t wait to eat here.

News hit also this week on the opening of Rune: a pizza and wine focused venue found along Denny’s Place in the Geelong CBD.

You’d be forgiven if you don’t recognise the street address, as this tiny spot can be found behind Beav’s Bar, wedged between Mavs and Farmdog’s new(ish) beer bar.

The venue is actually owned by the Farmdog crew too, so it feels like a natural progression for them to open an extension of their business right next door.

This adjacent venue was where Lou’s Pizza once occupied, and it was very nearly taken over by the team at Daisy (another Little Malop Street hotspot) recently, with the deal apparently falling through only at the very last moment.

I really loved the pizza bases that Lou’s became known for, so I’m hoping the new operators can churn out the same sort of quality.

 

I guess it all makes sense on paper: two venues side by side, same owners, large shared outdoor seating and your choice of craft beer or wine (plus pizza).

Pakington Street favourite, I Ragazzi, will celebrate their own new opening next week too (well, sort of) as they move from their current tiny space (in restaurant terms, anyway) to a larger, more comfortable sized spot.

They won’t be heading far though, with the new premise located literally across the street.

It also remains one of my go-to spots for good pizza. In fact, it’s probably up there with the best of anywhere west of the Geelong CBD.

I feel this newer, bigger dining space will allow the kitchen to produce more of the handmade pasta options that they’ve also become known for over the last couple of years.

They had a small false start a few years back in Little Malop Street, when they opened a short-lived pasta bar: it was the right quality, but I think the timing and location just weren’t right for them.

This time round, I’m sure it’s been a much more considered, organic approach.

Here’s to the next chapter of this local Italian favourite.