Nicol’s Paddock is a wine-winner on every front

When a winery sits within walking distance to a major shopping centre and suburban sprawl you know we have to rave about it.

Within the bustling Waurn Ponds network, where home, education, and shopping collide, is fellow neighbour Nicol’s Paddock. 

This uniquely positioned producer patch is not part of the conventional wine region of Geelong – a bridge between the Moorabool Valley vineyards and the Surf Coast cellar doors, Nicol’s Paddock is a lone soldier. That doesn’t make their destination any less fruitful. 

Nicol’s Paddock

WHEN: THU 11AM – 4PM, FRI & SAT 11AM – 9PM, SUN 11AM – 5PM

WHERE: 35 WAURN PONDS DRIVE, GEELONG

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

 

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The small family owned and operated vineyard and restaurant is packed with potential, one that the Nicol family have tapped into across their now ten years of operation. Their luscious limestone soil sets the site apart, cultivating the ideal growing conditions for Nicol’s Paddock’s signature range of Shiraz and Rose from estate-grown fruit, and small batches of Viognier and Pinot Noir both crafted on-site. 

The picturesque views overlooking Waurn Ponds Creek are glorious, particularly come sunset with the restaurant and wrap around the verandah area looking across the vineyards down into the Geelong centre. With ornamental vines enveloping the pillars, running overhead, the setting is both relaxed and dreamy. It makes for the perfect pairing with their drool-worthy dining menu.

 

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Tapping into a seasonal offering, Nicol’s Paddock’s menu reflects the laborious work of local producers, ensuring that freshness is the focal point. Their spring menu certainly puts emphasis on the lighter and bright side of shared dining. On the small’s front we have Spring Onion Sourdough Loaf, Oyster Mushroom Skewers, and Tartlets with either Citrus Cured Trout & Pickled Daikon or Sweet Potato & Pickled Daikon. 

They level up on the medium menu with Maple Glazed Eggplant, Chinese Broccoli with Hoi Sin, Toasted Garlic, Coleslaw with Green Mango & Tahini and the tempting BBQ Borrowdale Pork Ribs served with Fried Shallots and Sesame. On the mains menu, you’ll find Jumbo King Prawns with Yuzu & Ginger, Shredded Mongolian Lamb [300g] served with Green Capsicum and Chilli, and the vegetarian friendly Broccoli “Steak” with Miso Butter and Sweet Soy. Take a punt and go for the feast menu for three waves of delicious savouries and don’t forget to finish off with a sweet dessert treat.

Nicol’s Paddock is a gateway to Geelong’s diverse wine stamp, one that sits close to home. 

Find out more about Nicol’s Paddock here.