We recently spoke with the team at Levantine Hill Estate, the Yarra Valley winery recently ranked the #3 winery in Australia by The Real Review, to learn more about their celebrated Family Paddock wines and the art of perfect food and wine pairings.
ProjectsPerfect Pairings of Levantine Hill Estate
Next ArticlePerfect Pairings of Levantine Hill Estate
05 September 2025
At the pinnacle of Levantine Hill’s portfolio, these small-batch, single-vineyard wines showcase the ultimate expression of land, philosophy, and craftsmanship.
As winemaker Paul Bridgeman explains, “Balance is everything. Just as we strive to create wines with harmony and precision, food and wine should complement each other on the palate. Lighter dishes work beautifully with lighter wines, while richer, more full-bodied wines pair best with robust flavours and textures.”
When considering pairings, it helps to think about the six key flavour elements in cooking: salt, acid, sugar, bitterness, fat, and spice. Three of these – acidity, bitterness, and sweetness – also play a vital role in winemaking. Some flavours amplify each other to create a perfect match, while others can clash, so thoughtful pairing elevates the dining experience. Lighter proteins such as chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetable-based dishes tend to shine with white wines or elegant reds like Pinot Noir. Meanwhile, hearty red meats and slow-cooked dishes find their ideal partners in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2020 Levantine Hill Katherine’s Paddock Chardonnay
Awarded 97 points by Halliday Wine Companion, this Chardonnay is a refined expression reminiscent of Burgundy’s Grand Cru vineyards. Aromas of white peach, flint, and toasted brioche lead to a mineral-driven palate with exceptional length and poise. Perfect pairings include butter-poached crayfish, roasted chicken with tarragon, or soft-rind cheeses.
2020 Levantine Hill Colleen’s Paddock Pinot Noir
With 96 points from The Real Review, this Pinot Noir captures the elegance and delicacy of classic Burgundy. Perfumed with red cherry, rose petal, and forest undergrowth, it glides across the palate with silky tannins and precise acidity. It pairs seamlessly with duck à l’orange, wild mushroom tart, or grilled quail.
2018 Levantine Hill Melissa’s Paddock Syrah
Awarded 97 points by critic Stuart Knox, this Syrah pays homage to the noble wines of the Rhône Valley. Plum, allspice, and white pepper aromas open into a graceful, lingering palate. Pair with charred lamb cutlets, roasted beetroot, or spiced eggplant – or try an adventurous match with dark chocolate mud cake.
2018 Levantine Hill Samantha’s Paddock Mélange Traditionnel
Celebrated as “sitting in with the great Cabernets of the world,” this Bordeaux-inspired blend showcases cassis, vanilla bean, and graphite over a finely structured, age-worthy frame. It’s a perfect match for dry-aged beef, truffle polenta, or rich chocolate fondant.
Discover the Source
To truly experience the essence of the Family Paddock range, visit Levantine Hill Estate in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Here, architecture, viticulture, and gastronomy unite in harmony. Private tastings and curated wine experiences await, set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards.
Explore the Family Paddock Collection
