It’s awfully nice to return to a favorite restaurant or cafe and be remembered by the staff.
But it’s even nicer (and more amazing) when you return to a place you’ve only been to once and are not only remembered but welcomed like old friends.
Such was the case a few days ago when Bear and I drove up to beautiful Preston Peak Winery to celebrate his birthday.
We’d only been there once before, five months ago when we visited to celebrate my birthday, yet our Turkish host, Kor Ersoy, not only remembered us, he remembered where we lived, what we did for work AND what wines we preferred.
Amazing. 🙂
Needless to say, we were soon chatting away as if we actually were old friends. Sharing stories about family and travel and our mutual issue of Australian Immigration. Much to my delight we discovered that Kor has the same immigration lawyer I do and affirmed that she is fantastic. I love when things like that happen.
Eventually we got back to more serious matters such as wine-tasting. 🙂 We sampled new vintages and although they were good, we decided to stick with our old favorites. This time around we joined the Preston Peak Wine Society. This is an excellent way to keep beloved bottles on hand and save money by purchasing numerous bottles at once.
We went for the Wild Flower Selection. This means that for $110, eight of our favorite bottles will be set aside for us every six months. They’ll even ship anywhere in Australia for only $10. Perfect.
After making our selections we strolled over to the Preston Peak Winery Cafe and chose a table right next to the windows so we could enjoy the fabulous view. We placed our orders and then I wandered out to the rose garden which is still blooming even though it’s nearly winter.
Before too long our food arrived: creamy iced coffees, thin-crust pizza with chicken, pesto, feta and tomato sauce, and a to-go platter of various cheeses, sausage, ham, olives, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, and crusty bread right out of the oven.
We lingered long, enjoying the warmth of the setting sun, the savory food, and good conversation.
Where is your favorite place to go for special occasions?
What a lovely place. Spectacular views.
It is so lovely, Barbara. 🙂 One day we shall go there together. 🙂
I think Aussie wineries just get it right. They’re casual and usually have great eateries and helpful staff. I much prefer wining there than in the US. Places in Napa can seem too big and snooty to me, for example.
You are so right, Andrea!! I feel right at home here rather than an interloper in a posh place. It makes me want to return over and over again. 🙂
I do like any good restaurant with atmosphere, good company, and fine food. but to visit somewhere new with old friends or family is great.
……………krista, are the wattle trees flowering on your farm yet. They are only just begining to blossom here. I do love their colour and sweet scent in our australian winter. ………..always reminds me of my happy childhood.
They aren’t blooming yet, Neil, but I can’t wait to see them. 🙂 Their blossoms are so delicate and amazing. I didn’t realize they had a scent!!! That makes me even happier. 🙂
There are so many wonderful restaurants here in the valley but my favourite involve a fantastic view of lakes, undulating vineyards and of course fantastic wines.
You live in such a gorgeous area, Val. 🙂 I can close my eyes and picture the mountains and the lake – so pretty. 🙂
I just went back to a restaurant I’d only been to once and I could not believe the server remembered me. Its definitely something that makes me more inclined to go back, although their amazing food is enough of a draw. The to go food you got looks delicious even wrapped in plastic. I can’t think about the pizza because then I’ll need it for dinner.
I need it for dinner too, Deanna. My inclination for cooking is absolutely kaput after a long day running errands. 🙂
I have a feeling that I went to the Aussie wine country… I’d never leave.
I hear ya, Duchess! I had no idea when I moved here that there were so many fantastic places so close. I’m ridiculously happy. 🙂
What a lovely spot to visit. The vistas are spectacular and it must have been a lovely day. Locally, there is a spot on the Oregon coast called the Devil’s Churn where we go to refresh ourselves. It is wind swept and quite lovely even when the sea is angry. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary . ..
The Devil’s Churn reminds me of a place we used to visit near Lincoln City called the Devil’s Punchbowl. 🙂 I LOVED it!! So wild and powerful. 🙂
Thank you very much for your kind review Krista. Hopefully we will see you again soon. Kor
You’re so welcome, Kor! 🙂 Thank you for making our visit so great. 🙂
Pizza, gelato, wine and beautiful scenery? What more could you need in life!?!
I know, Joanne!! It was so perfectly wonderful. 🙂
Oh wow, you had me hooked on the title alone, but this place looks gorgeous… and what views! That’s great news about the immigration lawyer…sending positive thoughts your way and looking forward to hearing all the updates 🙂 xo
Thank you so much, Tuula. That means a great deal to me. 🙂 I meet with her tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. 🙂 XO
I’m drooling. It’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to come see it someday. A favorite place to celebrate…..two many precious places here in town but at the Crysalis somehow has that magical feel to it.
I hope you get to see it one day soon! 🙂 Such a pretty spot. A lovely place to escape too when life gets stressful. 🙂
I was so excited by your visit to this winery, and only wish that you’d written more about the wines that you tried. One of my favorite places to go for special occasions in California wine country, esp in Sonoma County near Healdsburg.
Oh, I didn’t even think about writing more about the wines – I was so focused on the sunset. 🙂 My favorites are the Sparkling Shiraz and the Wildflower white and Wildflower Cab Merlot. Delish!!
Very nice place! Would be excited to hear more about the wines you have tried and the night sky in Australia! I remembered the time when I was in Perth and saw the Milky Way. It was really an unforgettable experience!
Oh yes, the stars are magnificent here, Tabby! 🙂 I live in the country so the night sky is absolutely brilliant unimpeded by city lights. 🙂 My favorite wine of all is the Sparkling Shiraz, but the Wildflower white and Wildflower Cab Merlot are close seconds. 🙂