Food and Wine Pairing Experience in Stanthorpe: Harmony & Contrast

 Saturday 13 June | 6:30 — 8:30pm

Food & Wine An Elegant Pairing

This immersive, educational evening is designed to explore the art of food and wine pairing, helping participants understand why certain combinations create harmony while others compete.

This is not a traditional wine tasting. It is a guided learning experience designed to build confidence in pairing wine and food in real, everyday settings.

The experience begins at 6:30pm and runs for approximately 2 hours in an intimate, small group format [suitable to 18+ only]

Includes

  • Wine education and take home fact sheet
  • A guided tasting of four Iberian wines
  • Paired tapas exploring harmony and contrast
  • Concludes with additional tapas in a relaxed, social setting

Cost

$50 per person (Top Dog wine club members) | $60 per person (non club members)

What to Expect

Across the evening, guests will explore the principles of food and wine pairing through four carefully selected Iberian varietal wines, each presented with an educational focus on its character, structure and flavour profile.

Each wine is paired with thoughtfully designed tapas style dishes, created to demonstrate two essential approaches to pairing:

Harmony — where food elevates and softens the wine, creating balance
Contrast — where difference highlights tension and complexity

The experience is designed to develop intuition—helping you understand what complements, enhances, or disrupts a wine’s expression.

Event Flow

  • Guided introduction to the four wines
  • Structured food and wine pairing experience
  • Exploration of what works—and what doesn’t—and why
  • Open discussion and shared learning throughout

What You Will Learn

By the end of the evening, you will be able to:

  • Recognise the key characteristics of wine that influence pairing choices
  • Understand the principles of balance and contrast in food pairing
  • Apply these principles confidently when entertaining at home
  • Curate your own thoughtful food and wine experiences

Beyond the Session

Following the educational experience, the evening transitions into a more relaxed and social setting.

Guests are invited to enjoy:

  • Continued tapas
  • Networking and fellowship with fellow wine enthusiasts

Wine & Event Offers

  • Wines for sale during the evening will be available to purchase at exclusive event only pricing.
  • A curated wine pack featuring the wines tasted on the night including a take home fact sheet will also be available — designed to help you recreate the experience at home.


FAQ / Event Details

When is the experience held?

Saturday, 13 June 2026, commencing at 6:30pm (runs approximately 2 hours).

How much does it cost?

$50 per person (Top Dog Wine Club)
$60 per person (non-members)

Where is the experience held?

ridgemill estate Cellar Door, 218 Donges Rd, Stanthorpe, Queensland.

Who hosts the experience?

Winemaker Peter McGlashan, alongside cellar door manager Byron Higgs with owners Martin Cooper and Michelle Feenan.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is designed to be engaging and educational for all levels.

Accessibility

ridgemill estate welcomes all guests. Please call ahead to discuss any specific accessibility requirements: (07) 4683 5211

What if my plans change — can I get a refund?

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, we’re happy to offer a full refund with at least 48 hours’ notice prior to 13 June 2026. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] (excludes accommodation).

Got a Question: We’re here to help. PH: (07) 46 835 211


Plan Your Stay in Stanthorpe

Stay Among the Vines
ridgemill estate offers luxurious vineyard cabins where you can fall asleep beneath the stars and wake to peaceful vineyard views. Enjoy a continental breakfast basket for your stay and a complimentary bottle of ridgemill estate wine.

Explore the Granite Belt
During your stay, take time to discover the Granite Belt’s food experiences, wineries and nearby national parks, turning your stargazing night into a relaxed Queensland country escape.

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