Golding Wines — Attraction in Lobethal

Short review: Scenery: beautiful. Service: good. Wine: decent for price. Value for money: poor. Food: bad. Would be a 2.5 stars and wouldn’t rush back.

Longer review: my partner and I went yesterday to do the picnic box and it’s fair to say it was an underwhelming experience. When we arrived we were told we could only sit on the front grass section rather than the nicer section which has beautiful views of the vines because a wedding had been there the day before and the grass was all wet (despite having no rain in the days prior and pleasant weather). This was fine and no issue.

The box itself looked ok but not quite like the one online (picture below shows website version vs what you actually get). The food in the box though was the true let down of the day. First the bread was stale… and I am not one to usually complain but I actually got up and asked for some new bread. The staff were apologetic and handled it well but when the ‘new’ bread came out it was just as bad. I honestly think it had been cut either very early in the morning and just left out all day or it was left over from the wedding the night before. Either way, definitely not fresh bread like they claim.

Butter was the next issue - if the bread had been a little stale maybe some heavy butter might have made it a little more tolerable but unfortunately there wasn’t any included in the box at all

The prosciutto in the box had been out for quite some time as well and tasted like it. It had also lost its nice colour and was that dark stale brown which it goes when it has been left out in the air too long. The other meats (some salami, and a few pieces of cacciatore) were ok but lacked flavour and were obviously not of a high quality to begin with.

The cheese was ok but just a standard Brie and again just of average quality. For the price of the box as well I would have expected a dip as well rather than just some jam and a relish. Even the crackers you could tell had been opened too early and allowed to sit out in the open air and they weren’t as the should be straight out of the packaging.

The wine was good for the price but the overall experience left much to be desired considering it was $90 for this box of food, half of which (the bread) we couldn’t even eat. We also took our own picnic rug and were thankful we did as theirs looked a bit cheap compared to other wineries and it had dirty spots on it.

While I think it is a lovely winery and it would be a nice place for a wedding or dinner, I wouldn’t come back here for...

As a wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of working in many beautiful venues, but Golding Wines holds a special place in my heart. It's not just the stunning sandstone Barn, the verdant vineyards, or the ancient gum trees that make it so; it's the personal experiences and the memories I've created here that truly set it apart.

Every time I drive up the winding path, past the majestic gums and into the heart of the vineyard, I feel a sense of anticipation. Each wedding here is a new story waiting to be told, a new canvas waiting to be painted with my lens. The landscape changes with the seasons, but its beauty remains constant, providing an ever-changing backdrop.

The Barn, with its rustic charm and versatile setting, has been the stage for many unforgettable moments. I've captured laughter echoing off its stone walls, tears of joy under its high beams, and countless first dances on its floor. It's a place that invites creativity and inspires some of my best work.

The team at Golding Wines are truly wonderful. Their dedication to creating the perfect day for each couple is truly commendable, and their warm, welcoming nature makes every visit a pleasure.

Golding Wines is more than just a venue to me. It's where I've captured the start of numerous love stories, where I've seen couples exchange vows under the summer roses and autumn leaves, where I've felt the excitement and joy of countless wedding days. It's a place that feels like home, and for that, it deserves nothing less...

Golding Wines is absolutely INCREDIBLE! We got married here in November 2021, and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect venue for our wedding. The staff at Golding are amazing. They went above and beyond for us both in the lead up and on the day. A special shout out to Amy (venue manger), who was on top of every single detail and answered my many questions, and also to Laura (wedding coordinator), who was incredible on the day. We had several guests with specific dietary requirements, and Laura called them the week leading up to ensure they were prepared with the right food for them. All of the staff were so lovely on the day and made my husband and I feel like royalty, checking in on us to make sure we had enough to eat and drink. All of our guests have since commented on how amazing the food and wine was, and how kind the staff were. On top of all of this, the grounds at Golding are beautiful. The outdoor terrace is stunning, as is the barn and indoor set up. My husband and I are lucky enough to work in the wedding industry and experience Golding Wines in all its glory most weekends. They are always incredible. We are so thankful to have had our own wedding at such an amazing venue. Thank you Amy, Laura and the whole Golding...