Join us on a unique Paddock to Plate experience

Feb 02, 2026

Share this article

Paddock to plate may be a modern buzz phrase, but its meaning is grounded in long-held traditions.

A person wearing a hat and backpack walks along a dirt path beside a vineyard. The grapevines are green and lush while the surrounding trees display autumn colors. The sky is clear, suggesting a sunny day.

It describes the complete journey of food from soil and pasture to the dining table, with every stage carefully managed to prioritise sustainability, freshness and minimal intervention.

A server presents a black plate with a dessert starring strawberries, berries, and green garnish, all topped with delightful crumbles. In the backdrop of this restaurant scene, one might imagine indulging in such treats during the 3 Day Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Walk.

On our 3-Day Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Walk, you’ll experience this philosophy in its most authentic and rewarding form. Set in the heart of the picturesque Clare Valley, the Watervale Hotel offers a paddock-to-plate experience that goes far beyond an exceptional meal. Guests are invited not only to dine, but to connect with the story, people and landscape behind the food.

A scenic view of a house with a terrace overlooks the vast, green landscape—part of the 3 Day Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Walk. Leafy branches frame the foreground against a cloudy sky, suggesting a tranquil, rural setting perfect for nature enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

The journey begins at nearby Penobscot Farm, where you’ll meet owner and licensee Warrick Duthy. As you stroll through the productive gardens and surrounding paddocks that supply the kitchen, Warrick shares insights into how the land, the changing seasons and the region’s distinctive character shape every ingredient and influence each dish.

A person holds a wooden platter with five glasses of wine and gourmet food pairings, ideal for indulging after self-guided walking tours. Each glass complements a distinct appetizer in an elegant presentation, with the board featuring engraved text that enhances its charm.

This hands-on introduction brings the paddock-to-plate concept vividly to life, deepening your appreciation for the care and thought behind the menu. The experience reaches its peak at the Penobscot Restaurant, an intimate, 10-seat, degustation-only setting centred around the chef’s table. Here, acclaimed Executive Chef Nicola Palmer presents a refined, multi-course journey celebrating the very best seasonal produce grown on the farm and sourced from trusted local producers.

A couple dines at a small outdoor table surrounded by lush greenery and climbing plants adorned with autumn leaves. After a day of self-guided walking tours, they enjoy a meal with wine glasses, partially obscured by blurred foliage in the foreground.

Each course is thoughtfully crafted, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine while reflecting the identity of the Clare Valley. Personal, immersive and deeply connected to place, this unforgettable dining experience is the perfect culmination of three indulgent days on a luxury guided walking tour that celebrates food, wine and landscape in equal measure.

2026 DEPARTURES – Super Earlybird Savings
Book for 2026 departures and Super Earlybirds SAVE $500 per person for guests who have travelled with us before and SAVE $400 per person for new guests.