General News
22 July, 2025
Perfect pairing
Grampians Estate is set to expand its offering this August with the refresh of the winery café, Gaudenzi at Grampians Estate, helmed by renowned cook Trevor Godenzi.
From August 8, Trevor will take over the kitchen, bringing with him decades of culinary experience and a passion for rich, locally sourced flavours. The opening has already sparked excitement, with eager diners booking in advance to experience what promises to be one of the Grampians’ top food destinations.
Grampians Estate owner Tom Guthrie said the addition is a major milestone for the winery.
“That’s really exciting for us and for the region, to have someone of Trevor’s experience and know-how and following come and headline our kitchen. It’s just so exciting. For the short term, he is going to be open for business Friday, Saturday and Sundays, and then as we progress into the year, we’ll gradually extend those times,” he said.
Tom said the timing aligns with a broader regional movement towards elevating the food scene alongside the region’s celebrated wine industry. “If you look at the last three or four months, we've had announcements about the Maroona Pub, Dean Sibthorp taking over Pomonal Estate (food service), and you’ve got Mount William Station, which provides really five-star meals. In Ararat, you’ve got The Mess and Barracks and the new wine bar (Oak and Hound),” he said.
Tom believes Trevor’s arrival puts Grampians Estate at the right in the middle of this momentum. “We had this dream when we built this, to provide quality food in a special part of Western Victoria. The whole wine scene from the cellar door seems to have changed over the last decade to be more food-oriented and tourism. Wine tourism, it's a big investment to launch into this area, but to get an experienced cook and a good menu complements all the other work we’ve done in the physical structure.”
Trevor is no stranger to the region, with a history that includes the Landsborough Larder and a successful run at the Penny Wine Bar in Penshurst, where he used Grampians Estate wines over the course of several years. His resume also includes kitchens in Daylesford B&Bs, the Guildford General Store, and the Stables Wine Bar.
After seeing Grampians Estate advertising for a chef, Trevor decided it was time to get back to what he loves. “I thought I needed to get back in the kitchen,” he said.
After seeing the adverts for a cook and leaving it for several days, Trevor finally reached out and reconnected with Grampians Estate.
He said winery lunches hold a special place in his heart.
“To sit here and look at the views and have some nice food, wine, and ambience, people love that.”
Trevor’s menu will feature rich, flavourful dishes, many of which incorporate local and seasonal ingredients. “The more local and closer to here, the better,” he said. With the aim of getting each menu item paired with a local wine.
He also plans to include some unique offerings. “Things that maybe people haven’t tried, like the marrow bones, it’s superb. You dish that marrow out onto toast, and a bit of salt and a glass of bubbles, and you’re in heaven,” he said.
Bookings are preferred as excitement continues to build for the launch of Grampians Estate’s newest offering, a destination that promises to combine local wine with exceptional cuisine.