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Restaurant

Nicol's Paddock

35 Waurn Ponds Dr, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216, Australia

Recommended by 34 people

Updated

Find Nicol's Paddock

35 Waurn Ponds Dr, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 432 085 404
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Nicol's Paddock

Estate pours and shared feasts turn this Waurn Ponds vineyard into an easy regional detour. Travelers drop in for tasting paddles of house-grown Shiraz and grazing boards overlooking the rows, while long lunch tables gravitate toward the communal feast—a generous spread of slow-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables, and warm sourdough. Ceiling dampening panels keep table conversation easy despite a buzzing room, making it as comfortable for large multi-generational gatherings as it is for intimate celebrations. Plates empty out over roasted porchetta, cauliflower with cheese sauce, and pours of cool-climate Pinot Noir.

  • Communal Feasting Menus: Shared tables fill up on multi-dish courses featuring porchetta, beef brisket, and seasonal garden sides.
  • Estate Tasting Paddles: Flights poured from house-grown vintages like Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and crisp rosé.
  • Considered Accessibility: Acoustic ceiling panels reduce dining room reverberation alongside step-free access and dedicated amenities.
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What's On at Nicol's Paddock

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Nicol's Paddock

Why groups, travelers, and dining parties choose Nicol's Paddock for shared feasts and regional wine.

  • Generous Communal Feasting for Celebrations

    Nicol's Paddock prepares an abundant communal feast featuring shared entrees, slow-cooked meats, and hearty vegetable sides so large groups can savor every dish together without individual ordering stress.

    We didn’t leave anything on our plates after ordering the feast because we couldn’t choose what to eat.

    Loretta Kerr

  • Shared Plates Designed for Connection

    Dining with friends and family is elevated by sharing dishes across the table, turning group decisions into an engaging and celebratory dining experience.

    Meals are designed to share and makes the dining experience all the more enjoyable. Discussing what to share adds a bit of fun to the night.

    Paul C

  • Scenic Vineyard Wine Tasting Paddles

    Curated tasting flights showcase estate vintages, offering visitors an ideal stopover to taste house-grown varietals while taking in panoramic vineyard vistas.

    We sat outside overlooking the vineyards and the ambience was perfect and relaxing . We enjoyed the wine tasting paddles

    Donna White

  • Effortless Regional Highway Stopover

    Positioned conveniently for travelers returning from the coast or regional touring, guests can unwind with flexible wine flights and custom cheese boards.

    we stopped by on the drive back from great ocean road to Melbourne, and oh my, this place exceeds expectations ❤️ the wine tasting is amazing.

    SY Lee

  • Acoustically Treated Dining Comfort

    Thoughtful acoustic dampening panels in the ceiling prevent intrusive dining room reverberation, ensuring comfortable conversations for everyone.

    the sound dampening panels in the ceiling, the volume of music (apropos Iron & Wine playing as we entered), weight of the cutlery, and a dozen other details.

    Andy Chu

  • Seamless Accessibility and Inclusive Dining

    The venue provides barrier-free dining with step-free entry, accessible restroom facilities, and considerate staff trained to navigate complex dietary and mobility requirements.

    It's also completely wheelchair accessible with an accessible loo!

    Laura Hook

Signature shared courses and feasting centerpieces from the paddock kitchen.

  • The Feast

    We had the feast, which is basically a bit of everything and it was so worth it.

    Laura Hook

  • Lamb Shanks

    think the yummiest cauliflower cheese sauce and lamb shanks you have had.

    Loretta Kerr

  • Roasted Porchetta

    We had grazing boards, meatballs, burrata, roasted porcetta, chicken, and sides of vegetables like sweet potato and brussel sprouts.

    Candace Van-Krieken

  • Confit Duck

    The meal was absolutely delicious (particular the cauliflower with cheese, and the confit duck!), and the wine was excellent.

    April Brown

Other favorites

Complementary wine flights, grazing platters, and desserts to round out your visit.

  • Wine Tasting Paddles

    Definitely recommend doing the tasting paddle of wines too.

    Fiona M

  • Vignerons Board

    Enjoyed relaxed afternoon nibbling from the Vignerons Board which has a nice variety of meats, cheeses and dips which complimented the Nicol's Paddock Pinot Noir beautifully.

    alida

  • Beef Croquettes

    we ended up having a sneaky playe of beef croquettes which was absolutely delightful and must order

    Jessica Lea

  • Chocolate Tortes

    For dessert we enjoyed chocolate tortes, cannolis and affogatos.

    Candace Van-Krieken

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details and tailored hospitality that elevate group feasting and vineyard dining.

  • Acoustic Ceiling Panels and Sensorial Details

    Sound-dampening acoustic ceiling panels, curated background music, and heavy-gauge cutlery foster effortless conversation without harsh dining room reverberation.

  • Proactive Allergy and Dietary Care

    Front-of-house staff actively inquire about allergies upon ordering and tailor complex restrictions like coeliac needs seamlessly throughout shared banquet courses.

  • Tasting Paddles Overlooking the Vines

    Guests can sample estate vintages through dedicated tasting paddles served on the outdoor patio or veranda overlooking the vines.

  • Owner Check-Ins and Celebratory Hospitality

    Winery owners personally check in on celebratory groups feasting under the veranda, supported by attentive team service for milestone events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the feast and shared dining format work?

The feast menu is served as a multi-course shared experience designed around grazing boards, shared entrees, mains, and seasonal vegetable sides, with dessert options available. Ordering dishes across the table is popular for both small and large dining groups.

Can you do wine tastings or sample paddles on-site?

Yes, tasting paddles and wine flights are offered to sample house-grown wines from the vineyard, often paired with grazing platters and cheese boards overlooking the vines.

Can dietary requirements and allergies be accommodated?

Guests report the kitchen actively checks for allergies and accommodates coeliac requirements, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available across the sharing menu.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs and pets?

The venue features step-free wheelchair accessibility, an accessible restroom, and thoughtful acoustic dampening panels in the ceiling to keep dining noise comfortable. Dogs are also welcomed in outdoor spaces.

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