Bec Hardy Wines is a distinguished winery renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to producing exquisite wines of exceptional quality. Situated in the heart of South Australia’s renowned wine region, McLaren Vale, the Hardy family legacy is carried forward by Bec Hardy, a passionate and skilled winemaker who continues to elevate the family’s esteemed reputation. With a deep respect for the land and an unwavering dedication to sustainable viticulture practices, Bec Hardy Wines produces a diverse range of varietals that beautifully express the unique terroir of the region, delighting wine enthusiasts worldwide with their elegance, complexity, and distinctive character.

The Hardy family have been growing grapes and making wine in McLaren Vale for six generations. They are so passionate about the region, they decided to launch The Kitchen at Bec Hardy to complement their wines. At the helm in the kitchen is Head Chef Connor Bishop who likes to feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients on the menu. Adelaide Food Central was fortunate enough to have a wine tasting and sample some of the delicious food on offer.

The Duck Parfait Cigars are a culinary delight that seamlessly combines the richness of duck parfait with the elegant presentation of a cigar. These delectable morsels offer a symphony of flavors and textures that captivate the palate from the very first bite. The creamy, velvety duck parfait is encased in a delicate, crisp pastry shell, creating a perfect balance of indulgence and crunch. The savory notes of the duck are complemented by subtle hints of spices and herbs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that linger on the taste buds. Each bite is a journey of decadence and refinement, making duck parfait cigars an exquisite choice for those seeking a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Creme Fraiche and Chive Tartlets with Salmon Roe are a culinary masterpiece that exemplify elegance and taste. These bite-sized delights offer a harmonious combination of creamy creme fraiche, delicate chives, and the burst of flavor from the luxurious salmon roe. The tartlet shells provide a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the smooth and tangy creme fraiche. The addition of fresh chives adds a subtle herbaceous note that perfectly complements the briny pop of the salmon roe. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, creating a delightful balance that is both luxurious and refreshing. Creme fraiche and chive tartlets with salmon roe are an exquisite choice for any occasion, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

Virgin Bloody Mary Bites are a unique and innovative culinary creation that brings the classic cocktail to a whole new level. These bite-sized delights encapsulate the bold and vibrant flavors of a Bloody Mary in a delightful jelly form. The tomato base is infused with a medley of spices, including celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of fiery horseradish, creating a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes. The texture of the jelly is smooth and luscious, melting in the mouth with each bite. The addition of crisp celery and a touch of refreshing lime zest adds a refreshing twist to the overall flavor profile. As an appetizer, the Virgin Bloody Mary Bites offer a playful and flavorful experience that is sure to impress cocktail enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

The Beetroot and Cauliflower Puree with Roasted Leek smothered in a Caramelised Vegetable Broth is an amazing dish that brings together an array of flavors and textures in perfect harmony. The vibrant beetroot and creamy cauliflower puree provide a velvety base that is both visually stunning and satisfyingly rich. The roasted leek adds a delightful smoky and slightly sweet undertone, while the caramelized vegetable broth elevates the dish with its deep, complex flavors. Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of earthy sweetness, umami richness, and a hint of caramelised goodness. The dish is not only visually appealing but also a true delight for the taste buds, showcasing the chef’s creativity and skill in balancing flavors. The beetroot and cauliflower puree with roasted leek smothered in a caramelized vegetable broth is a standout dish that will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to savor it.

The House-made Steamed Buns with Nam Prik Pao dipping sauce are a culinary delight that transports the taste buds to a world of bold and vibrant flavors. The tender and succulent pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection, is encased in fluffy and pillowy steamed buns, creating a textural delight. The nam prik pao dipping sauce adds a fiery kick with its combination of chili, garlic, and aromatic spices, perfectly complementing the richness of the pork. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that dance on the palate, leaving a tantalizing sensation. The steamed pulled pork buns with nam prik pao dipping sauce are a true testament to the chef’s expertise in creating a balance of flavors and textures, making them an absolute must-try for any food enthusiast.

The Braeburn Farm Duck with Caramelised Shallots and Lot 94 Grapes is a customer favourite that beautifully marries savory and sweet flavors. The duck breast, cooked to perfection, boasts a succulent and tender texture, while the skin is gloriously crisp and golden. The caramelized shallots add a deep, rich sweetness that complements the natural richness of the duck, and the bursts of sweetness from the caramelised grapes create a delightful contrast. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, creating a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tart notes. The dish is a true celebration of balance and elegance, showcasing the chef’s expertise in creating a memorable dining experience. The roasted and sliced duck breast with caramelised shallots and grapes is a culinary delight that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.

The Mignon of Braised Lamb Shoulder with Potato and Kale is a culinary triumph that showcases the artistry of flavors and textures. The braised lamb shoulder, cooked to perfection, boasts a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that is nothing short of heavenly. Each succulent morsel releases a symphony of rich, savory flavors that envelop the palate. Accompanied by perfectly executed potato spheres, which are delightfully firm and creamy on the inside, and tender, vibrant kale, this dish offers a delightful play of contrasts. The combination of the tender lamb, the buttery potato spheres, and the earthy bitterness of kale creates a truly harmonious culinary experience. The mignon of braised lamb shoulder with potato spheres and kale is a masterpiece that exemplifies the chef’s skill and passion for creating a memorable dining experience.

The dark chocolate mousse with mandarin sherbet and mandarin sorbet is a dessert that effortlessly combines indulgence with a refreshing citrus twist. The velvety smooth dark chocolate mousse is a decadent delight, with its rich and luscious texture that melts in the mouth. Paired with the zesty and tangy mandarin sherbet and the vibrant mandarin sorbet, this dessert offers a symphony of flavors that awaken the palate. The citrus notes beautifully complement the deep and intense flavors of the dark chocolate, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy. Each spoonful is a delightful journey of contrasting textures and flavors, leaving a lasting impression and a craving for more. The dark chocolate mousse with mandarin sherbet and mandarin sorbet is a dessert that truly showcases the chef’s artistry and ability to create a memorable culinary experience.

Adelaide Food Central would like to thank Head Chef, Connor Bishop and all the staff at Bec Hardy for their warm hospitality. We look forward to visiting regularly and can’t wait to see what they have in store for the future.

The Kitchen at Bec Hardy is open 7 days a week from 11am-3pm.

WHERE: 327 Hunt Road, McLaren Vale