Bottle Shock, the recently opened, innovative wine bar in the Adelaide Hills, is thrilled to announce the launch of its official food offering, curated and led by celebrated chef Jeff Trotter. Commencing the 21st August, Trotter will bring his “honest, approachable, and fun” culinary philosophy to Gumeracha, creating a food experience designed to perfectly complement Bottle Shock’s unique and playful approach to wine.

Jeff Trotter, a chef with over two decades of industry experience, joins the creative powerhouse at Bottle Shock, bringing his deep Adelaide Hills roots to the kitchen. His impressive career includes a five-year international journey with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across England and Ireland, and a stint in Canada during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Upon returning to Australia, he was sous chef to Dan Hunter at the acclaimed Royal Mail, Dunkeld, before running the kitchen in Dan’s absence. More recently, Adelaide locals will know him from his time at Comida and a successful four-year tenure at Lobethal Rd.

Driven by a desire to create positive and enjoyable food experiences, Trotter and his wife Nikkita Wood (herself, a hospitality veteran) founded ‘Food For Wine’.

“For me, it’s about tripping away the fuss and focusing on what matters: honest ingredients and bombastic flavours,” explains Trotter.

“I cook the kind of food I’m excited to eat, and I want to bring that passion and enjoyment to every plate at Bottle Shock.

“The partnership with Bottle Shock is a natural fit. The bar, launched by the creative team behind Unico Zelo wines, has already made waves with its mission to demystify wine through a fun, game-like tasting experience. For Trotter, the move is about finding the right creative energy.

“To find a team that is as energetic and genuinely obsessed with every facet of wine as the Bottle Shock crew is incredible,” he says.

“Their passion is infectious, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of creating food that can keep up with them. It’s the perfect environment to prove that great food and wine don’t have to be complicated—they just have to be enjoyed.”

Guests can expect a playful, ever-evolving menu designed to rotate in lockstep with Bottle Shock’s wine list and themed events. Key launch items will include Toasted Mortadella Buns and Salt & Vinegar Tater Tots, alongside an ever-present, show-stopping Quarter-Metre Gourmet Sausage Roll. This permanent fixture will feature a new themed flavour each month, launching with a Greek Lamb & Tzatziki creation.

INAUGURAL EVENT: FATHER’S DAY FEAST

To celebrate the launch, Jeff and the Bottle Shock team are hosting their first major event on Father’s Day, Sunday, 7th September. The centrepiece will be a spectacular BBQ Chicken fromNomad with all the trimmings…and wine of course.

Details: Pre-ordering is essential and can be done via the ResOS booking link. Bookings mustbe made by Friday, 5th September.

Dine-in Packages:

$80: Half chicken, serves 2-3, includes a glass of wine per adult.

$145: Full chicken, serves 4-6, includes a bottle of wine.

Take-away: Orders are available for take-away, including a bottle of red wine.

Special Offer: A special “Dad Wine Flight” will be available on the day for $25, featuring two Chardonnays, two Shiraz…and a beer.

WHERE: 24 Victoria Street, Gumeracha