Wine dinners are always a special occasion, but when one of Australia’s most iconic wineries teams up with one of Adelaide’s premier waterfront restaurants, you know you’re in for an unforgettable evening.

Sammy’s on the Marina recently hosted an exclusive Mollydooker Wine Dinner, showcasing a carefully curated five-course menu expertly paired with some of Mollydooker’s most celebrated wines. With each course designed to complement the characteristics of each wine, guests were treated to a memorable journey through bold South Australian flavours.

The evening commenced with perfectly seared scallops served on a silky parsnip purée and finished with Sammy’s signature XO sauce. The sweetness of the scallops paired beautifully with the savoury richness of the XO sauce, while the smooth parsnip purée added balance and elegance to the dish.

Accompanying the entrée was the 2025 Serenity Merlot Rosé, a fresh and vibrant wine whose bright fruit notes and crisp acidity perfectly complemented the delicate seafood without overpowering it.

The second course featured beautifully presented Wagyu beef carpaccio topped with black truffle aioli, hard cheese and pickles.

The richness of the Wagyu combined with the earthy truffle and sharpness of the cheese created a wonderful balance of flavours. Paired with the 2024 The Scooter Merlot, the wine’s soft tannins and generous fruit profile enhanced the luxurious texture of the beef while complementing the savoury elements of the dish.

Next came a comforting yet indulgent egg pasta featuring a spicy pork nduja sauce and generous pieces of Southern Rock Lobster.

The richness of the lobster balanced the warmth and spice of the nduja, creating a dish full of depth and complexity. Served alongside the 2024 The Boxer Shiraz, the wine’s bold dark fruit and spice made for a natural pairing, standing up beautifully to the intensity of the pasta while allowing the sweetness of the lobster to shine.

For the main course, guests were treated to a premium MBS 5+ striploin porterhouse accompanied by smooth celeriac cream, crispy fried leek and grain mustard.

Cooked to perfection, the steak was tender, juicy and packed with flavour. The creamy celeriac and mustard added richness while the fried leek provided texture and a subtle sweetness.

This outstanding dish was paired with two of Mollydooker’s flagship Shiraz wines.

The 2023 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz offered incredible concentration with vibrant fruit and silky tannins, while the 2023 Carnival of Love Shiraz elevated the experience even further with remarkable depth, richness and complexity. Sampling both wines alongside the steak highlighted just how different expressions of Shiraz can completely transform the dining experience.

Rather than a traditional dessert, the evening concluded with a selection of South Australian hard cheeses accompanied by spicy red onion and dark Italian chocolate.

This sophisticated final course was paired with the prestigious 2022 Velvet Glove Shiraz, one of Mollydooker’s most premium wines. Rich, powerful and beautifully structured, it delivered layers of dark fruit, spice and elegance that paired exceptionally well with both the aged cheeses and bittersweet chocolate.

The Mollydooker Wine Dinner at Sammy’s on the Marina was a wonderful showcase of South Australia’s outstanding food and wine culture. Every course was thoughtfully designed to complement the wines, allowing guests to appreciate how expertly chosen pairings can elevate both the food and the wine.

From the delicate opening scallops through to the premium steak and the unforgettable finale featuring the Velvet Glove Shiraz, every course delivered something unique. The evening highlighted not only the exceptional quality of Mollydooker’s wines but also the culinary expertise of the team at Sammy’s on the Marina.

For lovers of fine dining and premium South Australian wines, this was an evening to remember and a fantastic example of why wine dinners continue to be one of the best ways to experience the artistry of both chefs and winemakers.

If you have the opportunity to attend a future wine dinner at Sammy’s on the Marina, it’s an experience well worth adding to your calendar.

WHERE: 12 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg