Pemberton winery and cellar door Silkwood Estates takes home Gold Plate Award for its restaurant

Pemberton winery and cellar door Silkwood Estate was named as a Gold Plate winner, taking out the award for Regional Restaurant/Cafe within a Winery. Silkwood Estate was named the winner of the Regional Restaurant/Cafe within a Winery category at the 57th Gold Plate Awards on October 30, when the winners were announced at the Crown Grand Ballroom. The winery had been named a finalist for several other categories, including Licensed Casual Dining - Regional and the Fresh Produce Award. Silkwood Estate cellar door chef George Fowler said he was grateful for the award and was proud of the staff for the work they had put into the cellar door and restaurant. “I was quite emotional to be honest, because these boys Brandon and Ed, and Mike the winemaker, everyone’s been really focused and working hard in the year,” he said. “They’ve been supporting my food and the owner gives me full freedom, which is rare and I’m really pleased for him doing that. “I’ve been working with the local suppliers really closely and they’re amazing people and the food we cook using their products helped us win this award and they’re amazing products. “We’re in a food bowl, using the best products from local suppliers and farmers.” Silkwood Estate manager Brandon Sollis said he was also proud of the Gold Plate win and happy seeing the development of the winery’s restaurant in the past year. “I felt really positive, we got on board a year ago and it started with us making a basic burger menu and casual dining, learning about wine. “George and I had a drive for constant improvement, and when we introduced the $59 set menu, that’s when everything started to kick off and get busy.” He was optimistic about Silkwood’s future and the restaurant’s potential, both in delivering unique experiences and continuing to provide a high quality menu for its customers. “The potential for Silkwood’s future is massive and I think we stay true to ourselves and we don’t want to make it a factory. “It’s going to become what it will become and we’ll keep building it.” He also commended Silkwood Estate’s winemaker Michael Ng, whose wines complemented the restaurant’s menu and had been displayed during this year’s Southern Forests and Valleys Wine Show. “Michael is such an exceptional winemaker and he’s so respected in this region and a substantial individual. “We have a great relationship with him and it’s an honour to work with him, he’s brilliant.”