postcards from denmark

 ::  Last Friday I took a half day and headed down to Denmark with friends for a long weekend getaway.

Denmark is a small town in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, about a five hour drive from Perth.  It’s a little place where wine country meets the coast – where rolling green vales and vineyard studded hills dwell next to the distinctive boulder strewn coastline and turquoise ocean.

We were most fortunate to be staying in a gorgeous holiday house in the hills overlooking the valley and coast.  Although it was fitted out with every modern convenience it still retained the ambience of a country home, with its natural wooden furnishings, cosy fireplace and sweeping natural light.  Even with seven people it was wonderfully spacious.

Our next door neighbours were very friendly – and even came when you mooed at them.

 Saturday morning we drove into town for breakfast to celebrate Siobhan’s birthday.  We had a glorious feast (all made from locally sourced produce) at Bibbulmun Café and were even serenaded by a busker on his bagpipes – which was very fitting considering the birthday girl’s Scottish heritage.

Mixed berries with greek yogurt and honey.

Divine local poached eggs hollandaise.

Look at those beautiful yellow yolks!

After breakfast, our first stop on the winery tour was Howard Park where I bought a gorgeous bottle of golden muscat.  Next up was Singlefile winery, which offered a unique sparkling shiraz, followed by Harewood Estate which has won numerous awards and accolades from the wine industry critic James Halliday.

The last stop before lunch was at The Lake House, a lovely restaurant and winery which in addition to its wines offers a large range of gourmet goodies, from pickles and marinades to jams and sweet sauces.  I added a bottle of the beetroot and shiraz relish, and fig, apple and chardonnay chutney to the day’s purchases.

Lunch was savoured at Boston Brewery, where we tasted their range of brews from a nifty tasting paddle.

The fruits of our expedition – not bad for a day’s work.

Continuing the birthday celebrations, Nicole prepared a delicious apple pie for dessert.  Although dinner was nearly derailed by a broken oven (we were having roast chickens, roast vegies and baked apple pie no less), Viv cranked up the barbeque and in a feat of inspiration we had a scrumptious meal on our hands.  Turns out apple pie cooked in the barbeque is pretty fantastic!

The beautiful, refreshing sparkling shiraz from Singlefile winery – perfect for a feast with friends.