Wild Dog wins award of excellence

Warragul Dog Winery, Warragul has been named best restaurant in a winery across Australia.

The winery was one of six nominated for the 2015 National Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

“We are truly honoured to have won this category as we were up against some truly professional and outstanding competitors,” said head chef Ed McDowell. “We pride ourselves in providing a fantastic dining experience for our customers.”

More than 220 restaurants, cafés and catering businesses were judged across 41 categories in the awards for Restaurant and Catering Australia members. Winners were announced at a gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The awards recognise hospitality operators who provide exceptional service, demonstrate culinary excellence and great value for money. The criteria is determined by consumers who rank what is important to them in the dining experience.

The national awards also mark the launch of a national social media photo competition aimed at capturing the nation’s favourite restaurant dishes. This year’s theme is Savour Sunday – capturing great meals enjoyed on weekends.

Wild Dog Winery owner Gary Surman and Mr McDowell said it was great to see a competition promoting the dining experience through photos taken and shared by customers in the leadup to summer.

“Social media is now a main source of marketing for the industry with chefs increasingly attuned to the aesthetics of their food - some designing dishes with the visual appeal to go viral,” said Mr Surman.