Sip, Savour, and Socialise at Barrel n Vine’s Events

RACHAEL NOCERA and her husband, Joe, were searching for balance with their newest restaurant, and that’s precisely what they discovered in Hervey Bay. Barrel n Vine on the esplanade at Torquay struck the middle ground between their former restaurants at Sandstone Point near Bribie Island and Sydney. Bribie was perfect for those who appreciated a slower pace and a strong sense of community. The island’s quiet vibe was matched by its friendly residents, who greeted each other by name and valued the island’s slower, more intimate way of life, unlike Sydney. The bustling and cosmopolitan city was vibrant, with people commuting, socialising, and enjoying weekends by the harbour or in parks.

“We wanted to bring our little daughter to experience a childhood like we had, and we felt like we found that in Hervey Bay,” Rachael says. “It’s a slower pace than Sydney but faster than Bribie Island. We’ve found the right balance for us now.”

Hervey Bay has a relaxed, small-town feel, yet there is always a lively undercurrent of activity, especially during the whale-watching season or when tourists come for the pristine beaches and easy access to K’gari (Fraser Island). The air is vibrant, thanks to a growing array of dining spots such as Barrel n Vine, cultural events and shopping options. Hervey Bay’s foreshore parks and walking tracks create a social hub, bringing together locals and visitors in a shared love for the outdoors. Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast attract over 1.5 million visitors annually, including notable Australians Johnathan Thurston and Darren Senter, who have dined at Barrel n Vine.

With the restaurant’s recent introduction of wine and food pairing events every six to eight weeks, locals and visitors can enjoy the engaging social atmosphere. These events feature guided tastings and the chance to discover new wines and foods in a relaxed and convivial setting.

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The view from Barrel n Vine’s private dining room, where five wine glasses awaited each of the 52 guests for A Taste of Italy, one of the restaurant’s wine-tasting events.

Cheers to Italy: A Memorable Evening of Wine & Food Pairings

Upon arrival at Barrel n Vine for their second wine-tasting event, A Taste of Italy, it felt like stepping into a scene from a charming Italian villa. The tables were beautifully laid out for the 52 guests, each set with five wine glasses for each person, ready to be filled with delightful selections. Information sheets detailed the wines we’d be tasting, the regions they hailed from, and the brands. To top it off, the canapés selected and crafted by Joe, the head chef and co-owner, were spectacular. One standout was the Occeli Tesum AI Barolo Cheese, which had taken nine weeks to arrive—a testament to their commitment to quality. This cheese was perfectly paired with a Barolo wine from the Balbi Soprani brand, which hails from the Piedmont region.

As the event began, Rachael introduced the art of wine tasting, urging everyone to remember four simple words: see, swirl, sip, and score. She explains, “Sip first and taste the food, then sip again, and notice how much the food changes the taste of the wine.” This approach transformed the evening into an interactive experience rather than just a tasting.

Prawn & Crab Ravioli with an Italian Chardonnay.

A television screen on the wall showed the featured wine-making regions and the families that produced them, bringing an element of authenticity to the event.

“These are not mass-produced wines. They’re made by real people; it’s their life,” she shared.

The Prosecco from Veneto surprised many, becoming softer and less crisp with each bite. The ultra-light Pinot Grigio from Sicily, paired with pork belly bites, brought an almost meaty flavour to the forefront. But add a cranberry, and it transforms into something different. The prawn and crab ravioli served with Chardonnay from the Abruzzo region lifted the wine’s flavour, making for a delightful pairing.

One guest, Jan Scott, was particularly impressed by the Sangiovese from the Puglia region, describing it as “Christmas in my mouth!” Its intense berry flavours resembled a port and paired wonderfully with the Sagyu Ragu Arancini. And yes, that Occeli Tesum AI Barolo Cheese was worth the nine-week wait! It accompanied the Barolo, a lighter red than the Sangiovese, which was ideal for sharing with friends.

As A Taste of Italy drew to a close, the hosts served a sixth wine—Limoncello from the Portofino region—alongside a delicious Panna Cotta with Raspberry Compote. It was a fitting end to a memorable night of exquisite wines and delightful pairings, perfectly capturing the spirit of Italian dining and the warmth of community that Barrel n Vine embodies.

A Family Affair: Building a Community at Barrel n Vine

Rachael & Joe Nocera have renovated the private dining room.

A Taste of Italy was the second in a series of wine and food pairing events in the private room upstairs at Barrel n Vine. The recently renovated space boasts classy chairs in a deep blue-green colour—Rachael’s favourite—that perfectly complement the vintage (or should I say, chic?) décor, echoing the inviting vibe of the main restaurant area below.

Rachael said their first event was Shanks and Shiraz, featuring only Australian Shiraz, but the sky is the limit for future themes. “This time, we took a deep dive into Italian wines, but we have a lot of ideas for more events—not just with wines, but also with whiskies and gins.”

In their quest for excellence, Rachael and Joe believe they’ve struck a perfect balance with their staff, too. Joe highlights their teamwork: “We have other chefs who help us in the kitchen, but in terms of the recipes, the plates, and the ideas, that’s Rachael and me.”

Joining Rachael and Joe in the Barrel n Vine family is their nine-year-old daughter, Stella, as well as Rachael’s parents, Karl and Lorraine (affectionately known as Luvvy). “Mum likes people to call her Luvvy,” Rachael says with a smile. “They’re such a huge help; we can count on them. And they just love to be a part of it, so it’s a win-win.”

The team is rounded out by 15 dedicated staff members. “We have a balance of male and female staff who feel like family,” Rachael explains. “That’s our philosophy. Our staff are our extended family. We try to bring in a few of the young ones who haven’t worked before and teach them the ropes. It’s a nice balance of males and females, and it brings harmony.”

With such a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, it’s no wonder Barrel n Vine is becoming a go-to destination for those looking to explore exceptional wines paired with delicious food and enjoy the warmth of a close-knit community.

Wagyu Ragu Arancini with Barrel n Vine’s Tomato Napoli Sauce, paired with a Diconti Sangiovese from the Pulgia region of  Italy.

A Taste of Italy, the second wine and food pairing event at Barrel n Vine, Hervey Bay. The ladies are Paula Hewitt (right) and Jan Scott. Photos by JOCELYN WATTS

Want somewhere to stay in Hervey Bay?

If you’re travelling to Hervey Bay and looking for a place to stay, consider the Oaks Hervey Bay Resort, located just 4.2km from Barrel n Vine. This modern waterfront resort boasts spacious apartments, a heated pool, a spa, and easy access to the beach—ideal for a relaxing getaway.

For a little “dine-at-home” inspiration, visit:

Amazon Australia
– Italian wine guides
– wine decanters, aerators, glassware

Join the Conversation: Share Your Wine-Tasting Tales

We’d love to hear about your own wine-tasting experiences. Share your stories in the comments section below.
For more details on how to book a table at Barrel n Vine or to learn about upcoming wine-tasting events, check out their website at https://www.barrelnvine.com.au.
And don’t forget to like Jocelyn Magazine’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jocelynmagazine for more foodie reviews and great content about lifestyle and travel.

If you go:

Barrel n Vine
Italian | Seafood | Wine Bar
473 Charlton Esplanade
Hervey Bay, QLD,
Australia.
P: +61 (07) 4334 0892
W: barrelnvine.com.au

Directions

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT ARTICLE, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY BARREL N VINE: WHERE ITALIAN FOOD MEETS COASTAL VIBES

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About the Author

Jocelyn Watts is a writer, photographer and editor of Jocelyn Magazine. Based on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, she explores food not just as nourishment, but as memory, culture and connection.

Jocelyn paid to attend Barrel n Vine’s wine and food pairing event, A Taste of Italy. This review is entirely her own, with no sponsorship or compensation involved.