Raise a Glass at Sunshine Beach Surf Club
There’s nothing better than kicking back at your local surf club and enjoying a relaxing drink whilst studying the waves. Tony Cox discovers the perfect drops to accompany the view.
What better place to enjoy a quality beverage than the stunning Sunshine Beach Surf Club? The views are stunning, the service friendly and, as an active patrol member for Surf Lifesaving, I can vouch for the fact that the beverages consumed in Sunshine Beach Surf Club helps ensure the patrols are well equipped.
So, let’s raise a glass to some of the top tipples on offer to see if we can whet your appetite to do your bit to contribute… Let’s start with vino.
The composition of the wine list is well thought out with a great range of quality wines for very fair prices. Consisting mostly of some of Australia’s best vineyards with a smattering of French and Italian and of course, the cool climes of New Zealand for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot of both shades.
The chardonnay selection includes the full spectrum from the rich and rounded Fat Bastard Chardonnay from California (under $10) to Yarra Valley’s Rob Dolan Chardonnay which is vegan friendly and low in sugar (just over $10); or the fresh, citrus-driven 10 Minutes by Tractor 10X Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula starting at $13 a glass or $60 for a bottle. I certainly know what wine my wife will be consuming next time we frequent the Surf Club.
Continuing in the same vein is a strong representation of sparkling wine from prosecco through to champagne. Particularly appealing if you’re on a budget is the fact there are several wines available under $10 per glass, a huge selection under $50 per bottle, with budgets for those wishing to spend less than $40 per bottle, particularly in the prosecco department.
The top end of town is also looked after with vintage champagnes from Laurent-Perrier and representations from the houses of Tattinger, Moët & Chandon, Duval-Leroy and more.
Similarly, the pinot gris/grigio selection covers key areas such as Adelaide Hills, the Veneto region of Italy, Victoria’s King Valley and Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.
These range in style from the fresh and light-bodied Italian wines from the Veneto region – Monte Zovo Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie and a Talis Pinot Grigio – I’ll also include the Villa Fresco from Victoria’s King Valley at that fresher end of the spectrum given that King Valley grew from Italian migrant families turning to grapes after being involved in tobacco cultivation. Riper, fuller styles are epitomised by the Stefano Lubiana Pinot Gris from Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.
Sauvignon Blanc is well represented with the mandatory options from Marlborough region of New Zealand as well as some nice drops from Lambrook Seed in the Adelaide Hills and a Hunter Valley Tulloch Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.
As expected, there are several Provence rosés on offer with Lambrook Seed Pinot Noir Rosé from Adelaide Hills offering a slightly more red fruited alternative and Yarra Valley’s Medhurst Rosé, being a blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, offering a little more tannin and structure, delivering more than just bright acidity on the back palate.
In the Reds pinot noir from Yarra Valley, Central Otago, Tasmania’s Coal River Valley and Mornington Peninsula are all available, with Rob Dolan’s True Colours Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley shining through. Peninsula Panorama Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula and Rabbit Ranch from Central Otago New Zealand all priced below $60 per bottle, which is great value for good pinot noir. The Riversdale Scorpio Pinot Noir, from the latest vinous hotspot, Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, is also under $60.
One only needs to look at the number of significant mainland players sourcing from this area to see the shift taking place – Tolpuddle was established as a standalone brand by the Shaw & Smith Team from Adelaide Hills and Yabby Lake on the Mornington Peninsula is also producing wines from a Coal River site.
If you prefer a bigger red Mollydooker’s The Boxer shiraz from McLaren Vale brings a soft mouthfeel with well measured tannins and slightly toasted oak – great with a steak on
a Sunday afternoon.
Continuing the King Valley theme, the Dal Zotto Sangiovese offers a juicy, medium bodied alternative, great for kicking back and sharing a pizza or two with friends. There’s a smattering of other reds with the classic Hollick Coonawarra Cabernet available and the slightly bigger-styled, Smokin’ Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa Valley also on offer.
The fair pricing strategy also extends to the extensive range of quality spirits with gin, whiskey in all its guises, rum, tequila and vodka all supported by quality Strange Love mixers.
The cocktail section has all your favourite spritzers as well as classics such as margaritas, cosmopolitan and mojitos as well as twists on those cocktails utilising fruit and juices to keep it interesting, the passionfruit mojito has certainly aroused the interest of your scribe. For those who like to spice things up you may find the Chilli Margarita or the Mango Habanero Tommy’s Margarita more to your liking. If wanting to spark up the ever-present Espresso Martini is also on offer.
The non-drinkers are well catered for and one of the best things is the commitment to local producers with Heads of Noosa and Boiling Pot breweries both being well represented as well as our good mates at Sunshine & Sons Premium Distillery.
All up, Sunshine Beach Surf Club has plenty of fantastic beverage options, in a spectacular setting overlooking the break, and at incredibly fair prices. Next time you’re looking to catch up with friends or just sneak out for a sly beverage or two put it front and centre f your places to go to. The lifesavers will be glad you did.
CHEERS TO THE CLUB
Book ahead to secure your favourite table and don’t forget the Courtesy Bus is available seven days.
Visit www.surfclub.sunshinebeachslsc.com.au menus, events and bookings.
