Marnong Estate’s Executive Greg Feck runs La Vètta restaurant – located in the heart of this Mickleham winery. He brings a two-decade long culinary career to the kitchen; having worked all around the world including stints at Hero with Karen Martini and Vaporetto in Hawthorn.
The winery is a 35-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD and where Feck runs the luxury restaurant on the 1200-acre property. The estate also comes with 40 luxury cabins and a cellar door.
Greg Feck talks to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I live in a log cabin in Upwey; in the cutest little town situated in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria. The slower pace of life nestled amongst farmland and forests is somewhat refreshing and very invigorating. I also love how each suburb in Melbourne has its own identity and energy. From Fitzroy to Brunswick, Richmond to Canterbury, our CBD to Footscray, it’s so diverse, colourful, and exciting. As a chef—our options are endless with great dining venues. We are all so spoiled for choice.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
A difficult question. I’ve been very lucky to have travelled a lot, so to pick just one is a toughie. From Eleven Madison Park, The Fat Duck, Mugaritz, the list goes on…but the one that does stand out for me was dining at the River Café in London, sitting outside on a glorious sunny day having a bowl of Tagliolini with butter and Parmesan, with the late great Rose Gray shaving copious amounts of white truffle from Alba on top. I can still taste it to this day.
FAVOURITE BAR
This all depends on my mood; this can range from a Gin Martini (dirtier the better) made exceptionally well at Andrew McConnell’s Apollo Inn on Flinders Lane, or a good whiskey Old Fashioned on a great cube of ice at Heartbreaker on Russell St.
A DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
I fell in love with the city of Venice a very long time ago, so I’m calling it – The Spritz. Made with Campari, Prosecco (preferably from Valdobbiadene), a touch of soda, and a slice of blood orange. On a bad day, a little bit bitter and cold, but most of the time, as anyone will know, bubbly, sweet, and ever so refreshing.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
The ultimate was when I was living in Bali—a dip in the ocean, followed by a spicy Bloody Mary at Revolver in Seminyak.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
When visiting Sydney, for me it’s Palmer & Co. An underground prohibition-style bar that transports you back in time and never disappoints. They do this smoky cocktail with PX, whiskey, vermouth, and bitters—so on point.
FAVOURITE WINE
It’s all about the people and place. You could be drinking a $10 clear skin and think it’s the best in the world. To this day, I’m partial to Savaterre Chardonnay from Beechworth. An absolute winner.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Okay, I may be a touch biased here, but there is no place like it that I have ever experienced. Marnong Estate in the North is breathtaking, and not to mention the exquisite food, wine, views, and hospitality—second to none.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’m hitting the French Laundry in the Napa Valley for my birthday next February. Followed by snowboarding in Whistler, Vancouver. Two of my things to do.