The Long Table On Tour, founded by Holli Massey and Sophia Davey, is all about bringing high-end cuisine, quality drinks and connecting people in a rural setting. This inaugural event is being hosted at Wilimee Wines in the Macedon Ranges on November 23rd – where you’ll be treated to a delicious feast curated by hatted chef Rob Kabboord with wine pairings by Wilimee Wines – plus performances, live music and wine tours. What’s more it’s a chance to chill before the silly season kicks off.
The Write Drop spoke to Sophia Davey for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Melbourne has this magnetic pull on me – I’ve lived all over the world, Far North Queensland, in a remote indigenous community, to New York City, LA, London, and New Zealand, but this city keeps drawing me back time and time again. Over 18 years, it’s become my true home.
There’s something special about Melbourne. It has this beautiful European charm but with its own character. We have an incredible food and wine culture here, a rich and raw cultural arts scene, a global fashion game, world-class sports, and easy access to the beach, forest or country.
What I love most is how you can be sipping coffee in a laneway café in the morning and hiking through the countryside or surfing by afternoon. It’s sophisticated without being pretentious, cultured without being overwhelming. Simply put – it’s home.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
That is a really hard question! If I had to choose though I would say an authentic Peruvian ceviche would be top of my list. The best being ‘Pio Pio 8’ in New York City, the portions are huge and the flavours incredible! I really love finding great authentic dishes on my travels.
FAVOURITE BAR
I would say I am a huge fan of, Beneath Driver Lane. I love the cosy underground prohibition feeling. They often have fantastic live music along with a great selection of Whiskey! Definitely ordering an ‘Old Fashioned’ made with Rye (!!) and some nibbles to go with… Baked Camembert – Truffle Honey & Herbs. Heaven.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
I’m definitely The Golden Hour – warm, bright, and made for bringing people together. Like this cocktail’s blend of honey, citrus, and aromatic botanicals, I love creating experiences that feel both sophisticated and soul-warming. There’s an authenticity to it – each ingredient shines while creating something greater together. Plus, it’s named after that magical moment when the day turns to dusk – exactly when some of the best conversations and connections happen
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Horizontal Hugs, plenty of Hydralight and a packet of salty crisps! I always go for Doritos.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Pancho Villa, Hobart. This place has a real spunk about it. A dramatic and inventive Mexican kitchen and tequila bar – amazing cocktails, some of the best I have ever had, and the food is very good! It’s a great night out and there is a secret door through a bookcase that leads to another little back bar where they have live music and a great time!
FAVOURITE WINE
Red: I really like the Syrahmi ‘Egg’ Mourvedre 2019 from Heathcote. I am enchanted by the process of this wine and it was featured in our wine pairing for, ‘Gluttony’, The Play, written by Nick Parr.
White: I love the Wilimee Wines, Chardonnay paired with oysters and friends.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Zonzo Estate. They have an amazing ‘Festa’ Sharing menu that I think is very well done. Their wines are easy drinking and the vistas simply stunning, almost a little slice of Tuscany in the Yarra Valley.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’m very keen to visit Japan and walk the Kumano Kodo. I haven’t explored Japan yet and I would really like to experience it by way of an adventure. Something I hope to do in 2025.
Key highlights of the inaugural event include:
– A thoughtfully crafted menu curated by Rob Kabboord, alongside renowned chefs Yonatan Rotner – a Michelin-trained chef from the Basque Country now based in Melbourne – and Hind Boughedaoui – a vegetarian and plant-based chef with a background in nutrition.
– Locally-sourced, organic produce.
– Wine pairings featuring Wilimee’s high-altitude Chardonnay and unique underwater-aged Pinot Noir.
– Guided vineyard tours with winemaker Ben Ranken.
– Live music by Dan Cully, inspired by the natural world – Irish folk music by the beautiful Jessie Monk.
– Wellness experiences including a sound healing dome – Poetry and spoken word performances.
https://www.thelongtableontour.com
