From Aussie wineries to Tater Tots!

On my recent adventure through the Margaret River region in Western Australia, I explored breathtaking caves and rugged coastlines. I also had the pleasure of visiting some incredible wineries. Each one offered unique flavors and experiences that got me thinking (and tasting!) about how they’d pair perfectly with Bliss in a Bottle chocolates or even unexpected foods. 

Margaret River may be one of Australia’s newer wine regions, but with around 100 wineries, it’s made a serious name for itself. Beyond the exceptional wine, many of the wineries showcased gorgeous grounds, knowledgeable staff, and surprisingly art galleries at almost every stop.

We visited five wineries.

✨ Leeuwin Estate – whose wines I proudly carry! Their art series wines are highly sought after, and I’m thrilled to have the Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet available. Along with Siblings Sauv Blanc which has a delectable pairing of white chocolate, pistachio drizzle and passionfruit.

🍷 Xanadu – One of Australia’s most awarded wineries, tucked deep into its vineyards with incredible sculptures and outdoor spaces. Austin was still with us for this one, and somehow, a wine-tasting led to playlists from Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and… naturally, John Denver.

We grabbed a Rose to enjoy with the sunset at Redgate Beach

And the Wildcard… a Vietnamese restaurant inside a gas station, serving sandwiches so outrageously good they deserve their own post.

🍷 Vasse Felix – The oldest winery in Margaret River, where history meets flavor. Its name means “lucky” or “happy,” which felt pretty fitting as we enjoyed their Rose while soaking in the magnificent scenery and sculpture from the terrace. 

🍷 Cherubino – This Italian-inspired winery happened thanks to a chance pickleball game, we ended up there—and I’m so glad we did. The Laissez Faire Mencia had me mentally pairing it with our raspberry-infused dark chocolate.

Pairing Beyond the Bottle: Lessons from My Tater Tot Experiment

Once I got back home, all these experiences had me thinking—you can’t change what’s in the bottle, but you can definitely change what’s on your plate. 

Tater Tot & Wine Tasting. Yes, you read that right. I offered a variety of sauces, spices, and herbs to show just how much a good pairing can transform an experience. Turns out, garam masala mixed with French onion dip went surprisingly well with Sauvignon Blanc! And for a fun twist, I created a March “Matchness” tasting sheet so everyone could try their own wild combinations.

These adventures sparked even more ideas for new pairings I can’t wait to share with you all at Bliss in a Bottle. Whether it’s a bold Australian Cabernet with dark chocolate and cardamom or an unexpected match like tater tots and Sauvignon Blanc, the possibilities are endless—and always delicious. Stay tuned for more of these endless, tasting experiments, and maybe even a chance to join in on the fun!