Avani Wines, a boutique, family-owned winery on the Mornington Peninsula, has officially opened its permanent food offering, the ‘Cellar Kitchen’. Following a string of successful pop-ups, Avani’s Cellar Kitchen is here to stay, with a menu of Indian-inspired share plates and a fresh take on wine pairing, available from 15th November. Open Fridays through Sundays, the Cellar Kitchen combines vibrant snacks and laid-back lunches with Avani’s selection of minimal-intervention wines.
Siblings Retu Kaskana and Rohit Singh have teamed up with Chef Deepak Mishra, who brings culinary insights from high-profile venues like The Hotel Windsor and The Oberoi Rajvilas. Together, they’ve curated a menu that showcases fresh, local ingredients, offering a playful nod to their Indian heritage. Dishes include items such as burrata chaat with crisp lotus root, Hiramasa kingfish with pickled chilli, and a signature Lucknowi lamb shoulder crafted from a family recipe.
“This is a place to relax with a glass of wine, share a few bites, or indulge in a leisurely lunch,” Retu explains. “We wanted it to feel welcoming and fun, and every dish has been crafted to let the flavours shine. Some of the recipes are close to our hearts, like our dad’s lamb shoulder from Lucknow, which we couldn’t leave off the menu.”
In addition to its food offerings, Avani has introduced new wine flights, pairing pinot noir and chardonnay to explore subtle regional distinctions between Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland. Another flight offers a vertical tasting of Avani’s Syrah, including vintages from the past decade, highlighting the evolution of both the vineyard and winemaking over time.
Rohit explains how Indian flavours are an ideal match for their wines: “Dad’s Lucknowi lamb shoulder pairs wonderfully with our Syrah. The spice and richness of the lamb highlight the pepper notes in the wine, while the dish’s flavours bring out the wine’s fruitiness.”
For Retu and Rohit, blending their Indian heritage with their passion for minimal-intervention winemaking offers a distinctive approach to food and wine. They’re one of the few Indian families in Australia involved in winemaking, making this launch a reflection of their commitment to crafting memorable experiences in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula.
Avani’s ‘Cellar Kitchen’ welcomes guests from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday to Sunday, with bookings recommended.
Avani Wines
📍 98 Stanleys Road, Red Hill South, VIC
Hours:
- Friday 11 am–5 pm
- Saturday 11 am–5 pm
- Sunday 11 am–5 pm
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday Closed
- Thursday Closed
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