Contentious Character - Wamboin

Visited as part of a truffle hunt booked through Blue Frog Truffles, but worth a visit anyway. Lovely vineyard - great pasta with black truffle generously shaved over the top at the table, and decent wild mushroom pizza - again with more truffle!

Monday of June long weekend we decided to meet up with a friend at the restaurant, we were running late (30 minutes) and in that time our friend was asked once if someone else was coming and given a bottle of water - no glasses.We arrived and no one came near us for at least 15 minutes and then we asked for glasses and the menu, we waited another 15 minutes and no one came near us. Having had a glass of the water we then left - not happy. Such a shame as we had hoped to make a group booking later in the month. They have missed out!!

We were there on Friday night at a fundraiser. Not only did the venue donate money from the sale of each bottle to the charity but there was amazing food on offer. The arancini are like nothing you have ever had before. Get thee to Contentious Character ASAP! (And great wine to boot!)

I'd not been here since the change management but had read good reviews. We were impressed. The location is an easy 30 minute drive from Canberra, and the vineyards were still in their autumn colours. The staff were friendly while we waited for our table and treated us to a vertical wine tasting at the bar overlooking the wine making vats and barrels. The samples were delightful! The restaurant was spacious, and the log fire and smell of woodsmoke and aromas coming from the kitchen gave it all a warm and inviting feel. A music duo was performing which added to the atmosphere. The hosts were gracious and the food was very very good. The service was attentive without being instructive and they were really helpful with advice on the kids meals and selections. Their were a mix of couples and families with younger kids, and it all had a very smart but easy feel to it. All the ingredients for a great meal out for special occasions or just because you can are there. A top find, and we will definitely be back.

Wow- these guys have backed themselves and the effort is paying off. Only six months in and this is working. From Tom's food to the wine from down below and to the local young staff - well done! The setting is sublime, the pizzas or the arancini or the lamb are to travel for and the service, if not completely polished is so sincere - its a lovely, authentic and friendly experience.