By Clare Lee, Windy Station

9 May, 2025

The sun dipped behind the Liverpool Range, leaving that magical golden tint on Windy’s paddocks as our guests at The Dinner Party took their seats for an unforgettable evening.

We had gathered over 80 people to share some of the best things about rural Australia – connection and story-telling at the dinner table, accompanied by an incredible meal. This time, we’d teamed up with Ginnie from The Paddock by VC Events. Ginnie runs events all over rural, regional and remote Australia (heard of the Birdsville Races?!), we’d worked with her before on a special event in the Woolshed and she is equally as passionate about showcasing the agricultural industry and rural Australia.

After a chance meeting with Atticus Hospitality’s Director, Mike, at a café in Willow Tree – you may know their Sydney-based restaurants Casa Esquina, Esteban and the newly-launched TQM (formerly Tequila Mockingbird) – the wheels were set in motion for a Latin American feast, cooked over fire with our guests watching on. The Atticus team packed up their Asado and gathered their crew of incredible chefs (including Michelin-rated chef, José Garcia) for a road trip down the highway, accompanied by Tom Egan from Viticult, who brought along a specialist range of hand-selected Australian and South American wines to complement the menu.

Guests jumped on buses from Tamworth, Quirindi and Willow Tree and travelled out to Windy Station, where they were introduced to our agronomist Pete McKenzie. As they drove past paddocks of cotton and sorghum up to Brown’s Ridge, they were brought up to speed on the happenings of the farm and invited to ask questions. Upon arrival, a signature Tequila Mockingbird cocktail was served to guests by the team from Josephine’s Drinks, before guests were invited to walk through the “foot bath” and learn about Windy’s sorghum whilst immersed in the crop.

After the sun set, guests marvelled at the theatrics of the Asado before being seated at a long table to share the exquisite menu curated by the Atticus team, showcasing quality ingredients including Windy’s own popped sorghum. The wine was flowing, and the atmosphere was set with the kind of laughter that only comes with new friends and special experiences on a crisp Autumn eve. Wrapped in the crisp Autumn air and with music provided by Fiesta Viva, our guests danced (even sang!) and soaked up this truly unique experience.

Planning is already underway for our next event with details to be announced over the coming months. Until then, one thing is for sure - we are so grateful for nights like these and to be able to share them with our visitors in this spectacular landscape. Until next time!