Stag Wines - The Most Elusive Wine Bar

Imagine stepping off a helicopter, camera in hand, into a landscape so breathtaking it feels like something out of a dream. Snow-capped peaks surround you, the alpine air is crisp and pure, and the city you left behind feels like a distant memory. You’re here, in the Victorian high country, to experience something few ever will: the most elusive wine bar in the world, created by St Huberts The Stag.

The journey itself was unforgettable.

A flight from Sydney to Albury-Wodonga set the stage, but things truly elevated — literally — with a helicopter ride over rugged peaks and valleys. Just when it felt like the adventure couldn’t get better, luxury BMWs carried guests through the serene beauty of Falls Creek to a hidden destination.

By the time you arrived, it was clear: this wasn’t just another event. This was something special.

Set against a backdrop of pristine wilderness, the wine bar was a seamless blend of exclusivity and connection. Every detail felt intentional, from the way the natural landscape framed the space to the warm, welcoming atmosphere created within it. St Huberts The Stag had created a place that invited you to slow down, savor, and truly escape.

And then there was the food.

Matt Wilkinson, a chef whose name you might recognise from Melbourne’s iconic Pope Joan, was the creative genius behind the menu. He worked with locally sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that felt both innovative and deeply rooted in the land. Each plate told a story, every bite a perfect pairing with St Huberts The Stag’s cool-climate wines. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the 2018 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, a wine that marked a decade of exceptional winemaking and reminded everyone at the table why this brand has been a pioneer since 1862.

As a events photographer, events like this are a gift. The snow-dusted peaks, the glow of candlelight against rustic wood tables, the laughter of guests mingling over exquisite wines — all of it came together in a way that was almost too easy to capture. Each moment was a story in itself, whether it was a close-up of a beautifully plated dish or the way a guest’s face lit up after their first sip of the Pinot Noir. My role wasn’t just to document but to bottle the spirit of the evening into images, a task that felt as rewarding as it was inspiring.

St Huberts The Stag isn’t just about wine. It’s about legacy and experience. With roots stretching back to 1862 in the Yarra Valley, their name carries weight, but they wear it lightly, balancing tradition with a bold sense of adventure. The Stag range, in particular, embodies this balance — a nod to the noble, wild creature that inspires their story and a symbol of the connection between heritage and the untamed beauty of nature.

Looking back, it’s hard to put into words how it felt to be part of something so unique. Clive Coleman, Regional Brand Director of St Huberts The Stag, said it best: “This elusive experience is all about bringing people together for a food and wine adventure. An opportunity to escape the norm and showcase our range of cool-climate wines.” That’s exactly what it was.

For those lucky enough to attend, it wasn’t just an event. It was a memory, a feeling, and a reminder of how the best things in life — much like the stag itself — are worth the chase.