At Hartenberg Estate, we’ve always believed that great wine begins in the soil – not just as a poetic idea, but as a guiding principle in how we work. Over the years, that belief has grown into something broader: a way of farming, a way of thinking, and ultimately, a way of living that ties everything back to the land.
And now, it’s something you can taste – not just in our wines, but in our food too. Our weekend Paired Lunches celebrate everything we stand for: sustainability, simplicity, and good, honest flavour. At the centre of the menu is something we’re particularly proud to serve: grass-fed Dexter beef, raised as nature intended, right here on the farm.
It’s not just delicious. It’s meaningful. And it’s part of something much bigger than what’s on the plate.
A breed with heritage – and heart
Dexter beef is not widely known outside of niche farming and foodie circles, but once you’ve tasted it, you remember it. These cattle are a small heritage breed originally from Ireland, historically used by smallholders because they were hardy, easy to manage, and produced high-quality meat on pasture alone.
They still do. But what makes Dexter beef special isn’t just tradition, it’s the way the meat develops. These animals grow slowly, without the pressure of feedlot weight targets. They graze freely, live stress-free lives, and develop a depth of flavour that’s hard to replicate. The meat is finely textured, naturally marbled, and incredibly tender. And when it’s cooked simply - just a good cut, heat, salt, and time - the result is a rich, savoury taste that lingers.
It’s the kind of steak that reminds you what beef should taste like. No shortcuts. No flavour enhancers. Just time, care, and good grass.
The healthier choice – naturally
Beyond flavour, grass-fed beef comes with real nutritional advantages. Studies show it’s leaner, yet higher in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and E. It also has a healthier ratio of fats, thanks to the animals’ natural diet of grass and legumes.
That matters more than ever today. People want to know where their food comes from. They want to eat better, feel better, and support systems that care for the environment. When you sit down to a plate of our Dexter beef, you’re choosing food that’s cleaner, more natural, and better for you - with no added hormones or unnecessary antibiotics.
It’s good food that’s good for you, as simple as that.
Regeneration in every bite
The Dexter beef we serve isn’t just ethically raised; it’s part of our larger commitment to regenerative farming. At Hartenberg, we see the land not as something to be extracted from, but as something to be healed, protected, and worked with. It’s the philosophy that guides our work in the vineyards, and it extends to the way we manage our broader farm ecosystem.
The Dexter herd plays a surprisingly important role in that system. Through holistic grazing, they help us build healthier soils by cycling nutrients, aerating the ground, and stimulating microbial life. Their presence supports biodiversity, enhances carbon capture, and helps restore vitality to the land that in turn feed both vines and wildlife.
It’s a closed-loop, naturally regenerative approach. One that sees animals not as commodities, but as partners in restoring balance to the land.
The paired lunch experience
All of this – the care, the connection, the slow food philosophy – comes together every Saturday and Sunday in our Paired Lunches. Set against the backdrop of our historic estate, these lunches are about taking the time to enjoy what’s real: honest food, thoughtfully paired wine, and the simple pleasure of slowing down.
The menu is seasonal and considered. Right now, the highlight is our Dexter sirloin steak, served alongside farm-inspired accompaniments and paired with a standout red from our cellar.
There’s no rush, no pretence – just good food, good wine, and time well spent.
More than a meal
We often say, “The secret is in our soil.” And when you visit Hartenberg, you’ll see how that belief runs through everything: from how we grow our grapes, to how we raise our animals, and what we serve on your plate.
Our Paired Lunches aren’t just another wine-and-dine experience. They’re a window into our world. One where sustainability is more than a buzzword, and where flavour is a byproduct of integrity. When you taste that sirloin, you’re tasting months of work, care, and intention. You’re tasting a story that begins in the soil and ends with a very good glass of wine and steak.
We’d love to share it with you.
Click HERE to book your paired lunch.