By Melissa Walsh Photos Gary Sissons
The Thye family are experts in hospitality, having owned the fabulous Windows on the Bay in Mordialloc for seven years before deciding on a tree change to take on the wine industry with their winery and restaurant, Tre And in Baxter.
Three generations are involved with the boutique vineyard and restaurant which is located just five minutes down the road from their home.
“The ironic thing is we have always lived in Baxter,” said Line Thye, who runs the restaurant and makes wine. “We never expected to end up with our new adventure right next door.”
Line and her dad had been looking for a restaurant to run and did a google search to see what was around.
“We loved the look of the Baxter Valley Estate and thought it had so much potential, then realised it was right near our homes,” said Line. “Soon we became the proud owners of the lease to a beautiful little boutique vineyard.”
The rest for Line and her family is history as they established the home of Tre And on the well-established Baxter Valley Estate.
With the family being from a Danish background and bringing a Scandinavian feel to the cellar door, they decided to call the restaurant Tre And.
“It translates directly from Danish to English; Tre is three while And is duck. The Tre represents the three dams on the property as well as the three generations in our family who are involved,” said Line, whose youngest, eight-year-old Emilie, helps out with the vines when needed. Line adds, “One of the reasons for And is our love for the family of ducks that live on the front dam and waddle out from amongst the cabernet vines when we arrive most mornings.
While dad runs the kitchen after working as a chef for years, the rest of the property is tended to by the family, who had to learn about wine making and how to manage a vineyard.
“Our family has never been scared of a challenge and we felt at home as soon as we came through the gates at the Baxter Valley Estate, so learning the ropes has been smooth sailing,” said Line. “Our wines are taking off beautifully, as is our restaurant.”
The Tre And menu is designed to give the opportunity to match wines with your lunch. You can dine inside the cellar door or take a seat outside when the weather is fine.
“Our dishes are built around seasonal produce and what we have in our own vegie patch and on our fruit trees. We also use a lot of excellent produce from the neighbouring farms with rhubarb from our neighbour, and the freshest local fish,” said Line.
Some of the delicacies on offer include butterflied quail with pepper caramel and charred greens, plus a daily selection of cured charcuterie showcasing pickles, preserves, and sourdough bread, and grilled brisket with celeriac remoulade.
“The winery was established in 1992 by Chris and Maria Tsatsaris, who still live on the property and is an excellent example of the great varieties that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer,”
said Line.
“Our wines can be purchased at the cellar door to take home with you or if you get in touch with us we can arrange free local delivery.”
Tre And is at 165 Baxter-Tooradin Road, Baxter