A perfect pairing
Riviera yacht owners gathered for the exclusive Dare to Pair masterclass during the Festival of Boating, enjoying an afternoon of exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication.
Riviera yacht owners gathered for a memorable culinary experience during the Riviera Festival of Boating, where exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine and world-class hospitality combined to showcase the luxury lifestyle synonymous with Riviera.
Exceptional wines, inspired cuisine and unforgettable company - a perfect pairing
For many owners, the Riviera Festival of Boating is about more than life on the water. It is an opportunity to reconnect with fellow owners, share experiences and enjoy the exceptional lifestyle that accompanies ownership of a luxury yacht.
Among the most coveted events at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was Dare to Pair, Riviera’s exclusive food and wine masterclass. Following its success in 2025, the event was quickly booked out, cementing its place as one of the Festival’s popular experiences.
Held within the dedicated Riviera Boating Academy on the shore opposite the huge showcase, the intimate gathering welcomed forty-eight guests seated at elegantly dressed white-tablecloth settings. Hosted by Riviera Brand & Communications Director Stephen Milne, the event featured celebrated chef Sally Jenyns and highly respected Queensland winemaker Mike Hayes, who joined guests via live video stream from the Balancing Heart Vineyard in the Granite Belt.
The Balancing Heart Vineyard in Queensland’s Granite Belt is renowned for its sophisticated wines, sustainable farming practices and breathtaking vineyard setting, where every bottle reflects a deep connection to the land.
Riviera brings food and wine together
Created exclusively for Riviera yacht owners, Dare to Pair combines gourmet cuisine, boutique wines and engaging storytelling in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication.
Sally Jenyns was the perfect host, known to many Australians through Channel 7 lifestyle programs including Creek to Coast. Her blend of cuisine and yachting began with family fishing and sailing trips in Moreton Bay, followed by a career as chef on board luxury charter yachts taking her around the world. Experiences throughout the Mediterranean, Bahamas, Brazil, Mexico, Tahiti and the United States have shaped a style that fuses global inspiration with a deep appreciation for fresh seafood and boating culture.
Celebrated Chef Sally Jenyns shared her passion for creating memorable food while wine professional Mike Hayes inspired guests with his outstanding knowledge of vineyards and artisan wine-making.
“I love the challenge of creating the right food to match the wine selected and then seeing and hearing people’s reactions…”
Sally Jenyns
“I love this annual event with Riviera here at the boat show. It was a huge hit last year too. I’m thrilled that everyone is so enthusiastic and I love the challenge of creating the right food to match the wine selected and then seeing and hearing people’s reactions – it’s great to watch the audience enjoy the experience,” said Sally.
The first course was potted smoked salmon prepared with butter, lemon and golden shallots before being chilled and served with crackers. The dish was paired with Balancing Heart’s Subterranean & Postmodernism Blanc de Blanc 2024.
“You need a rich wine with salmon to cut through and yet remain smooth on the palate,” said Mike.
With aromas of Granny Smith apple, Nashi fruit and jasmine, the wine delivered freshness and balance while complementing the richness of the salmon.
Potted smoked salmon prepared with butter, lemon and golden shallots was perfectly paired with Balancing Heart’s Subterranean & Postmodernism Blanc de Blanc 2024.
The second course celebrated fresh Australian oysters. Served on the half shell with cucumber and wasabi, and soy and wakame flavour pearls, the dish combined visual elegance with bursts of unexpected flavour.
“I’m actually an oyster naturalist, but the pearls look beautiful and add an element of surprise when they burst in your mouth,” said Sally. “The Pacific Oyster from Tasmania has become the oyster of choice, while the oysters from Sydney are much creamier.”
The accompanying Phototropism & Ephemeral Pecorino 2024 offered tropical fruit and citrus notes inspired by Italy’s Marche region.
Mike recommended the Balancing Heart’s exquisite Phototropism & Ephemeral Pecorino 2024 to accompany Sally’s elegant Australian Oyster dishes.
The luxury yacht lifestyle meets culinary excellence
Beyond the menu itself, guests enjoyed a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship behind each wine.
Hayes is one of Queensland’s most decorated wine professionals, with more than 40 years immersed in the Australian wine industry. A Churchill Fellow, Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Queensland and holder of a Master’s Degree in Viticulture, he combines scientific expertise with practical knowledge earned across some of Australasia’s most respected wine regions.
“Balancing Heart is 960m above sea level and we are influenced by the European style – the magic happens in the soil…”
Mike Hayes
Organic farming practices and the pristine Granite Belt environment set 960 metres above sea level define the Balancing Heart Vineyard, home to the boutique wines enjoyed by Riviera owners during the Dare to Pair masterclass.
“Balancing Heart is 960 m above sea level and we are influenced by the European style – the magic happens in the soil, 100% organic manures create healthy soil that produces healthy wines,” said Mike. “I’m a farmer, first and foremost, and it’s really important to me not to use harsh chemicals, and to open out the fruit to allow air and sun to create a better grape”.
The third course proved a highlight for many guests. Red wine braised beef cheeks, marinated and slow-cooked with onion, celery and carrots before being finished with a rich jus, were paired with Alchemy & Artisan Rock Shiraz 2023.
“Did you know that 95% of wine is consumed within one week of purchasing,” laughed Mike. “Wine should underpin the food, not the other way around, you should always taste the wine after the food.”
Caption 7 Red wine braised beef cheeks, slow-cooked to perfection, paired with Balancing Heart’s Alchemy & Artisan Rock Shiraz 2023, proved a standout course.
“Every year we come to the boat show, in particular for the Riviera showcase, and we always attend the VIP dinner and Dare to Pair.”
Mary and Tom
Owners savoured every course of the masterclass, sharing stories, laughter and a mutual appreciation for fine cuisine, boutique wines and the Riviera lifestyle.
“Every year we come to the boat show, in particular for the Riviera showcase, and we always attend the VIP dinner and Dare to Pair. The soy pearls and oysters were fantastic, and we also enjoyed the complexity of the beef cheeks,” they enthused.
The final course delivered a vibrant finish. Jenyns served a passionfruit mousse made with condensed milk, thick cream, passionfruit and mango, presented with crushed shortbread and freeze-dried raspberries. Paired with the Aphrodisia & Romanticism Liqueur Muscat 2025, the dessert offered aromas of wild musk and rose petals alongside flavours of Turkish Delight and dragon fruit
The sweet finale paired vibrant passionfruit mousse with Balancing Heart’s Aphrodisia & Romanticism Liqueur Muscat 2025, highlighting the art of dessert and wine matching.
“We came last year, it’s great, I think it could even be a longer session.”
Audrey
Guest Audrey, owner from Melbourne, perfectly captured the mood of the culinary masterclass.
“We came last year, it’s great, I think it could even be a longer session. The passionfruit mousse was amazing, but I also loved the beef cheeks. It’s been fantastic,” she said.
As a much-anticipated event within the Riviera Festival of Boating, Dare to Pair once again demonstrated why Riviera continues to create experiences that extend beyond ownership of a luxury motor yacht. Bringing together exceptional food, boutique wines and like-minded yacht owners, it offered a memorable celebration of the luxury lifestyle that defines the Riviera family.
Find out more about Balancing Heart Vineyard.
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